As Lunar New Year approaches, residents and visitors in New Jersey are gearing up to ring in the Year of the Dragon with festive celebrations and delectable culinary delights. From vibrant parades to mouthwatering feasts, here’s a roundup of the top places and restaurants across the Garden State to usher in the auspicious occasion.
- Chinatown, Jersey City: Experience the energy and excitement of Lunar New Year festivities in Jersey City’s bustling Chinatown district. Join the colorful parade featuring traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, and dazzling fireworks displays. Explore the vibrant street markets offering an array of festive treats, from savory dumplings to sweet rice cakes.
- Fortune Cookies Restaurant, Hoboken: Indulge in a sumptuous Lunar New Year feast at Fortune Cookies Restaurant in Hoboken. Known for its authentic Chinese cuisine and festive ambiance, this eatery offers a tantalizing menu of traditional dishes, including crispy Peking duck, savory lo mein, and succulent steamed fish. Raise a toast to good fortune and prosperity with specialty cocktails and traditional Chinese teas.
- Edison Chinese Cultural Center, Edison: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year at the Edison Chinese Cultural Center. Enjoy live performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and martial arts. Explore the art and craft exhibits featuring intricate paper-cutting, calligraphy, and lantern-making demonstrations. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample delicious street food offerings, including crispy spring rolls, savory scallion pancakes, and sweet sesame balls.
- Golden Palace, Atlantic City: Celebrate Lunar New Year in grand style at Golden Palace, a premier dining destination in Atlantic City. Feast on an extravagant banquet featuring a delectable selection of Cantonese delicacies, including succulent seafood dishes, crispy roast duck, and savory dim sum. Enjoy live entertainment, lucky draws, and festive decorations as you usher in the new year with family and friends.
- Princeton University, Princeton: Join the festivities at Princeton University’s annual Lunar New Year celebration. Experience a cultural extravaganza featuring traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and interactive workshops. Explore the vibrant marketplace offering an array of Asian-inspired crafts, gifts, and culinary delights. Sample mouthwatering delicacies from local vendors and enjoy family-friendly activities for all ages.
- Ming Restaurant, Montclair: Embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of China at Ming Restaurant in Montclair. Treat your taste buds to a festive Lunar New Year menu featuring authentic Sichuan and Hunan dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From spicy kung pao chicken to savory mapo tofu, each dish is expertly crafted to delight the senses and celebrate the spirit of the new year.
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick: Join the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations at Rutgers University’s Douglass Student Center in New Brunswick. Experience the sights and sounds of traditional lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, and interactive workshops. Sample a diverse array of Asian cuisines from local food vendors and enjoy family-friendly activities, games, and crafts.
Whether you’re craving traditional Chinese delicacies, eager to experience cultural performances, or simply looking to soak in the festive atmosphere, Lunar New Year celebrations in New Jersey offer something for everyone. So gather your loved ones, don your finest red attire, and get ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon with joy, prosperity, and good fortune.
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark: Celebrate Lunar New Year in style at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Experience a dazzling showcase of Asian culture through music, dance, and theater performances. From traditional Chinese opera to contemporary fusion, the NJPAC offers a diverse lineup of performances that capture the spirit of the holiday. Enjoy special Lunar New Year-themed events and activities for the whole family, including cultural workshops, art exhibitions, and culinary demonstrations.
- Palisades Park, Bergen County: Join the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations in Palisades Park, known for its vibrant Korean community. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday as the streets come alive with colorful decorations and festive performances. Enjoy traditional Korean drumming, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations. Indulge in Korean street food favorites like spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), savory pancakes (jeon), and sweet honey cookies (yakgwa) from local vendors.
- Asian Food Markets, Various Locations: Explore the bustling Asian food markets scattered throughout New Jersey to stock up on Lunar New Year essentials. From fresh produce and exotic spices to specialty snacks and festive treats, these markets offer a treasure trove of culinary delights to enhance your celebrations. Sample traditional Lunar New Year snacks like crispy shrimp chips, sweet rice cakes, and fragrant dried fruits. Don’t forget to pick up lucky red envelopes (hongbao) and festive decorations to add an auspicious touch to your home.
As Lunar New Year approaches, the diverse array of celebrations and culinary offerings in New Jersey provide ample opportunities to embrace the spirit of the holiday and create cherished memories with family and friends. Whether you’re attending a vibrant parade, enjoying a festive feast at a local restaurant, or exploring cultural events and markets, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in the Year of the Dragon in style.