January 22, 2023 is Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year is the start of a new lunar calendar year. In the lunar calendar year, the months are moon cycles. This day is celebrated in a variety of different ways on different dates by various cultures. If you’re wondering how you can celebrate and honor the holiday, here are some events happening in and around Washington, DC.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Washington, DC
DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
Occurring at Gallery Place (616 H St NW, Washington, DC) on January 22, the 2023 Chinese Lunar New Year parade includes traditional lion and dragon dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, live music and marching bands, and more. The parade ends with a firecracker finale starting between 3:45 and 4:00 PM. The parade is free to attend and starts at 2:00 PM at 6th and Eye St. NW. The parade will end on 6th and H St. NW. Read more about the parade details here.
In-Person Lunar New Year Family Celebration
On January 28, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, head to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a variety of different performances including the opening lion dance, a calligraphy demonstration, and many more. This annual celebration features Chinese and Korean traditions, including performances, crafts, food, and more. This is a great educational opportunity as well to learn about the importance of the Lunar New Year across cultures and explore collections through an interactive art scavenger hunt. Courtyard Café will also be offering a special menu honoring Lunar New Year. Learn more about the details, schedule, and tickets for this event here.
Lunar New Year 2023 Celebration at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
The Lunar New Year 2023 Celebration at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art includes a traditional lion dance performance, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts activities, and Lunar New Year curator-led gallery tours with iconic featured exhibitions. Located at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave SW), don’t miss the 2023 Lunar New Year celebration this week. Read more here.
Join the DC Library’s Lunar New Year Reading Challenge
Head to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Central Library to pick up your Lunar New Year Reading Challenge. Celebrate the year of the rabbit by reading your way through the Chinese zodiac. The goal is to read at least one book per animal. The reading challenge form can be picked up in the Children’s Room. Make sure to bring your form back once you’re done for a prize! Read more about the challenge here.
Attend the DAR Museum and Asian Fusion Gallery
Attend the DAR Museum and Asian Fusion Gallery for a Lunar New Year festival on January 28, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This event is free and is located in the beautiful and historic O’Byrne Gallery. The festival will include family-friendly games, food, and performances. The event is open to the public, and kids and families are welcome. Read more and register for the festival here.
Take a Tour of DC at Night
If you’re celebrating Lunar New Year in DC and looking for a way to experience the city in the evening, consider one of our narrated golf cart tours. They are available at various times throughout the day, but the guided night tour is an especially beautiful experience. The night tour allows you to experience DC sights under lights and is available for booking every day. This 2 hour “Twilight Tour” includes sundown, an exceptional display of light and color, and the night, illuminated with powerful, glowing energy. You will see and learn about the historical monuments of Washington, DC, while creating lasting memories on the Capitol Express. The Capitol building lit at night time is one of the most stunning sites in DC. You will enjoy ample opportunities to capture iconic photographs with your family and friends, from one stop to the next. This tour will be the most memorable event of your trip to the nation’s Capital. Book your narrated golf cart tour today!
