Did you know that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac? Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 animals — and with the dragon determining our future this year, we can expect plenty of personal growth and professional success. The Lunar New Year will be observed by many cultures beginning Thursday, Feb. 9-Friday, Feb. 10, depending on your location and the new moon.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate around the Greater Boston area. Here are just a few events about to take flight.
Lunar New Year Flower Market | Friday, Feb. 2-Friday, Feb. 9 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St. | Price of purchase | Shop flowers, decorations, and more to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
35th Annual Tết Day Festival | Sunday, Feb 4 | 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Flynn Cruiseport, 1 Black Falcon Ave. | $3 in advance, $5 at the door | Join the Vietnamese American Community of Massachusetts to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, aka the Year of the Cat, with over 80 vendors serving up food, art, music, culture, and tradition.
Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Boston Public Library — Chinatown Branch, 2 Boylston St, | Free | Register to create a red envelope using printmaking techniques guided by local artist Maria Fong.
Lunar New Year Festival | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem | Cost of admission | Check out the dance performances, dragon puppet making + self-guided tours of “Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home.”
2024 Chinese New Year Concert | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 8 p.m. | Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave. | $12 in advance, $17 at the door | Usher in the Year of the Dragon with a dazzling spring festival concert featuring a collaboration of three guest performers: Budaya, CTM, and IMIX, with Berklee student performers.
Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany St. | $10 suggested donation | Activities for all ages include dragon puppet making, Korean dasik cookie stamping, and a lion dance performance.
Chinatown’s Lion Dance Parade | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Chinatown | Free | The opening ceremony will begin at Phillips Square. Spectators can expect elaborate costumes, street food, and music.