Lunar New Year Family Festival!
January 21, 2023, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
It’s almost time tù (兔) celebrate! Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with an afternoon of festivities for the whole family— hop, skip, or jump on over!
Free admission. Click here to RSVP!
If your plans have changed and you are no longer able to attend the event, please cancel your reservation to ensure adequate space for others.
Due to the limited capacity of the museum and efforts to adhere to safety guidelines, families may have to wait to enter the museum during peak times. RSVP required, RSVP does not guarantee entry.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Performances, Demonstrations, & More!
The Mane Event: A Lion Dance Performance with the United East Athletics Association – LOBBY, 2:45 PM
Kick off the Festival with a dazzling southern lion dance by the United East Athletics Association lion dance troupe. Move to the rhythm of the drumbeat and learn just what it takes to be the head and tail of the lion— you’ll even get to learn a move or two! Afterwards, sneak a peek inside the lion costume!
La Mian for Longevity: A Noodle Pulling Demo with Chef Lian – LOBBY, 3:30 PM
Noodles have a long history in many cultures, but the world’s oldest noodles were found in China, over 4,000 years ago! Noodles symbolize long life during the New Year. Watch and learn from expert noodle puller Chef Lian, owner of New Spicy Village, as he demonstrates the art of pulling long life noodles, an especially auspicious New Year’s tradition.
Captivating Confections: A Dragon’s Beard Candy Making Demonstration with Chef Chris Cheung – LOBBY, 4:30 PM
Legend has it that Dragon’s Beard Candy—a sweet, hand-pulled confection with threads so fine it resembles a dragon’s beard— was invented during the Han Dynasty to entertain and delight the Emperor. Watch as chef Chris Cheung, owner of East Wind Snack Shop and author of Damn Good Chinese Food, stretches sugar into 12,000 fine threads of Dragon’s Beard Candy. Then try a sample to usher in a sweet new year. Books will be available for purchase. A book signing will follow the demonstration.
Meet & Greet with Author Michele Wong McSween – LEARNING CENTER, 3:30 PM
Hop on over to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with Gordon, Li Li, and Brooklyn-based author Michele Wong McSween for a special Mandarin lesson featuring your favorite panda cousins, Gordon & Li Li. Michele will read from her bilingual book, Gordon & Li Li Celebrate Chinese New Year, where children and adults will learn first words in English and Mandarin inspired by the New Year. Think good luck foods, decorations, festive greetings and more! Best for children ages 3-5. Older and younger siblings welcome. Books and plushies will be available for purchase. A book signing will follow the reading!
Legends Storytime with Ya Ya Preschool – LEARNING CENTER, 4:15 PM
Join this special bilingual storytime with Ya Ya Preschool to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Listen to the legend of the Nian monster in Mandarin and English, and learn why people put up red decorations during Lunar New Year. It’s a perfect opportunity for grownups and children to celebrate the Lunar New Year, sing, and move around with their little ones while picking up a word or two in Mandarin!
Whirling, Twirling Ribbons: Ribbon Dance Workshop** – CLASSROOM, 3:30 & 4:15 PM
Watch an elegant ribbon dance by dancer and choreographer Mei-Yin Ng, founder of the Laurel Project, and then craft a simple ribbon of your own and learn how to make it twirl through the air! Audience participation encouraged!
Sounds of the New Year** – CLASSROOM, 5:00 PM
Delight in the classical sounds of the erhu 二胡 performed by an acclaimed musician from the New York Chinese Cultural Center. Learn the sounds and symbolism of one of the oldest instruments in the world!
The Great Race Gallery Hunt – Meets in the LOBBY, 3PM & 5PM
In celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, hop to and fro and follow the riddles scattered high and low throughout the gallery to find some of your favorite fluffy friends!
New Year Nibbles* – DOWNSTAIRS RECEPTION, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Munch on sweet, bite-sized treats courtesy of My San, Leslie’s, and Golden Fortune, while you learn how each one brings flavor and fortune to the New Year. We’ll also be brewing several types of piping hot tea which are just perfect for Lunar New Year, generously provided by Harney & Sons.
Drop-In Arts & Crafts | 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Lucky Lions – CPC
Shoo away bad luck by creating your very own lion mask from cardstock, metallic paper, pom poms, and more. Move its eyes and mouth just like a lion dancer!
Red Envelope Art with Teaching Artist Yu Rong – CPC
Every Lunar New Year, kids are gifted red envelopes, or hóng bāo 红包, filled with lucky money or chocolate coins. Make your mark by designing a red envelope to add to our lucky money tree. Don’t forget to add a special new years’ wish for your loved ones.
All Ears – CPC
Listen up—it’s the Year of the Rabbit! Decorate and don your very own big bunny ears in honor of this year’s zodiac animal.
*While supplies last.
**Space is limited.
Please note: your safety, and that of our team, continue to be our top priority, so at this time masks are required for all staff and all visitors age 2 and over. Click here for more information on MOCA’s visitor guidelines and safety protocols. Due to the limited capacity of the museum and efforts to adhere to safety guidelines, families may have to wait to enter the museum during peak times.
Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually as we explore the customs and traditions behind Lunar New Year with arts & crafts, activity downloads, and more family fun!
MOCA’s Family Festival Series is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
Immense gratitude to MOCA partner, the New York Chinese Cultural Center.
Tea has been generously donated by Harney & Sons.
