Lunar New Year family events around the Seattle area

The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the new year based on the lunar calendar. Often called the Spring Festival, the new year is celebrated all across Asia. This is the Year of the Rabbit and festivities begin on January 22, 2023, and last for 15 days.

In the Seattle area, many neighborhoods and organizations celebrate with food, religious ceremonies, cultural dances and fireworks. Take note of dates: Many come before Jan. 22. Here are some family-friendly events around the Seattle area:

Lunar New Year activities:

Photo courtesy of the Bellevue Collection.

The Bellevue Collection

Head to the mall’s Center Court for lion and dragon parades, festive decor and other family-friendly activities including painting and calligraphy; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. This event is produced in conjunction with the Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association.

Tet in Seattle

Celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year at Seattle Center January 14-15 at the Armory and Fisher Pavilion. Join in on the festivities with traditional foods, dance, music, art exhibits, fashion shows, and hands on activities. Full schedule on website.

Vietnamese New Year at the Eastside Community Center, Tacoma

For the first time, the Eastside Community Center will host a lion dance, red envelope dance, and more! Enjoy a free vegetarian lunch, too, on January 15.

Lunar New Year celebration at the Seattle Public Library Central Library

You are invited to the downtown Seattle Public Library for a celebration of the Lunar New Year with Chinese dance, music, and a variety of performing arts at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 17.

Friends of Waterfront Seattle

Celebrate Lunar New Year on the pier with a lion dance and fire pits on the pier, Sunday, January 22 at 2 p.m.

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience

Watch a lion dance and partake in family activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, January 28, at the Museum’s annual Lunar New Year Fair. The lion dance is free and open to the public. For those with sensitive hearing, bring headphones or ask for earplugs at guest reception upon arrival. To skip the long lines to enter the museum, purchase tickets in advance.

A traditional dance performed at the Lunar New Year celebration in Tacoma.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Westfield Southcenter

Located on level 1, near Macys, is a gathering place for the dragon and martial arts performances in honor of the Lunar New Year. Be sure to RSVP and look for red envelopes during the celebration with special discounts inside. RSVP for this event that will happen on January 21 from noon to 4 p.m.

2023 Microsoft Asian Spring Festival Celebration

Hosted by the Seattle Chinese Association and Chinese Microsoft Employee Network, a huge celebration for the Year of the Rabbit will take place at McCaw Hall. Experience traditional Chinese culture with food, games, gala performances, and more. Attend on Saturday, January 28 at noon. Tickets for the various activities must be purchased in advance.

Lunar New Year at Kirkland Urban

The free, public celebration at this downtown Kirkland spot will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, and will feature lion dance performances, traditional Vietnamese Fan dances, a lantern display, calligraphy by Mak Fai Lion Dance, and giveaways. Kirkland Urban supplies sensory-sensitive toolkits that can be picked up at all events and include noise-canceling headphones, sensory/fidget toys, earplugs and an identifier sticker/badge.

Chinese Garden New Year Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival at the Chinese Garden is back! Taking a hiatus in 2020, the festival is back this year with in-person events like crafts, tea table, Tai Chi demo, and a Lion Dance talk and demo. Be sure to join on Feb. 5 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.. The festival is free but a $5 donation is suggested.

Phinney Neighborhood Association

Enjoy the first annual Phinneywood Lunar New Year Celebration! In the spirit of their Día de los Muertos and Holi celebrations, the Phinney Neighborhood Association is collaborating with the Asian community to create a new annual event celebrating Lunar New Year on Feb. 5 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Phinney Center. There will be lantern making, a Lion Dance performance, and a performance by the Seattle Kokon Taiko. After the fun at the Phinney Center, walk up and down Greenwood Ave. through the business district with your lanterns!