Brooklyn is the prime spot to celebrate Lunar New Year

Embracing the Year of the Monkey!

As Brooklynites gear up for parades and parties, the borough has no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the holiday, the first day of the Lunar New Year whose months are coordinated by the cycles of the moon.

For the second consecutive year, the New Utrecht Public Library, 1743 86th Street, will be hosting its Lunar/Chinese New Year Celebration.The event will feature performances by YZY Chorus group, origami and the Lion Dance. The Friends of the New Utrecht Public Library will sell raffles, refreshments, and various items.

In addition, the Chinese Consulate of New York City is also having a Cultural Exchange featuring Folk Artists from China, Part I & II. Lu Jun, Vice Secretary General, and the Chinese Folk Literature & Art Association will be attending with five folk artists from China.

The annual celebration will be held on Saturday, February 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and again from 1 to 3 p.m. On Monday, February 8 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Part II will take place.

Those looking to celebrate through nature are encouraged to join the Prospect Park Alliance at the Audubon Center and Lefferts Historic House, 101 East Drive, on the Lunar New Year for free and fun winter activities. Kids can explore historic games, nature, crafts and animals. The event will be held on Monday, February 8 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

On Saturday, February 13, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) will be celebrating the Year of The Monkey with a free event that will take place at P.S. 105, 1031 59th Street, from 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Activities and entertainment will include the Lion Dance, martial arts performances, arts and crafts, raffles, family games, a traditional costume contest and dance and music.

Sunset Park knows how to throw a parade. It’s no different with its annual Lunar New Year Parade. Among the day’s free festivities are firecracker displays, confetti, the Lion Dance led by drumming, Kung Fu demonstrations and various other performances. The parade will be held on Sunday, February 14 starting at 11 a.m. at Eighth Avenue and 50th Street.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo is celebrating the Year of the Monkey with two days of special activities to ring in the Lunar New Year. Activities will include a Hao Bang Ah Monkey Puppet Show, Monkey Treats as visitors will make enrichment items that keepers will present to the zoo’s monkeys in celebration of the occasion, a Lunar New Year Zodiac Scavenger Hunt, Calligraphy, Lunar New Year crafts and more.

The festivities take place on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and are free with zoo admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for kids 3-12, free for children under three.

State Senator Marty Golden will host his annual Lunar New Year Celebration at New Utrecht High School, 1601 80th Street, on Sunday, March 6 from 2-5 p.m.

“I am again looking forward to hosting my annual celebration of Lunar New Year which this year recognizes the Year of the Monkey. The event will feature authentic Asian entertainment, including the traditional Lion Dance, Chinese Opera and much more,” Golden said. “This year’s celebration of Lunar New Year will be much more special for all of our local families because the City of New York has finally officially recognized the day.”