Lunar New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Snake in Philly

Philadelphia is ready to welcome the Lunar New Year with a vibrant array of celebrations, marking the Year of the Snake with cultural performances, festive menus, and exciting events across the city. From dynamic lion dance performances to exclusive dining experiences, the city is embracing the traditions of the Lunar New Year in proper fashion. Here is a short list of where, when and how you can join in on the festivities.

Fashion District Philadelphia will kick off the celebrations with a two-week-long Lunar New Year Celebration from February 1 to February 16. The festivities will begin with a kick-off event on Saturday, February 1, from noon to 2 p.m., at The Cube, 901 Market Street. The event will feature a traditional Lion Dance performance and parade by The Philadelphia Suns, an interactive children’s craft activity, and the distribution of red envelopes, including exclusive offers from Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Throughout the Fashion District, shoppers can scan QR codes to receive digital red envelopes with retailer discounts. The entire mall will be decorated in Lunar New Year themes, featuring striking red and gold lanterns, cherry blossom installations, and a dazzling overhead dragon display. A special Lunar New Year addition to the mall’s LOVE sculpture at 10th Street will provide a picturesque backdrop for festive photos. Through February 16, participating retailers such as Sephora, Skechers, Pandora, Levi’s Outlet, and Guess Factory Store will offer exclusive discounts and giveaways in honor of the Lunar New Year.

At Valley Forge Casino Resort, the festivities continue on Tuesday, February 6, at 6 p.m., with a Lucky Dragon Dance on the casino floor. As a symbol of good fortune in the Year of the Snake, guests will also receive $2 bills as part of the event. The casino will be adorned in stunning Lunar New Year decorations, creating the perfect setting to ring in the new year with excitement and luck.

Buddakan will celebrate with a special Lunar New Year brunch on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can indulge in a Year of the Snake Tasting Menu, a curated multi-course meal priced at $75 per person, designed to symbolize abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. The menu highlights include Lobster Longevity Noodles, Whole Peking Duck, and 8 Treasure Rice. Enhancing the festive atmosphere, a dim sum cart will roll through the dining area with complimentary desserts, and the Penn Lions’ Traditional Chinese Lion Dance Troupe will perform at noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Guests will also receive red envelopes containing either lucky proverbs or a surprise complimentary item for their next visit. The restaurant will be transformed with vibrant Lunar New Year décor, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for this highly anticipated celebration. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, February 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a series of immersive activities that highlight the traditions of the Chinese zodiac. Visitors can explore the Balcony Studio, where local artist Madeleine Conover will lead a creative dim sum-themed art experience. The Snake Den invites guests to navigate a floor maze and engage in storytelling that brings the legend of the zodiac to life. Little Art Kids, a special interactive program for toddlers, will host a festive session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Later, a pop-up gallery activity will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing attendees to act out the origins of the twelve zodiac animals. All Lunar New Year events at the museum are included with general admission, and children under 18 always receive free entry.

Philadelphia’s Lunar New Year celebrations offer something for everyone, whether it’s indulging in a luxurious Year of the Snake dining experience, watching the lion dance performances, exploring interactive art exhibits, or taking part in the Fashion District’s immersive festivities.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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