Celebrate The Year of the Snake On Chinese New Year
By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 3, 2013 4:00PM
If you've already abandoned your New Year's resolutions, try embracing Chinese New Year next Sunday, February 10. Traditionally a 15-day festival, Chinese New Year celebrates ridding oneself of the previous year's bad chi, warding off any lurking beasts with loud noises, and welcoming peace and prosperity in the upcoming year. 2013 (or 4711 in the Chinese lunisolar calendar) is the Year of the Snake, associated with cunning, intuition and intelligence.
Usher in the Year of the Snake all over town with one of these Chinese New Year celebrations.
Chinese New Year at Bloomingdales: February 7-10
Bloomingdale’s Michigan Avenue (900 North Michigan Avenue) and Medinah Temple (600 North Wabash Avenue) locations offer a lineup of events including Chinese music, food demonstrations, dance, and painting in addition to popup shops highlighting designer apparel focused on Chinese culture.
Chinese New Year's Eve: February 9
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (238 West 23rd Street) teams up with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 North Cannon Drive) to showcase the Year of the Snake. The Nature Museum will offer a special venomous snakes exhibit from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ($9 adults; $6 children). Head to the Chinese American Museum for a deconstruction of the traditional lion dance from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. ($12).
Chinese New Year Kick-off at Daley Plaza: February 11
Chicago-area artists kick off the New Year in Daley Plaza (50 West Washington Street) with Chinese dance and folk music performances. 12 p.m. - 1p.m; Free
Argyle Street Chinese New Year Parade: February 16
Traditional dragon dances, lion dances, elaborate floats, martial arts teams and a marching band ring in the New Year at the Argyle Street parade. The route runs from Argyle to Sheridan, Sheridan to Lawrence to Broadway and back to Argyle. 1 p.m.
Chinese Lunar New Year Parade: February 17
Chinatown's biggest celebration features include marching bands, floats, lion teams, a 100' Mystical Dragon, and Miss Friendship Ambassador. The parade route runs down Wentworth from 24th to 22nd. 1 p.m.
Adler After Dark: February 21
The Chinese New Year edition of Adler Planetarium’s (1300 South Lake Shore Drive) After Dark series celebrates Chinese astronomy traditions. Presented in partnership with the Chinese Fine Arts Society, entertainment includes Chinese Lion Dancers, musicians, ribbon dancers and martial artists as well as a Chinese Marketplace. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m; 21 and up; $12 advanced purchase, $9 students and Adler members, $17 at the door
Lantern Festival Celebration at Navy Pier: February 24
The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier (600 East Grand Avenue) will host a New Year Marketplace with items made by local Chinese artisans. An interactive area offers kids the chance to try their hand at Chinese craft art. 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Free