This is one of New York's great neighborhood spectacles — a parade that belongs completely to its community and welcomes everyone into it. The dragon and lion dance troupes are the real deal, performing door-to-door blessings all afternoon. And no parade in the city has a better post-event meal within a one-block radius.
What to expect
Dense, cheerful crowds several rows deep along Mott, Canal and East Broadway; about two hours of parade units; confetti everywhere; and lion dancers continuing to perform at restaurants and shops well after the parade ends. Streets close early and the area stays packed into the evening.
Good to know
- Steps off 1pm, Sunday February 21, 2027 — two weeks after Lunar New Year's Day
- Claim a curbside spot on Mott or Canal by noon for a front-row view
- Confetti poppers are sold everywhere along the route — cash helps
- Many restaurants take no reservations that day; expect waits after the parade
- Take the 6/J/N/Q/R/W/Z to Canal St; street closures make buses and cars useless
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Common questions
How is this different from the Feb 6 firecracker event?
The Feb 6 ceremony marks New Year's Day itself in Sara D. Roosevelt Park; this Feb 21 parade is the big costumed procession through Chinatown's streets that closes the celebration period.
How long does the parade last?
Typically around two hours of marching units, though festivities in the neighborhood continue well into the evening.
