Lunar New Year 2024 in Seattle

Seattle has had a Chinese community since the 1850s, so naturally, the Lunar New Year Celebration in the city has always been quite massive. There are various festivities held in Seattle on New Year's day and a few weeks later, so pick the one you like most!

Traditions

Seattle's Chinatown looks festive, especially on New Year's Eve. Many families wear traditional clothes, and red lanterns are everywhere. Shopkeepers hand out red envelopes, and firecrackers fill the air with noise and smoke.

Many restaurants in Chinatown feature special New Year’s menus with dumplings, long noodles, whole fish, because it is believed that eating these foods is supposed to bring luck and prosperity your way.

Lunar New Year at Wing Luke Museum (February 3, 2024)

The Wing Luke Museum in Chinatown always holds festive activities during the Chinese New Year celebrations that include lion dances, holiday-themed crafts, Chinese calligraphy workshops, and kids' activities. The event kicks off at 10 am and goes on until 3 pm, with the Lion Dance starting at 10 am outside at the front door and the Museum opening an hour later. Adult tickets are $17, seniors should pay $15, and children under 5 years old can enter for free.

Lunar New Year in Seattle Chinatown-ID (February 24, 2024)

The annual Lunar New Year Celebration hosted by Seattle's Chinatown-International District usually takes place from 11 am to 4 pm at Hing Hay Park. This celebration showcases the richness of the Asian communities of Seattle. Asian food fans can try many Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean dishes for only $3 per meal or snack. The festival on the Main Stage at Hing Hay Park features a diverse program with Japanese Taiko drumming, martial arts, traditional lion and dragon dances, and the costume contest parade.