Year of the Tiger | A Guide to Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year in and around Chicago with colorful parades, cultural celebrations, and dining specials. This centuries-old tradition aligns with the arrival of a new moon between the dates of February 1st through the 15th, resulting in two full weeks of festivities. From dim sum in Chinatown to virtual movie screenings--there are a number of ways to usher in the Year of the Tiger.
Year of the Tiger Fun Facts
If you were born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, or 1986 you were born during the Year of the Tiger.
Famous people born during Tiger years include Queen Elizabeth II, Christopher Lloyd, Stevie Wonder, Martin Short, Jon Bon Jovi, Leonardo DiCaprico, Penelope Cruz, and Lady Gaga.
Those born under the Tiger are extremely competitive people, known for their courage and ambition. Tigers are ambitious, but they’re also extremely generous with a drive to help others.
Parades and Events
Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 5, 2022 - Argyle Street
The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the Lunar New Year with their annual parade, featuring community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers.
Chinatown New Year Parade
Sunday, February 13, 2022 - Chinatown
Welcome the Year of the Tiger with traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and more during this colorful celebration.
Chinese New Year Virtual Celebration
Saturday, February 2, 2022 - Virtual
Join the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for a virtual event in welcoming and celebrating the Year of the Tiger. Festivities include musical performances, lion dance, and much more.
88 Marketplace
Chinatown
Taste your way through 88 Marketplace, a gigantic Chinese grocery store stocked with all kind of imported food and beverages, with sales on select items for the Lunar New Year
Taste of Chinatown Walking Tour
January 14 — February 28, 2022 - Chinatown
This local tour group has put together a perfect sampling tour of Chicago’s diverse Chinatown neighborhood, with bites from all types of regional cuisine.
Chinese New Year at Navy Pier
Saturday, February 5, 2022 - Chicago
Browse vendors, enjoy fun, festive, and interactive arts and crafts, food, and more!
Chinese Films Streaming Series
February 1 — February 15, 2022 - Virtual
Asian Pop-up Cinema presents the Happy Chinese New Year Chinese Films Free Streaming.
Free Film Screenings
Saturday, February 12, 2022 - River East
Asian Pop-up Cinema presents two free in-person screenings of the Hong Kong film All You Need is Love, a light-hearted comedy starring a who’s who of Hong Kong cinema. Admission is free, RSVP is required.
Order Take Out
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Chinatown, Chicago
QXY specializes in soup dumplings filled with everything from pork and lamb to premium ingredients like lobster and sea urchin.
Lao Peng You
West Town, Chicago
This West Town outpost serves exceptional dumplings and noodles available two ways — cold or in soups.
MCCB
Chinatown, Chicago
Modern Chinese Cook Book offers a contemporary approach to Sichuan cuisine.
Little Lan’s
Winnetka, Illinois
This eatery serves Mandarin & Sichuan dishes, from pan-fried dumplings to garlic beef.
Chinese Palace
Barrington, Illinois
Order take-out from one of Barrington’s best.
Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum
Chinatown, Chicago
Chicago’s oldest traditional Chinese bakery is home to a world of sweet and savory delights, like their famous BBQ pork buns.
Sun Wah BBQ
Uptown, Chicago
Try the Peking duck feast at this beloved Uptown eatery.
Minghin Cuisine
Chinatown, Chicago
One of Chicagoland’s most well-known Chinese restaurants, this must-have now has six locations.
Lao Sze Chuan
Evanston, Illinois
Often rated amount the best in Chicagoland, Lao Sze Chuan serves up authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Jade Dragon
Hinsdale, Illinois
Take your pick from their selection of Szechwan, Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine.