Amazing North American Destinations to Spend Chinese New Year

If you’ve never had the chance to join in the Chinese New Year festivities before, you will be in for a treat as this vibrant celebration is absolutely bursting with energy and well worth joining in. Following the lunar calendar, the annual event typically falls at the end of January or early February, and as a result, we’ve curated a shortlist of the five best North American cities that are famous for celebrating the Chinese and Lunar New Year that you need to see.

Start the Chinese New Year in Style in San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s Chinatown’s claim to fame is that it is the oldest in North America and has been the focal point of celebrating the annual event as far back as the mid-1800s. Here, the streets of San Francisco always come alive with jaw-dropping dragon parades, firecrackers, and fully immersive cultural performances, which are great fun for the whole family.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco during the Chinese New Year festival, be sure to head down to the iconic Chinese Culture Center to witness the spectacular Chinatown parade before tasting the traditional delicacies at the bustling night markets. Perhaps one of the best Chinese New Year traditions in the US is to break open a fortune cookie, which you can find at the fabulous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Make the most of Lunar New Year in San Francisco by booking your stay at The Cartwright Hotel – Union Square, BW Premier Collection.

Celebrate the Flair of the Lunar New Year in New York, New York

Heading to the East Coast and our next top destination to celebrate the Chinese New Year in North America finds us in Manhattan’s Chinatown, which has celebrated the Lunar New Year for over 100 years. Every year, New York becomes a hub for those who enjoy ringing in the Chinese New Year as the streets of Chinatown fill with a wealth of colourful displays which accompany the lion dances and musical performances reflecting New York’s rich multicultural energy.

Certainly, one of the best things to do in Chinatown during the Lunar New Year celebrations is to head to the legendary Jing Fong restaurant to sample their mouth-watering dim sum and Cantonese cuisine. Outside of Chinatown, families can also catch a spectacular performance at the Flushing Lunar New Year Festival in Queens, where mythical dragons and captivating dancers dazzle the crowds, accompanied by the precision drumming of its colourful drummers on parade.

Soak up New York’s epic Lunar New Year atmosphere with a stay at the Best Western Plus Soho Hotel.

Join the Lion Dancers and Lanterns Parades in Vancouver, British Columbia.

We head north of the border for the first time by heading to Vancouver’s Chinatown in British Columbia, Canada, which has hosted Chinese New Year festivities since the 1940s. One of the best things to do in Vancouver for the Lunar New Year has to be attending the entertaining lion and dragon parades, which include marching bands as hundreds of performers entertaining the crowds each year.

Whether you’re visiting with friends or taking the family away for a Chinese New Year-inspired vacation, be sure to take the time to wander through Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden before enjoying a Chinese tea ceremony. While you’re in Vancouver, make sure you also head over to LunarFest, which is home to a range of stunning lantern displays and live performances, while the Chinese Canadian Museum is brilliantly engaging with its stellar New Year crafts and exhibitions.

Experience Vancouver’s festive Lunar New Year spirit by booking your accommodation at the Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conf. Centre.

Experience the Chinese New Year in Toronto, Ontario

Staying in Canada, our next top destination in North America to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Chinese New Year is Toronto, Ontario, which is celebrated across several neighborhoods, with Chinatown at its heart. Packed full of glittering parades, cultural performances, and culinary delights, the city’s main attractions include the lion and dragon dances during the two weeks of festivities.

Must-see events when visiting Toronto for the Lunar New Year include the Yee Hong Dragon Ball gala, culminating in the Toronto Spring Festival, which culminates in a spellbinding fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square. For the foodies among you, make sure you also make a beeline to DaiLo restaurant, to try its star dish – their delectable Truffle Hainanese Chicken.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in comfort by booking the Best Western Premier Toronto Airport Carlingview Hotel in Toronto.

Ring in the Lunar New Year in Houston, Texas

Our final top tip for the best places to celebrate the Lunar New Year is among the vivid festivals and night markets of Houston, Texas, which is well known for embracing the city’s diverse Asian communities. Ideal for solo travelers or those sharing the experience with friends and family, where better to celebrate the Lunar New Year than at Space Center Houston, which features countless festive interactive activities for children and adults alike.

Alternatively, you may want to celebrate the Chinese New Year under the Houston skyline downtown in Market Square Park. Not only will you be able to marvel at the incredible Lion and Dragon dancers on show, but you’ll also sample the customary delicacies of dumplings and longevity noodles on offer at the superb street food stalls that spring up as part of Houston’s Chinese New Year festivities.

Cap off the perfect Lunar New Year getaway by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus Sugar Land/Stafford.