This year marks the 6th edition of Chicago's Chinese New Year celebration. From February 2 to 17, three consecutive weekends will feature Chinese cultural performances, vibrant 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 Year of the Pig Spring Festival approaches, I am delighted to take this opportunity to present the allure of traditional Chinese culture and performances to our overseas compatriots, ethnic Chinese, and visiting tourists in Chicago."
Highlight events include performances by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Chinese Opera Company and the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells National Orchestra. 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, performed by the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells National Orchestra, features a one-to-one replica of ancient Chinese imperial chime bells along with custom-designed traditional costumes, delivering a stunning musical experience that transports the audience back over a thousand years to the ancient Chu Kingdom. In the second half, renowned Peking Opera artists from the NCPA, such as Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu, will perform excerpts from three classic operas, dazzling the audience with mesmerizing vocals, elaborate costumes, and acrobatic choreography.
"The Chinese New Year series of celebrations has become an indispensable highlight on Chicago’s annual arts and culture calendar," said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "Thanks to the enthusiastic promotion of culture and art by our local cultural institutions, Chicago is a fantastic destination to experience diverse cultural events and festivals. We are thrilled to be part of promoting this major Chinese annual celebration."
While the first day of the Chinese Year of the Pig falls on February 5, Chicago’s festivities 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 PM to 4:30 PM, the museum offers a series of activities highlighting Chinese collections, including music, storytelling, art creation, games, and talks. Hands-on activities such as making paper dragon masks and “red envelopes,” lectures on themes like the “Silk Road” and Chinese religion and traditions, as well as Go game sessions and performances of traditional Chinese folk music are available. Entry to these activities is free with museum admission. At 5:00 PM, visitors can walk from the museum’s east wing to Millennium Park to join the lantern parade and watch lion dance performances.
On February 6 (the second day of the Lunar New Year), at 7:00 PM, the Chicago Bulls host the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. The game includes special Chinese New Year entertainment, such as cheerleaders wearing traditional Chinese costumes to support both teams and handing out small gifts, allowing attendees 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 with a festive parade, a concert at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue, and performances by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Chinese Opera Company and the Hubei Song and Dance Drama Theatre’s Chime Bells National Orchestra.
On February 9, at the downtown Apple Store, Yang Wei from the Chicago Chinese Arts Society will perform a Silk Road pipa piece. As he plays, the audience can try creating music on iPad GarageBand, which he will then incorporate into an improvised performance. 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 PM to 3:00 PM, the Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade will take place in the heart of 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 concludes 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 PM to 5:00 PM at Navy Pier. The Aon Grand Ballroom will be festively decorated. The performances in both halves of the show include lion dances, pipa playing, Mongolian songs, flying fairy dances, Chinese martial arts, and taiko drumming, among others. Major local Chinese communities in Chicago will attend.
On February 17, the 4th Annual Arts & Culture Documentary Festival will begin at 2:00 PM 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 process of cultural exchange of traditional Chinese culture with the world.
In conjunction with Chinese New Year, shopping destinations such as North Bridge Shopping Center, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 360 Chicago, and the Peninsula Hotel are also offering special events and promotions. For a full schedule of Chicago’s New Year performances and activities, visit ChooseChicago.com/chinesenewyear.