This year, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, commencing the Year of the Pig. While it is a major holiday in China, it’s been influenced and adapted all over the world. For example, Koreans celebrate seol, there is Tết in Vietnam, and it’s called the Losar in Tibet. Traditionally, the festivities last for 16 days. Here’s where you can celebrate in Philadelphia!
Before the New Year
Reading Terminal Market is starting the festivities early on Saturday, February 2 from 10 am to 3 pm. Guests can watch cooking demos from favorite Chinatown eateries, learn calligraphy, and shop arts & crafts. Entertainment includes performances by L & M Dance Studio and Shero Dance Crew, as well as traditional lion dancing by The Philadelphia Suns.
Lunar New Year also kicks off early at Independence Seaport Museum on Saturday, February 2. Learn about the heritages of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese cultures. Activities include hands-on calligraphy, creating dragon puppets, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese storytelling, and so much more. From 11 am to 3 pm, the celebration is included with museum admission.
Head to Mad Rex in Fishtown for its first Lunar New Year party on Saturday, February 2. The post-apocalyptic-themed restaurant is serving up a special tasting menu. It includes dumplings, pan fried noodles, seared tuna, duck breast, and many more options. Get comfortable and stay for the post-dinner after party from 10 pm to 2 am. Plus, don’t miss your chance towin the raffle for a magnum bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
New Years Eve
Per tradition on Chinese New Year’s Eve, starting at 11:30 pm, the Philadelphia Suns will put on a midnight lion dance show. The performances starts at 10th and Race Streets and wind through the streets of Chinatown. It’s the perfect ending to a New Year’s Eve dinner!
An Asian trifecta of Philly eateries is taking over R&D Cocktail Bar in Fishtown. Join Pelago, Poi Dog, and Sate Kampar are throwing a cocktail party starting at 7 pm. Complete with sweet and savory snacks, this event is not accepting reservations so come early!
New Years Day
Celebrate in a modern Asian-fusion way at Bing Bing Dim Sum. They are collaborating a memorable meal with guest Chef Yehuda Sichel from Abe Fisher for one night only. For $50 per person, diners can explore a creative Asian-Jewish inspired menu. Dishes include steamed pork belly pretzel buns, crispy duck carrot kugel, tilefish lettuce wraps, and more.
Start the Year of the Pig with a spiritual awakening at Vitality Meditation. Beginning at 6:30 pm, Danielle Mercurio will lead an experience to cultivate the energy of the New Moon and Lunar New Year. Show up with an open heart and mind, and she will incorporate guided visualizations and meditation techniques.
Continue the Celebration
The International House Philadelphia presents their annual showcase for the new year on Thursday, February 7. The evening includes a variety of traditional music, dance, and arts. Guests can also take part of interactive cultural activities and sample authentic cuisine by Sang Kee Noodle House.
NOTO is Philadelphia’s premier nightlife experience in the heart of Chinatown. Don’t miss their Chinese New Year celebration with Elephante to dance the night away starting at 10 pm on Friday, February 8.
Chinese New Year takes over The Rail Park from 12 to 4 pm on Saturday, February 9. Taste from QT Vietnamese Sandwich and Brotherly Grub while sipping on coffee from Ca Phe Vietnamese Roasters. The Book Bike from Free Library of Philadelphia will bring themed books on topics such as calligraphy and bilingual materials.
Indulge at Buddakan’s annual Dim Sum Brunch on Sunday, February 10. They are offering day-of specials and a Year of the Pig feast. Plan to come with a group of 4-6 people and pre-order a whole suckling pig by February 6 for $250. The meal also includes longevity noodles, egg fried rice, steamed bao buns, and mu shu pancakes.
The party never stops with The Philadelphia Suns! They are bringing their lion dance performances back through Chinatown on Sunday, February 10. The show loop starts at 10th & Race Streets at 11 am.
Celebrate the season with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation at their annual Chinese New Year Banquet. On Friday, February 22, join them in honoring Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President of Philadelphia Housing Authority at Ocean CIty Restaurant.
Attend a free Chinese New Year concert courtesy of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Liang Zhang and Kensho Watanabe, the special one-night-only performance is on Tuesday, January 29 at 7:30 pm in Verizon Hall.
History of the Pig
According to the myths, the Pig was the last to arrive when the Jade Emperor called for the great meeting. As the emperor was just about to end, a squeal was heard. Apparently, the Pig got hungry during the race, stopped for a feast, then accidentally fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the twelfth and last animal of the zodiac cycle.
If you’re born in the year of the Pig, it’s said that you are artistic, refined, intuitive, intelligent, and well-mannered. Often, Pigs appreciate aestheticism, beauty, and a more philosophical approach to life. Your calm nature lends to good leadership skills. Though, some weakness may be naivety, insecurities, and indecisiveness.
How will you be celebrating 2019 Year of the Pig? Share with us in the comments!
