Gong xi fa cai! Happy new year!
The Chinese or Lunar New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of the new year and the coming of spring in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, Chinese New Year is on February 10, 2024, when the Year of the Dragon will officially begin!
My family was first introduced to Chinese New Year while living in New York City. We attended a few events around the city and learned a little bit about this holiday. We got the full experience once we moved to Singapore, where it is the major holiday of the year. I was immediately caught up in the dances, parades, traditions and foods, and my kids and I became obsessed with the lion dance. The loud drums, the acrobatics and the humor of the dance delighted me and continues to enchant me to this day. It is a truly thrilling event to behold.
In the Knoxville area, there are several Chinese New Year events to attend:
Knoxville Chinese New Year Events
East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival
Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 3:30-6:00pm
James R. Cox Auditorium, Alumni Memorial Bldg, 1408 Middle Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996
Celebrate Chinese New Year with the Knoxville Chinese Culture’s annual festival. It is a family friendly variety show that brings together local Chinese organizations to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. This year’s special guest will be performer Vivian Fang Liu who has performed in New York City, London, Vienna, and toured with various Asian artists around the United States. The event will include a traditional Chinese Dragon dance, singing, martial arts, Chinese dances, and more. Tickets are required and range from $6-$10, and can be purchased on the events website.
Year of the Dragon: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 2:30-3:30pm
Karns Branch Library, 7516 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville 37931
The Karns Branch Library is holding a Lunar New Year celebration this year to welcome in the Year of the Dragon. The program will include learning more about Lunar New Year, meeting a local mooncake baker, arts and crafts and stories. All ages are welcome.
Chinese New Year Event
Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10am-6pm
Sacred Owl and Salt Room, 215 Center Park Dr, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37922
The Sacred Owl and Salt Room is holding a Chinese New Year event this year focused on starting the new year feeling refreshed. They are offering classes in reiki, henna, sound bathing, and creating a love and abundance bowl class. All classes need pre-registration, which can be done on their website. This event is better for teens, college kids, or moms needing some self-care. There is no age restriction, but they ask that kids be old enough to understand how to participate.
