NEW YORK — Lunar New Year begins Jan. 28, kicking off the year of the rooster. The holiday is observed in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries, but a number of U.S. destinations from New York to Las Vegas also host celebrations. Events include parades featuring lion dancers, special holiday menus at Asian restaurants, cultural festivals and more.
Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., hosts a Lunar New Year celebration from Jan. 20 through Feb. 5. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be costumed for the occasion alongside other Disney characters such as Mulan and Mulan’s dragon sidekick Mushu. Details at www.Disneyland.com/LunarNewYear.
In New York City, visitors have three Chinatowns to explore: one in downtown Manhattan, one in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn and one in Flushing, Queens. Check out the restaurants, food markets and shops selling everything from housewares to souvenirs. In Manhattan, holiday events include a Jan. 28 firecracker ceremony and cultural festival in Sara D. Roosevelt Park and a Feb. 5 Lunar New Year parade kicking off at 1 p.m., www.nycgo.com/events/lunar-new-year-parade-festival. There’s also a parade and festival in Flushing on Feb. 4.
In Las Vegas, Jan. 28 is the kickoff for a 15-day celebration at Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino, a new resort themed on Asian culture. Elsewhere in Las Vegas, at The LINQ Promenade, a four-day festival is scheduled for Jan. 27-30. A Jan. 27-29 “Chinese New Year in the Desert” event includes performances, a parade on Fremont Street.
