Embracing the Year of the Dragon: A Guide to Celebrating Chinese New Year 2024 in Hawaii

a crowd watching a dragon dancing performance

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, families across Oahu are gearing up to celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. This vibrant and culturally rich festival is a time for joy, tradition, and exciting festivities. If you’re wondering where to ring in the Lunar New Year in 2024, we’ve got you covered with a guide to the best events and activities in Hawaii.

Market City Shopping Center

Saturday, January 27, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Enjoy a vibrant celebration with Taiko Drummers, Lion Dancers, Fire Crackers, and Fortune Cookies. Look out for lucky fortunes in the cookies for a chance to win a gift certificate for Market City Shopping Center!

For more information, please visit marketcityhawaii.com.

Kahala Mall

Sunday, January 28, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Kahala Mall! Join in the festivities and see the Miss Chinatown court, a martial arts demonstration, and a thrilling pole jumping exhibition by Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association. Feed the lions for good luck afterward!

Sunday, February 4, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Master calligrapher Ina Chang will create Chinese New Year blessings on special rice paper for customers, while supplies last.

For more information, please visit kahalamallcenter.com.

Chinatown Cultural Plaza

Friday, February 2, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Saturday, February 3, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Enjoy two days of festivities, food, and celebration at Chinatown Cultural Plaza as we welcome the Year of the Dragon!

For more information, please visit chinesechamber.com.

2024 Night in Chinatown Festival & Lunar New Year Parade

Saturday, February 3, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Join Chinatown 808 for a family-friendly festival in Honolulu’s Historic Chinatown, celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year. The parade starts at the Hawaii State Capitol lawn, marching through Hotel Street to Night in Chinatown Festival along Beretania Street and A’ala Park. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great opportunity to learn and celebrate Chinese culture. Invite your loved ones for a memorable Chinese New Year celebration.

For more information, please visit chinatown808.com.

Hawaii Kai Towne Center

Saturday, February 3, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Enjoy a captivating Traditional Chinese Lion Dance and Martial Arts Demo by Wahn Gailion Dance, with special appearances by the Miss Chinatown HI court! Follow the Chinese Lions as they bless the tenants at Hawaii Kai Towne Center!

For more information, please visit hawaiikaitownecenter.com.

Town Center of Mililani

Saturday, February 3, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Enjoy giveaways, keiki craft activities, music, and dancing. Get a Year of the Dragon Plush Toy (while supplies last) and let the keiki make Dragon Paper Puppets and participate in a Year of the Dragon Coloring Activity. Don’t miss the Martial Arts Demonstration & Chinese Lion Dance by the Asian Lion Dance Team and an appearance by Miss Chinatown Hawaii Court Members.

For more information, please visit towncenterofmililani.com.

Children’s Discovery Center

Saturday, February 10, 10:30 am

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a kid-friendly lion dance by the Kuo Min Tang Physical Culture Association. Join in New Year’s crafts and games in Your Rainbow World gallery.

For more information, please visit discoverycenterhawaii.com.

SALT at Our Kaka‘ako

Saturday, February 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for a lively Lunar New Year celebration at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako. Festivities begin at 11 am with a martial arts demo and a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Asian Lion Dance Team. You can also capture a special moment with the 2024 Miss Chinatown Hawaii and the 2024 Miss Hawaii Chinese 1st Princess!

For more information, please visit saltatkakaako.com.

International Market Place

Saturday, February 10, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm

Celebrate Year of the Dragon with lion dancing, calligraphy, stargazing and more!

For more information, please visit shopinternationalmarketplace.com.

Ala Moana Center

Saturday, February 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Experience over 20 lion dancers spreading good luck and collecting lai see (red envelopes) from stores and restaurants at Ala Moana Center. At 5:00 pm, stop by Centerstage for a Lion Pole Jumping and Dragon Dance!

Sunday, February 18, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Stop by the Ewa Wing Stage and meet master calligrapher Ina Chang. Receive a complimentary hand-lettered good luck fortune. First come, first served.

For more information, please visit alamoanacenter.com.

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