NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey Lunar New Year Celebrations
As New Jersey prepares to welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, communities across the state are gearing up for vibrant celebrations that honor cultural traditions and foster communal harmony. From dynamic performances by the New Jersey Symphony to family-friendly festivities at local art museums and communities, there are numerous events that offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year.
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New Jersey Lunar New Year Celebrations:
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Montclair Museum
January 25, 11 am – 3 pm
This family-friendly celebration returns to the Montclair Art Museum to usher in the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and strength. This will be an afternoon of cultural performances (including K-pop dancers, Japanese and Korean drummers, Wushu performers, and the ever-impressive face changer), local Asian food, kid-friendly crafts, and a vibrant vendor marketplace. We can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones to this joyous festival as we come together as a community and greet the new year.
Montclair Art Museum, 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ
Cost: $8
Lunar New Year Celebration
January 25, 11 am – 2 pm
Celebrate as a community and learn the cultural diversity of this wonderful tradition with traditional Lion Dance performances.
Vizzio’s Institute of Martial Arts, 1275 Bloomfield Ave, Bldg 2 Fairfield, NJ
Cost: Free. Register in advance
Marketfair’s Chinese New Year Celebration
January 25, 1 pm – 4 pm
MarketFair, in partnership with WULA Academy and HX Chinese School at Plainsboro, invites everyone to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The event will feature cultural performances, music and dance, games, and arts and crafts, offering a vibrant showcase of traditions. As a special treat, MarketFair will distribute lucky red envelopes containing retailer gift cards to event guests, while supplies last.
Marketfair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Westfield Plaza Mall
January 25, 1:30 pm – 3 pm
Guests can enjoy awe-inspiring Dragon and Lion Dance performances, showcasing skill and cultural significance, as well as captivating live music and dance that celebrate the beauty of Asian traditions. The event will also feature engaging cultural activities, family-friendly crafts, and other surprises, promising a joyous and memorable experience for all.
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ. Event takes place at the Family Entertainment Court (near Entrance 11 and Planet Playskool).
Cost: Free
New Jersey Symphony: Lunar New Year Celebration with Xian Zhang
January 25, 7:30 pm
An evening of cultural exchange and celebration of the Year of the Snake, perfect for families and children. Music Director Xian Zhang, pianist Min Kwon, the Peking University Alumni Chorus, the Starry Arts Children’s Chorus, and the Edison Chinese School Lion Dance Team will all return for this joyous concert, featuring a special appearance by opera star Michael Fabiano. The performance will showcase Xian’s signature blend of Eastern and Western influences, including favorites like the Spring Festival Overture and The Red Dragonfly, alongside selections from Puccini’s most beloved operas.
NJPAC, Newark, NJ
Cost: $20+
Lunar Fest
January 26, 12 pm – 4 pm
The celebration of the Year of the Snake will feature vibrant performances representing Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cultures, along with engaging children’s activities and delicious food. Symbolizing elegance, wisdom, and transformation, the snake represents a time for personal growth, introspection, and reevaluating goals, making this event a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.
The Woodland, 600 Woodland Rd, Maplewood, NJ
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Celebration at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
January 29, 4 pm
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with crafts, music, and stories! Explore Lunar New Year traditions and learn about the fascinating creatures and plants central to the festivities. Children ages 5-10 may be dropped off or attend with a parent/guardian. Children ages 3-4 should attend with a parent/guardian.
165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ
Cost: $30
Lunar New Year Celebration at Tessa International School
February 1, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Join Tessa International School for a vibrant celebration of Lunar New Year as they welcome the Year of the Snake. The morning will be filled with cultural exploration, hands-on activities, and community fun. Attendees can enjoy a variety of crafts and activities, such as sugar art, lantern making, calligraphy, rice ball making, fan decorating, and a ping pong chopstick challenge, along with the chance to create a paper snake and engage in a book reading. There will also be a photo booth featuring a fan-making activity, New Year’s slime, and a Chinese book sale. At 10:30 AM, there will be a special presentation about the school, offering insight into Tessa International School’s unique programs.
720 Monroe Street #Suite E105-106 Hoboken, NJ
Cost: Free. Register in advance
Lunar New Year Performance at Bell Works
February 1, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join the Jersey Shore Chinese School for their upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration at Bell Works in the Main Atrium. Enjoy performances by the Jersey Shore Chinese School’s talented students and teachers, highlighting Chinese culture and traditions.
Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel NJ
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Spectacular at American Dream
February 1, 12 pm – 5 pm
American Dream Mall’s annual Lunar New Year celebration returns with a vibrant five-hour program featuring hourly lion dances, kung fu, traditional music, dance, fashion shows, singing, opera, and an acrobatics performance. Produced by Impact Culture, this celebration honors the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year with engaging performances for all to enjoy.
The Dream Stage – Court A, Level 1, American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: Free
Downtown Metuchen’s Lunar New Year Celebration
February 1, 12:30 pm – 2 pm
This festive event will feature music and dancing, a special artist exhibit by Julia Win in Peterson Park, and various activities throughout local businesses, providing an immersive cultural experience for attendees of all ages.
Metuchen Town Plaza, 1 Pearl St, Metuchen, NJ
Cost: Free
Tongyan School Lunar New Year Culture Fair
February 1, 2 pm – 5 pm
Experience the joy and excitement of the Lunar New Year with a variety of cultural performances, traditional foods, crafts, and family-friendly activities. It’s a vibrant celebration of Asian traditions, and a perfect way to ring in the new year with friends and community.
James J. Ferris High School, 35 Colgate Street Jersey City, NJ
Cost: $10
Lunar New Year Celebration: A Global Chinese Mashup
February 1, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
“Regardless of ancestral heritage, home is where we live.” Enjoy a live demonstration of this concept at this family friendly Lunar New Year Fundraiser for the Montclair Public Library. Dumpling Diplomacy will donate 50% of net proceeds to the library. Celebration foods from the global Chinese community will mingle with the many resources of the library. Cruise down Dumpling Drive or follow the Noodle Road through the UK, India, Peru, and beyond. Little piles of snacks guide you through the market of tastes, aromas, games, crafts, and more. Montclair’s very own Mei Li, of JEM Stories, will reading from her latest book, “Snakelet’s First Friend.”
Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave., Montclair NJ
Cost: $49.99 for adults, Kids $24.99
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year of the Snake
February 1 & 2
Join the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company as they ring in the Lunar New Year of the Snake in 2025! This vibrant celebration blends traditional Chinese culture with a contemporary twist, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience. Be captivated by skilled dancers and musicians as they bring the spirit of the Snake to life with grace and energy. Celebrate the Lunar New Year in a welcoming atmosphere filled with community, cultural joy, and the promise of new beginnings.
NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Tickets: $20+
Ascend New Jersey Lunar New Year Celebration
February 6, 5:30 – 9 pm
An evening of cultural celebration, including delicious food, engaging performances and fun activities as you welcome the Year of the Snake! Festive attire welcome and vegetarian option available.
Golden Seafood Restaurant, 518 Old Post Rd Suite 3, Edison, NJ
Cost: $30
Community Day: Lunar New Year
February 8, 12 pm – 5 pm
A family-friendly celebration, where the spirit of Lunar New Year comes alive through art, tradition, and community. Travel to Asia with us to experience dance performances, acrobatics, crafts, food, and more.There will be food and drinks available for purchase.
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St Newark, NJ
Cost: Free. Register in advance
Edison Township Lunar New Year Celebration
February 8
Mayor Sam Joshi and the Edison Council invite you to a celebration of the Year of the Snake. Follow their event for updated info.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Monmouth County Library
February 15, 11 am
The event kicks off at 11:00 am with arts and crafts and a welcome ceremony, offering a day filled with engaging activities and cultural experiences. Highlights include a thrilling Lion Dance performance by Fong’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Association, captivating showcases by the Monmouth Fidelity Chinese School and Berwin Art Educational Center, and delicious food samples from Peking Pavilion, available while supplies last. Children can also participate in a mini Lion Dance try-on activity, adding an extra layer of fun to the celebration.
125 Symmes Dr, Manalapan Township, NJ
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Celebration at RFPL
Feburary 15, 1 pm – 4 pm
The celebration begins at 1pm with a series of cultural performances, though seating for this portion is limited. Starting at 2pm, the event continues with an afternoon of fun activities, including arts, crafts, riddles, and a scavenger hunt, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ramsey Free Public Library, 30 Wyckoff Avenue Ramsey, NJ
Cost: Free
