How to Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Lower Manhattan

February 5th marks the Lunar New Year and there’s no better place outside of Chinatown to ring in the Year of the Pig than Lower Manhattan. From the China Institute to the Oculus, the first two weeks of the month are packed with celebratory events for all ages to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Through February 5th: 1 WTC Celebrates the Lunar New Year

For the next two nights, 1 World Trade Center will be lit up in celebration of the Year of the Pig. The tower’s spire will be lit in alternating red and yellow while several floors of the building will be illuminated in the same colors. Stop by tonight and tomorrow evening for this skyscraping light show.

February 5th, 9a-3p: China Institute Day Camp

School is out on Tuesday and the China Institute has you covered. They are hosting an immersive and interactive day camp for kids ages 2 through 14 from 9a-3p. The camp will feature experienced teachers and cultural experts who will teach traditional activities and customs that include calligraphy, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Half- and full-day options are available with advance registration.

February 5th, 1-2p: Play Chinese GO

The Battery Park City Authority and China Institute invite you to try your hand at GO, the board game that originated in China more than 4,000 years ago. Champion GO players will provide a talk and hands-on workshop that will teach the history of the game and how to play. The event is being held at 6 River Terrace.

February 8th, 4-8:30p: Lunar New Year Celebration at Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center is home to a host of Lunar New Year-related events this Friday. The fun begins at Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits with music and a Moutai tasting from 4-7p. & Other Stories will be hosting calligraphy lessons from 5-7p while London Jewelers will have Chinese wood block art at the same time. Stick around for the hour-long performance by the 60-member Asian Cultural Center Orchestra in the Oculus that begins at 7:30p.

February 9, 1:30p-4p: Lion Dance and Chinese Go Lessons

Don’t miss the Lion Dance, featuring dynamic lion dancers, that starts at 1:30p on the Oculus floor and makes it way to Brookfield Place to kick-off its Lunar New Year Celebration.

Back in Westfield World Trade Center, Toytoise will be hosting Chinese GO lessons from 2-4p.

February 9, 2-3:15p: Lunar New Year 2019 Celebration at Brookfield Place

Once the Lion Dance parade reaches Brookfield Place, the afternoon will be filled with traditional Chinese dance and music, martial arts and theatrical players in traditional garb. Seating for the theatrical performance is first-come, first-served and early arrival is suggested.

February 10, 11a-3p: China Institute’s New Year Family Festival

Kids and parents are invited to the China Institute on Sunday for their Chinese New Year Family Festival. Experience authentic Chinese culture with dumpling making, lantern-making and face painting. There will also be a musical performance by the Stephanie Chou Trio.

February 12, 4-7p: Chinese Business Etiquette

Stop by BOSS at Westfield World Trade Center starting at 4p and pick up some tips on the do’s and don’ts of Chinese business etiquette.