This year marks the 6th annual Chinese New Year celebration in Chicago. From February 2 to 17, over three consecutive weekends, there will be Chinese cultural performances, colorful parades, and special events, allowing overseas Chinese and visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Liu Jun, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, said: "As the Lunar New Year of the Pig approaches, I am delighted to take this opportunity during the New Year to showcase the charm of traditional Chinese culture and performances to our overseas compatriots, Chinese communities, and visiting tourists in Chicago."
Highlight events include performances by the National Centre for the Performing Arts Peking Opera Company and the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells Ensemble. They will present centuries-old musical traditions and Peking Opera through unique programs, offering audiences an authentic taste of Chinese culture.
The first half of the program features the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells Ensemble, using a one-to-one replica of ancient Chinese imperial bianzhong bells along with custom-designed traditional costumes to deliver a stunning musical experience that transports the audience back over a thousand years to the ancient Chu Kingdom. Renowned Peking Opera artists from the National Centre for the Performing Arts, such as Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu, will perform segments from three classic plays in the second half, treating the audience to dazzling vocals, elaborate costumes, and choreographed acrobatics.
"The Chinese New Year celebration series has become an indispensable highlight on Chicago's arts and culture calendar every year," said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "Thanks to the enthusiasm of our local cultural institutions in promoting arts and culture, Chicago has become a fantastic destination to experience a wide range of cultural activities and festivals. We are delighted to help promote this major annual Chinese festival."
February 5 marks the first day of the Year of the Pig in China, but the celebrations in Chicago kick off on February 2.
2February 2–6 (Week 1)
On February 2, the Art Institute of Chicago launches its “Welcome Chinese New Year” event. From 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. that day, the museum offers a series of music, storytelling, art-making, games, and interviews highlighting Chinese collections. Hands-on activities include making paper dragon puppets and “red envelopes,” while lectures explore themes like the “Silk Road” and Chinese religion and traditions. There are also opportunities to participate in Go (Weiqi) matches and enjoy performances of traditional Chinese folk music. All activities are free with museum admission. At 5:00 p.m., visitors can walk from the museum’s east wing to Millennium Park to join the Lantern Parade and watch lion dances.
On February 6 (the second day of the Lunar New Year), at 7:00 p.m. at the United Center—home of the Chicago Bulls—a game between the Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Pelicans will feature special Chinese New Year entertainment. This includes cheerleaders wearing traditional Chinese attire to support both teams, giveaways, and more, enabling fans and players to celebrate the Lunar New Year together.
February 9–10 (Week 2)
The second weekend of Chicago’s Chinese New Year celebrations reaches new heights, featuring a festive parade, a concert at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue, and performances by the National Centre for the Performing Arts Peking Opera Company and the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells Ensemble.
On February 9, at the downtown Apple Store, local Chinese arts group member Yang Wei will present a Silk Road pipa performance. While he plays, audience members can try creating their own music using GarageBand on iPads. He will then incorporate these audience-created sounds into an improvised piece. Meanwhile, calligrapher Hu Yijun will create brushwork inspired by Yang Wei’s music. There will also be a guzheng performance.
On February 10 (the sixth day of the Lunar New Year), from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade will take place in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown, with an expected turnout of over 30,000 participants. The Year of the Pig celebration parade will begin northward along Wentworth Avenue, featuring marching bands, lion dances, and floats.
February 16–17 (Week 3)
The Lunar New Year celebration series will conclude at Navy Pier. During this time, the Asian Pop-Up Cinema will present a documentary screening at the Chicago Cultural Center.
On February 16, the Chinese Arts Society will host a New Year performance from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Navy Pier. The Aon Grand Ballroom will be festively decorated. The performances in both the first and second halves include lion dances, pipa playing, Mongolian songs, celestial maiden dances, Chinese martial arts, and taiko drumming, among others. Major local Chinese community groups will be in attendance.
On February 17, the 4th Annual Arts and Culture Documentary Festival will kick off at 2:00 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. Selected films from the recently produced “This is China” documentary series will be screened. The six-episode “This is China” series reflects contemporary China’s development and progress, as well as the exchange of traditional Chinese culture with the world.
In conjunction with Chinese New Year, shopping destinations such as The Shops at North Bridge, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 360 CHICAGO, and the Peninsula Hotel are also offering special events and promotions. For a full list of Lunar New Year performances and activities in Chicago, visit ChooseChicago.com/chinesenewyear.