Montgomery County, Maryland is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, and just over 15% of our residents are Asian American, making Lunar New Year an important part of our community. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the 15-day holiday this year.
Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than a billion people in and descending from Asian countries, including China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 2023 marks the Year of the Rabbit, except in Vietnam and Vietnamese communities, where the Year of the Cat is celebrated.
The City of Rockville’s Lunar New Year Celebration is back in person this year at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Enjoy cultural performances, interactive displays, activities for kids, and to-go bento boxes (while supplies last). The event is organized in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force and is a source of pride for the city’s Asian community, as well as an educational opportunity for neighbors to learn about Asian culture.
Join the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Westfield Montgomery. Take in a traditional dragon dance, exhibits, and performances curated by CCACC.
Head over to the Gaithersburg Community Museum for drop-in activities, including fun crafts and rabbit sightings courtesy of the Montgomery County 4-H Rabbit Club.
Partake in the old-fashioned art of verbal storytelling at Quince Orchard Library’s Story Swap, featuring rabbit stories and Asian folktales for the holiday. Anyone may tell a tale, and listeners of all ages are welcome.
The Lunar New Year Celebration at Chevy Chase Library is a family-focused event for children ages four and up, plus their adults. Hear bilingual English and Chinese stories, learn a Chinese dance, and make a Chinese lantern. Attendance will be limited at this event, so plan to arrive at the library 30 minutes early to get your free tickets from the information desk.
Lunar New Year, or Tết as it is called in Vietnamese, is typically marked with large family feasts, sweets, vibrant décor, colorful traditional Vietnamese dress, games, and community togetherness. The Lunar New Year pop-up menu at Muối Tiêu’s Vietnamese food truck at the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op will take care of the feasting part of the celebrations with a mouthwatering selection.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Support Montgomery County’s many other Asian restaurants, bakeries, and bubble tea shops during Lunar New Year. The community—and your taste buds—will thank you!
