2009 Chinese New Year in Washington, DC

Washington, DC celebrates the Chinese New Year with a Chinese New Year Parade, Chinese Dragon Dances, live musical performances, and more. The Chinese New Year is a 15-day event that starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February.

During this important celebration in the Asian culture, it is traditional to wear red, meant to ward off evil spirits.

This year, on the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on January 26, 2009 — The Year of the Ox. Here is a schedule of special events in the Washington, DC area:

Chinese New Year Parade in Washington, DC

February 1, 2009. 2 - 5 p.m., Giant Firecracker set off at 3:45 p.m.
Chinatown - on H Street, NW, between 6th and 8th Streets
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. See photos of the Chinese New Year Parade.

Chinese Cultural Booths will open 3 - 5 p.m. at the Wah Luck House, 800 6th Street, NW (use H Street entrance).

Chinese New Year Events at Lakeforest Mall

January 24 - February 1, 2009. Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
View beautiful Chinese New Year decorations and exhibits throughout the mall. Live entertainment (weekends only) includes traditional lion and dragon dances, folk dances and martial arts demonstrations. Demonstrations and workshops include flower/bonsai arrangement, arts and crafts, painting and games.

Chinese New Year at Montgomery County Public Libraries

January 17 - February 21, 2009. Thirteen branches of the public libraries welcome the Year of the Ox with a variety of programs. Music, dance and special performances feature the sights, sounds and cultures of China, Korea and Vietnam. Programs include introduction to customs behind the Lunar New Year, traditional dances, hands-on art activities, puppet shows, healing and martial arts demonstrations including tai-chi and kung fu, calligraphy, crafts, customs, Chinese yo-yo, workshops and children's activities, and the traditional Chinese lion dance. For specific schedules, visit the Montgomery County Public Libraries website

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