Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year celebrations in Flushing is Saturday, February 16, 2013, with Flushing's 17th annual Lunar New Year Parade. Parade times are from 11 a.m. until about 1 p.m. It's the Year of the Snake!
Flushing, Queens, is home to one of the largest Chinese and East Asian populations in New York City, rivaling Manhattan's Chinatown. Also joining the parade are other East Asian groups in Queens, particularly the Korean community. Plus there are more New Year events in February.
Lunar New Year Parade - February 16, 2013:
The parade is the highlight of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Flushing. Look for dragon dancers, steel drummers, and
fireworks. About 4,000 people march each year.
Viewing Stands: TBD, usually at Flushing Library (Main and Kissena) and at the parade's end. Most people watch on Main St.
Route: Begins, Union St and 39th Ave and usually ends at Main St and 39th Ave.
- When: February 16, 2013. Start time is 11 a.m.
- New Year Festival TBD - at Queens Crossing Mall (39th Ave and Main St) starting at 12:30 p.m.
Chinese Food and Folk Performances at Queens Crossing Mall:
The Chinese performers in the parade usually end the procession with a celebration at the Queens Crossing Mall, where there's more cultural activities. There will be traditional cultural performances and festival booths.
- Queens Crossing Mall: 136-17 39th Ave
- TBD
Korean Lunar New Year Celebration at Korea Village:
The Korean parade contingent usually celebrates at Korea Village's Open Center, a cultural space, where there will be Korean food, games, dancing, martial arts, music, and a karaoke contest.
- Korea Village Open Center: 150-24 Northern Blvd at 150th St
- TBD - 718-353-8969
Lunar New Year Festival at Flushing Town Hall:
Flushing Town Hall hosts a Lunar New Year weekend the week before the parade with a dancing event for families that explores Asian traditions. There's a performance from China, Korea, India, Colombia, Taiwan, Egypt, and America.
More details at Flushing Town Hall.
- Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd, at Linden
- Directions
Lunar New Year Festival at Flushing Library:
February 23, 2013 - A day-long celebration There's food preparation and flower arranging, plus Korean and Chinese song and dance. The celebration is the weekend after the parade, and it's all first-come, first-serve for limited spots.
- Queens Library in Flushing, 41-17 Main St at Kissena Blvd, 718-661-1200, web
- Feburary 23, 2013
Parking in Flushing:
The New Year's parade begins next to a large municipal lot, but arrive early if you want a spot. Especially for Saturday, February 16, public transportation is your best bet: LIRR (Port Washington Line, Flushing stop), or 7 train (Flushing Main Street stop). It's then a short walk to the festivities.
Eating and Celebrating Lunar New Year:
The real celebration starts after the parade and performances, and it's held in restaurants all around Flushing.
Many of my favorite restaurants are on Prince Street, including Spicy and Tasty (stellar Sichuan, 39-07 Prince St) and Green Papaya Thai (38-12 Prince St). One of the best dim sum restaurants in Flushing is Gala Manor (37-02 Main St, enter on 37th Ave).
Lunar New Year at Queens Library:
The Queens Library in Flushing jumps with Lunar New Year activities on February 23, but there are more (smaller) events happening at other branches. Check the
Library's events page for listing of activities across the borough.
