The Coolest Lunar New Year Parties In New York City This Year

With one of the largest Asian-American communities in the United States, New York City knows really knows how to celebrate Lunar New Year. The annual holiday, widely observed in countries like China, Singapore, and Vietnam, brings family and friends together for a 15-day, food-filled festival. Starting tomorrow, February 25th, revelers will ring in the Year of the Rat—a particularly auspicious year for all zodiac signs.

In New York City, major celebrations include the Firecracker Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park tomorrow and the annual Chinatown parades in Flushing and on Canal Street tomorrow and on February 9th, respectively. But there’s more to Lunar New Year in NYC than the parade. From glamorous dinners to late-night dancing, here are some of the best Lunar New Year parties this year.

Danny Bowien & Sandy Liang’s Lunar New Year Party

Saturday, January 25th, 8-11pm with an afterparty 11pm-late at Floret

When it comes to nouveau Chinese food in NYC, Danny Bowien is one of the first names that comes to mind. Tomorrow, the Mission Chinese Food chef-owner is teaming up with longtime friend Sandy Liang, whose family owns the iconic Congee Village, to host a Lunar New Year party at Floret. Included in the $45 ticket price are light bites, an open bar with cocktails, and with entertainment from DJs like Alice Longyu Gao, Matt FX, Kristine Reano, and Justin Hager. Stick around for the rooftop after party that starts at 11pm upstairs at Last Light.

Lunar New Year of the Rat

Saturday, January 25th, 11:59pm-late

Brooklynites who want to keep things local for the celebration can head to modern Taiwanese standby Win Son Brooklyn for a late-night Lunar New Year fundraiser and party benefitting the non-profit Apex for Youth. Enjoy Taiwanese-American food and cocktails along with DJ sets by DJ Freedem, Space People, and Armando Young. A $5 donation at the bar is suggested.

Chop Suey Club’s RATS! 2020 Chinese New Year Party

Sunday, January 26th, 6pm-1am at 88 Palace

Inspired by the temple fairs of winter China, the nightlife hitmakers at Chop Suey are taking over the Chinatown dim sum restaurant 88 Palace to throw their own indoor festival with traditional food and drink, DJs, and other fun activities. Jam along to beats by the city’s top Asian-American DJs like Chopstixmami, Lilbunbuns, and Hu Dat while enjoying dumplings from Island City Dumplings, jian bing rolls from Gem Bing Shop, and CBD products from the Asian-owned cannabis brand Potion. Also on offer are tattoos, calligraphy, and apparel.

Lunar New Year Cocktail Feast Hosted by LUCKYRICE and Rémy Martin

Tuesday, January 28th, 7-9pm at Chinese Tuxedo

Head to this annual no-holds-barred cocktail feast at Chinatown hotspot Chinese Tuxedo, hosted by LUCKYRICE founder Danielle Chang. Tickets start at $88 and grant you access to cocktails from Chinese Tuxedo’s sister bar Peachy’s, along with eight different lucky Lunar New Year dishes like “money bag” dumplings, curried spring rolls, and “long life” chow mein noodles with roasted duck.