Your guide to Lunar New Year celebrations in D.C.

Washington, D.C. offers a vibrant array of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake on January 29, 2025.

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The festivities commence with the Lunar New Year Family Celebration at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on February 1.

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This free event features dance and musical performances, crafts, and traditional Chinese and Korean art demonstrations.

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On February 2, the annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade will enliven Chinatown. Starting at 2:00 p.m. at 6th and I Streets NW, the parade showcases colorful contingents, traditional performances, and concludes with a spectacular firecracker display.

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The National Museum of Asian Art will host a family festival on January 29, featuring activities dedicated to the Lunar New Year and a themed market from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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Additionally, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two giant pandas from China, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Special events, including a Lunar New Year celebration, are planned to welcome these new residents

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These events offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, providing residents and visitors with meaningful ways to honor the Lunar New Year in the nation's capital.

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