Communities across the Chicago area are gearing up to celebrate the Year of The Snake with events beginning this weekend.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a centuries-old tradition marking the end of winter and the beginning of the new year with the arrival of a new moon. The 15-day celebration begins Jan. 29.
However, some organizations are starting the celebrations early with festivities kicking off Saturday.
Those who want to celebrate can visit restaurants for special meals, catch live performances or take in the sights and sounds at colorful parades.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration
1 p.m. Saturday
Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont
Fashion Outlets of Chicago will host a kickoff event in the Food Court. Shoppers can enjoy Chinese cultural games and activities along with a special performance from 2-2:30 p.m. by the Huaxing Arts Group in Naperville. The group will perform Chinese dances, kung fu, Chinese yo-yo as well as host a children’s choir.
Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner
3 p.m. Saturday
Hing Kee Restaurant, 2140 S. Archer Ave.
The Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute is hosting its annual Chinese New Year dumpling-making dinner to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Guests are invited to attend the celebration where they will learn the story of the Chinese New Year, practice making dumplings and enjoy a traditional Chinese lion dance performance.
Tickets can be purchased online. Other dates are available.
Lunar New Year at Time Out Market Chicago
12 p.m. Sunday
Time Out Market Chicago, 916 W. Fulton Market
Time Out Market will host a Lunar New Year celebration with food, performances and cultural activities. Activities include face painting, traditional Chinese lion dances, music and lucky red envelopes.
Admission to the event is free. Guests can reserve their spot online.
Lunar New Year with Cook County
3 p.m. Monday
Cook County Building, 118 N. Clark St.
13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) and Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) will host a Lunar New Year Celebration to welcome the Year of the Snake. The third annual celebration will include remarks from Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, Lee and Manaa-Hoppenworth and will feature lion dancers, music and lucky red envelopes.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Lunar New Year at Navy Pier
1 p.m. Feb. 1
Navy Pier, Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E. Grand Ave.
Navy Pier, ComEd and the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust will celebrate the Lunar New Year and AAPI cultures through the power of performance. The afternoon music festival will feature local artists, dancers and musicians.
The event is free to the public.
CAMOC Lunar New Year Party
2 p.m. Feb. 1
Chinese American Museum of Chicago, 238 W. 23rd St.
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago will welcome the Year of the Snake with a buffet-style lunch, live performances, games and prizes, and traditional paper-cutting and calligraphy.
Guests can purchase tickets to the celebration online.
TimeLine Theatre — Year of the Snake Exhibit
11 a.m. Feb. 8
CMAA, 1016 W. Argyle St.
Join TimeLine Theatre and the Heritage Museum of Asian Art for a journey through the historical highlights of past years of the Snake — with dramaturgy by artist Irene Hsiao — and reflect on the upcoming Lunar New Year.
While perusing the exhibit, visitors of all ages can join in the community art project—a snake — for collective intention-setting.
Argyle Community Healing and Placekeeping Project
11 a.m. Feb. 8
1132-1134 W. Argyle St.
Join Qideas and HAIBAYÔ as they welcome the Year of the Snake.
As part of the Argyle Community Healing & Placekeeping Project, HAIBAYÔ is collaborating with Qideas Plant Shop to host an immersive, educational botanical and flower installation and exhibit.
Ăn Chơi Kitchen will host a Lunar New Year Food Talk and tasting.
Argyle Lunar New Year Parade
1 p.m. Feb. 8
Kickoff: Argyle Street and Sheridan Avenue
The Uptown Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Lunar New Year Parade, featuring local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
1 p.m. Feb. 9
24th Street and Wentworth Avenue
The Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation will host the annual Lunar New Year parade. The parade will feature traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and marching groups.