Chinese and Vietnamese New Year celebrations are popular in Seattle and surrounding cities, bringing festive fun to the chilly, wet winter months. The Seattle area is diverse, filled with cultures from around the globe; notably, Asians make up nearly 15% of the city’s population. This cultural richness contributes to Seattle’s unique character and the vibrancy of its Lunar New Year celebrations, which are highly recommended to explore.

Lunar New Year at Chinatown-International District

The largest Lunar New Year event in the Seattle area takes place in the Chinatown-International District at Hing Hay Park. This event showcases a variety of Asian cultural expressions, including exhilarating lion dances, traditional performances from the Philippines and China, Japanese Taiko drumming, and even lively Bollywood dancing. A highlight is the delightful spectrum of culinary treats available for tasting from local restaurants. Many establishments in the area commonly open their doors for the celebration, offering affordable samples of their menu items. This vibrant event is completely free to the public.

When: February 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tet Festival at Seattle Center

The Tet Festival is a prominent Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration held at Seattle Center as part of the Festal series. This culturally rich event features a myriad of performances, including music and dance, along with food, beverages, crafts, and vendor booths. Admission is free, making it an accessible way to engage with the Vietnamese cultural heritage.

When: January 26-27

Lunar New Year at the Bellevue Collection

The Bellevue Collection also hosts a festive Lunar New Year celebration, characterized by music, dance, food, and engaging activities. One of the notable aspects of this celebration is that it primarily occurs indoors, providing a comfortable setting. Participants can learn about Chinese calligraphy, create greeting cards, or enjoy coloring activities while featuring a vibrant Chinese Lion and Dragon Parade. Entry to the event is free.

When: February 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Lunar New Year by Tacoma’s Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Tacoma’s Asia Pacific Cultural Center is home to the largest Lunar New Year party in the South Sound, hosted at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. Attendees can anticipate an impressive 90+ booths that offer a diverse array of food, fun activities, games, and live entertainment. Much like the celebration in Chinatown-International District, this event infuses different Asian cultural influences, with entertainment reflecting a focus on Hawaii in 2019, alongside performances from regions such as China, Japan, and Thailand. The event is free to attend.

When: February 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Monkeyshines

Monkeyshines is a beloved annual event taking place around the same time as the Lunar New Year. During this community treasure hunt, skilled glassblowers create hundreds to thousands of exquisite hand-blown glass medallions and orbs that are then hidden throughout Tacoma. Residents and visitors eagerly participate in the search, keeping one piece of art if found. Note that the date of the event isn’t formally announced; instead, it spreads through community word-of-mouth and the Monkeyshines Facebook page.

When: The specific timing is shared informally within the community.

Seattle Art Museum

Each February, the Seattle Art Museum presents a free family-friendly Lunar New Year event that is dedicated to the zodiac animal of the year—in 2019, it is the pig. The celebration includes live music, martial arts demonstrations, family tours of the galleries, and various art activities suitable for all ages. Although the event is free, RSVPs are encouraged, which can be completed here.

When: February 2, 2019, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.