7 Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Westchester

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is a holiday that marks the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendars, which are traditional to Asian countries including China and Vietnam. Every Lunar New Year represents an animal from the Chinese zodiac: 2021 is the Year of the Ox! As the Lunar New Year approaches on February 12, join Westchester arts organizations to celebrate the new year with these family-friendly virtual events.

1. Happy New Year: Celebrating the New Year in East Asia
February 3 at 5pm via Zoom
Presented by Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden

The Hammond Museum will host a virtual program that explores the various festivals celebrated in East Asia to welcome the New Year. The program will include symbolic foods, traditional activities and festive decoration arranging.

2. A Lunar New Year Celebration
February 5, 4:30pm (online)
presented by Greenburgh Public Library

BLENDID, an organization dedicated to global culture, will tell Chinese New Year stories, and will guide guests through a craft and an interactive activity!

3. An Online Lunar New Year Celebration Show
February 6, 2pm via Zoom
presented by Westchester Association of Chinese Americans

To celebrate the Year of the Ox, Westchester Association of Chinese Americans presents a series of online Chinese New Year celebrations. On February 6, its “pay what you wish” New Year Gala will broadcast a celebration that includes Chinese folk music, classical dance and more.

4. Chinese New Year Virtual Celebration
February 8 at 3:30pm via Zoom
Presented by Pelham Art Center

Pelham Art Center will offer a virtual celebration with artist and educator Jane Chang. Chang will discuss the rich history and traditions of the Chinese New Year holiday, followed by a Chinese brush painting demonstration. Audiences will be able to follow along with Chang’s brush painting demonstration from home using ink or watercolors on paper.

5. A Selection of Lunar New Year Books for Children and Teens
February 12, 2021 through January 30, 2022
presented by White Plains Public Library

While not an event, this listing of books by White Plains Public Library sure does give you everything you need to celebrate. These board, picture and YA books provide an opportunity to educate your little ones about the cultural traditions of Chinese New Year.

6. Virtual Storytime & Family Art Project: Bringing in the New Year
Friday, February 19 at 2pm via Zoom
Presented by Hudson River Museum

Hudson River Museum will celebrate with a virtual reading of the book Bringing in the New Year, which tells the tale of a Chinese American family getting ready for the annual celebration. Following the reading, families will create a paper plate hand fan using a paper plate, two popsicles, construction paper, glue, scissors and markers.

7. Virtual Tai Chi Workshop
February 20, 1:30pm via Zoom
presented by Hudson River Museum

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art that embraces the mind, body and spirit. Participants can reframe their way of thinking during this stressful pandemic period. This free Zoom class is recommended for ages 16+.

Looking for more arts events in Westchester this week? Click here for our curated guide to in-person and virtual arts happenings.

About ArtsWestchester

For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.