
Think the New Year’s celebrations for 2012 ended when the last fireworks fizzled out and confetti was swept up on January 1? Think again. In Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown enclave, the party is just getting started. Considered the most important holiday of the year for the Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year celebration brings hundreds of thousands of revelers to the streets of Chinatown to soak in the lively atmosphere and colorful displays of their annual Chinese New Year Parade.
The 2012 Lunar New Year celebration not only marks the Year of the Dragon, but also marks the 100th Anniversary of Chicago's Chinatown. The parade steps off at Wentworth and 24th at 1pm on Sunday, January 29, and promises a dazzling array of marching bands, floats, dance teams, and, of course, a traditional paper dragon made out of silk, paper, and bamboo. Additional activities start as early as 11:30am.
After the parade, follow the crowds as they take the party into some of the neighborhood’s most popular eateries, including favorites like Three Happiness (209 W. Cermak; 312/842-1964) and Phoenix Restaurant (2131 S. Archer; 312/328-0848).
The 2012 Lunar New Year celebration not only marks the Year of the Dragon, but also marks the 100th Anniversary of Chicago's Chinatown. The parade steps off at Wentworth and 24th at 1pm on Sunday, January 29, and promises a dazzling array of marching bands, floats, dance teams, and, of course, a traditional paper dragon made out of silk, paper, and bamboo. Additional activities start as early as 11:30am.
After the parade, follow the crowds as they take the party into some of the neighborhood’s most popular eateries, including favorites like Three Happiness (209 W. Cermak; 312/842-1964) and Phoenix Restaurant (2131 S. Archer; 312/328-0848).