In 2025, we usher in the Year of the Snake. Marking the start of the Lunar New Year, which begins Wednesday, Greater Boston’s celebrations spotlight the cultural arts, traditions, and history of East Asian countries and communities who celebrate. This year, attend Chinatown’s annual parade, shop AAPI makers and artists at pop-up markets, and immerse yourself in art, performances, and history at special museum events and more.
MFA: LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION In honor of the Lunar New Year, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston will spotlight iconic and traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean art pieces from their collections. On Thursday, attendees can make their own art, watch Gund Kwok Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe perform a snake dance to mark the Year of the Snake, and attend a schedule of Spotlight Talks, performances, and demonstrations. Admission is $5 minimum after 5 p.m.
Thursday.
5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.
mfa.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR: YEAR OF THE SNAKE To celebrate the new year, the Newton nonprofit New Art Center and guest artist Jane Kim-Testa will host a variety of activities, including how-tos on making origami snakes, lucky pouches, Chinese calligraphy, and Korean kite coloring. Take home your crafts and creations, and enjoy a performance by the music ensemble of the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association.Free admission.
Feb. 2.
noon-4 p.m.
New Art Center,
61 Washington Park, Newton.
eventbrite.com
CHINESE NEW YEAR LION DANCE PARADE & CULTURAL VILLAGE Head downtown for Chinatown Main Street’s Chinese New Year celebration featuring performances, activities, and a parade. Take part in a variety of arts and crafts, practice origami and learn Chinese calligraphy, and watch the annual Lion Dance Parade! The parade will start at 10 a.m. at Phillips Square and make its way into Chinatown. Free admission. Feb. 9. 11 a.m. Chinatown Trade Center, 2 Boylston St., Boston. chinatownmainstreet.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL AND MARKET AT LYNN MUSEUM Visit this Lunar New Year festival and market to spend some time in communal celebration and support local Asian American small businesses. This afternoon event is hosted by North Shore-based Lucky Knot Arts and will include a vendor market of AAPI creatives and artists and activities, including red envelope decorating and a DIY clay earrings session (with a fee). Free admission. Feb. 8. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Museum at Lynn Museum & Arts Center, 590 Washington St., Lynn. eventbrite.com
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION — DUMPLING PARTY AND KUNG-FU Head to the Loring Greenough House for a kung fu demonstration by the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy of Quincy, followed by a dumpling-making party where attendees can learn how to prepare (and eat) two kinds of traditional dumplings from northern China with culinary pros. Dumpling wrapping class tickets are $30 and can be vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Sunday. Three entry times available between 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The Loring Greenough House, 12 South St., Jamaica Plain.loring-greenough.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR NIGHT MARKET Bow Market will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a courtyard performance by NüWa Lion Dance, an AAPI-maker market at Upstairs at Bow, and food, drink, and shopping specials throughout the hub. Free admission.
Thursday.
5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville.
tickettailor.com
CAMBRIDGE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FOR THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE Hosted by the Chinese American Association of Cambridge, this three-part event features an interactive cultural fair and dance performances, followed by calligraphy sessions and complimentary refreshments. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children in grades K-12, free for ages 5 and younger
.
Sunday.
12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fitzgerald Theatre,
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
, 459 Broadway, Cambridge.
caac-ma.org
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION The Peabody Essex Museum will host special programming in honor of new beginnings, including East Asian art and activities that, this year, center on Chinese history, traditions, and culture. Attendees can go for a “Dragon Quest’’ scavenger hunt throughout the museum, see a live dance performance from the Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, and enjoy drop-in craft sessions, including decorating your own red envelope. Tickets are $25 for adults, free for children under 16.
Feb. 15. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex St., Salem
.
pem.org
Haley Clough can be reached at haley.clough@globe.com. Follow her on Instagram @hcloughjournalism.
