Let's Celebrate: The Chinese New Year

This post is also published in this week's issue of The Chestnut Hill Local, in the new column, "Take the Kids."

Celebrate the New Year Again

Chinese New Year Activities

It is not only the new year of 2009, but it will soon be a new year on the Chinese calendar, the year of the Ox. And this new year celebration is not just one night of fireworks and a champagne toast, but two weeks of fun activities throughout the city leading up to the full moon on February 9, which is why it is also referred to as the Lunar New Year. This is a new year you can celebrate with the kids; they will love the parades, firecrackers, and dancing lions and dragons. The festivities in Chinatown begin on the eve of the new moon, January 25. But, the fun starts even earlier at other locations:

Philadelphia 2009 Chinese New Year World Culture Family Day
Saturday, January 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Tickets: $8; Call 215-898-4890 for more information

This is the 28^th annual all-day celebration of the Chinese New Year at the museum. Bring the family for a day of musical and dance performances, storytelling, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and workshops on the martial and healing arts. The day ends with the popular Lion Dance parade. All activities are free with museum admission donation.

Philadelphia 2009 Chinese New Year Lion Dance and Parade in Chinatown

Sunday, January 25, 2009, 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 1, 2009, 12:00 noon
Sunday, February 8, 2009, 12:00 noon
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 12:00 noon
10th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA
Presented by Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation
Call 215-772-0739 for more information

If you are okay with having the kids up late, don't miss the lion parade that kicks off this celebration, but you can catch it again during the day if you don't want to brave the late night. Encore performances of the Lion Dance will be presented at noon on the following two weekends through Saturday, February 7, 2009. Firecrackers are also set off every Sunday around noon.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 31, 2009, 12-3 pm
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tickets: $10 adult, $7 children 3 and above
Call 215-413-8655 fore more information

Ring in the Lunar New Year with an afternoon of fun and educational activities, including a traditional tea ceremony, Asian crafts and performances, tai chi demonstrations, and the dragon dance. This event is free with museum admission.