Originally Published by MyMCMedia on 01/19/2023
Written by: Michelle Queen

The Lunar New Year – also commonly known as Chinese New Year – begins Sunday, Jan. 22 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit. Lunar New Year is considered the most important holiday in China, and is celebrated in both North and South Korea as well as Vietnam. The new year celebrations traditionally last for 16 days starting from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.

Here’s how to celebrate Lunar New Year in our area:

Lunar new Year Celebration | The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, a Gaithersburg-based nonprofit that promotes the appreciation of Chinese heritage, hosts the Lunar New Year Festival in collaboration with the Westfield Montgomery Mall. Enjoy a traditional dragon dance, exhibits and performances on Saturday, Jan. 22 and 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Rockville Lunar New Year Celebration | The event is organized with the help of Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force and includes performances, interactive displays, activities for kids, and to-go bento boxes. The celebration takes place Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Performances will begin at 11 a.m.

Gaithersburg Lunar New Year Drop-in Activity | Explore the Lunar New year with a craft at the Gaithersburg Community Museum on Saturday Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The local 4-H Club will bring their rabbits to the event.

Rockville Lantern Festival  | The Rockville Sister Cities Corporation organizes this family-friendly event which features the Dragon Dance, cultural performances, activities, story telling and a photo booth on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville.

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