National Museum of Asian Art
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Honor the turn of the calendar with these Lunar New Year activities and events in DC.
The Smithsonian's free National Museum of Asian Art, known for an extensive collection of vibrant and colorful Asian art, rings in the Year of the Horse with an array of programming, including a Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 21.
Free Admission
Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
From Feb. 16-28, honor the resilience and unity of the DC community by gathering in Chinatown for a collection of Lunar New Year events (participants even have the opportunity to win gift cards). These cards are specifically intended to help you shop and dine at local Chinatown businesses, ensuring that the spirit of prosperity and good fortune directly supports the neighborhood's legacy shops and restaurants. The series of events includes a Culture Walk, Lion Dances, activations all over the neighborhood and the triumphant annual parade at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22.
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As you walk through the bustling streets of Penn Quarter/Chinatown, you'll feel the energy of one of DC's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. CityCenterDC provides high-end shopping and dining in an open-air setting, quality restaurants are abundant and museums are concentrated in historic locations in the neighborhood. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are housed in the same building, with the National Gallery of Art a short walk away. You can also check out a play at Ford’s Theatre or Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Tip: Look closely at the sidewalk bricks to find carvings of zodiac signs.
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Ring in the Lunar New Year with a festive meal in Washington, DC. A quintessential dining destination, Chinatown is home to restaurants, markets and food halls reflecting a variety of Asian cuisines. Luna Hall contains everything from dim sum to Asian-French fusion pastries, while special holiday menus provide an exclusive way to celebrate citywide.
The Kennedy Center offers a plethora of digital programming focused on the Lunar New Year, including performances from past celebrations, on its website. Enjoy videos and an array of virtual learning options from DC's most beloved cultural institution.
