The Chinese New Year is known to be one of the most significant and extensively observed holidays in the Chinese culture. Many know this holiday as the Lunar New Year. It is a time for cultural celebrations, family get-togethers, and the optimistic and hopeful start to the New Year. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. In 2024, the Lunar New Year is observed February 10 – February 15. Something not everyone may know, is that each year the Chinese New Year is linked to an animal sign. This year will be the Year of the Dragon, which is known for bravery, strength, and luck.
We have compiled a list of Lunar New Year celebrations for you and your families to join in on! Enjoy time with family and friends as you welcome in this new year.
February 3: St. Paul | Lunar New Year Cabaret
Ring in the Lunar New Year with glam, merriment, and a celebration of Asian American artistry! Our winter fundraiser kicks off the Year of the Dragon with lion dancers and a cabaret performance by longtime and new Mu artists.
Time: 7 – 9 PM
Cost: $30 – $60
February 4: Minneapolis | ABC + HCP: Year of the Dragon
Join Arbeiter Brewing Co. for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration that’s perfect for the whole family! Immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of the Year of the Dragon. et your little ones unleash their creativity with two exciting Lunar New Year-themed crafts. From colorful dragons to lucky lanters, there’s something for every budding artist!
Time: 12 – 3 PM
Cost: FREE
February 4: Edina | Tết/Vietnamese New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon by learning the history, meaning, and process of various rituals during the Vietnamese new year celebration.
Time: 2 – 3:30 PM
Cost: FREE
February 8: Saint Paul | Lunar New Year Storytime w/ Thuba Nguyen
Lunar New Year is right around the corner! Usher in the year of the dragon with storyteller Angela and guest author of My Daddy Tells Me…, Thuba Nguyen for a very special Lunar New Year storytime!
Time: 10:30 – 11 AM
Cost: FREE
February 9: Minneapolis | WPAS: Lunar New Year with Gao Hong and Friends
The Westminster Performing Arts Series is excited to enter the Year of the Dragon with featured artist Gao Hong, an internationally touring performer, composer, and master of the pipa – an ancient Chinese pear-shaped lute. She has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra, The China National Traditional Orchestra, Buenos Aires Philharmonic, Heidelberg Philharmonic, among others, and has collaborated in wonderful fusion events with jazz musicians, oudists, flamenco guitarists and others.
Time: 7 – 9:30 PM
Cost: Adults $25, Youth $10
February 10: Minneapolis | Year of the Dragon: Mystical Creatures of the Sky
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar, this exhibition features objects from Mia’s own Chinese art collection that represent the evolution of dragon imagery and symbolism, from the ancient world to today.
Time: Minneapolis Institute of Art hours, 10 AM – 5 PM
Cost: FREE
February 10: Eden Prairie | Lunar New Year Family Zumba
Zumba is a dance fitness class that is fun for the whole family — everyone is welcome! Join in as they celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome in a year of good health, success and happiness. Make sure to wear fitness clothing and footwear; bring a water bottle.
Time: 11 AM – 12 PM
Cost: $5
February 10: Plymouth | Chinese New Year Celebration
Join Luce Line Brewing in the taproom to celebrate the Chinese New Year. They will be handing out 1 lucky red envelope to each customer (empty envelopes provided by the brewery, one per customer). They will have a special Gold Dragon Rice Lager on tap, and have hanging lantern decorations hung in the taproom. Hana Bistro Food Truck will be on site!
Time: 12 – 5 PM
Cost: FREE
February 10: Minneapolis | Dancing Dragons: A Celebration of the Year of the Dragon
To celebrate the dawn of the Year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar, please join Minneapolis Institute of Art for a free public dance performance by CAAM Chinese Dance Theater. The performance will feature seven traditional and stylized Chinese dances, including the mesmerizing dragon dance that embodies the auspicious power and dignity of the dragon.
Time: 11 AM – 12 PM
Cost: FREE
February 10 – 11: Bloomington | Lunar New Year Celebration
Together we will celebrate the Lunar New Year, “Year of the Dragon” + share an atmosphere of festive joy in a safe, wide-open space.
Time: 12:30 – 5 PM
Cost: FREE
February 10: Minneapolis | Lunar New Year Celebration
All are welcome to celebrate Lunar New Year- Year of the Dragon. There will be performances, music, kids crafts and more!
Time: 12 – 3 PM
Cost: FREE
February 17: Minneapolis | Lunar New Year
The Minnesota Orchestra marks Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, a two-week-long festival that encourages family and friends to gather together with a performance featuring music that honors family traditions and themes of unity and health.
Time: 7 – 9 PM
Cost: $43 – $83
