Travelling to another country during a time of celebration is always special, and the USA doesn’t disappoint when it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations. Throughout the country you’ll find parades, great food and the chance to spend time with loved ones, but our top three places to spend Chinese New Year provide some of the best celebrations around.
Taking place on 28th January, 2017, Chinese New Year is traditionally about relaxing after a year of hard work, spending time with family and wishing for luck and a prosperous new year. Beforehand, New Year’s Eve plays host to a reunion dinner, where multiple generations dine together.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebrations start on 21st January and go right through to 19th February, 2017, with the main parade taking place on 11th February. These celebrations are especially worth visiting, as San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is the oldest and largest of its kind in the USA.
It all kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and procession starting at St. Mary’s Square in the heart of the city. The following days and weeks see a flower market fair, Miss Chinatown USA Pageant, street markets, Chinese New Year 5K and 10K runs and, of course, the main parade.
The parade is a huge night-time illuminated celebration, and one of the largest night illuminations in the USA. It dates back to 1860 and has always served to educate local communities, while its existence as one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China is testament to its success.
Nearest San Francisco Alamo Rent A Car: San Francisco Airport
New York City, New York
The city of New York is incredibly diverse, with the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. With no fewer than three Chinatowns across New York City, each with their own parade, it’s is a fun place to visit if you love a bustling street party, with plenty to see and do. In 2017, New York City will welcome the Year of the Rooster with a main parade through Chinatown, Manhattan, which will take place on 5th February.
While you’re exploring the area, look out for Chatham Square’s statue of Lin Zexu, a Qing Dynasty official, and admire the area around Chatham Square, where Martin Scorsese filmed much of his masterpiece film, Gangs of New York. The other two parades can be found in the Chinatowns in Queens and Brooklyn, and both of which have equally lively celebrations.
Nearest New York City Alamo Rent A Car: Manhattan East
Chicago, Illinois
With celebrations starting on 28th January and lasting until 12th February, Chicago celebrates its cultural Chinese traditions in style. Events take place throughout the city, from parades, live music, shopping discounts and special events at local businesses, such as a dumpling making dinner at Hing Kee Restaurant.
For an immersive cultural experience, the Art Institute of Chicago hosts a brilliant event, with dancing, live art demonstrations, guided-tours and a performance by the National Peking Opera Company.
Nearest Chicago Alamo Rent A Car: Chicago
Explore the many Chinese New Year celebrations taking place across the USA with Alamo Rent A Car.
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