How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in (Almost!) Every State

Kelsey Nelson
Feb 06, 2016

We’ve already popped the champagne at midnight, and maybe, just maybe, we’ve managed to hold onto our New Year’s resolutions, but the celebrations aren’t over yet. That’s because the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is right around the corner. Pull out your best Chinese New Year decorations and dig up your fave noodle recipes, because this year we’ve found where you can celebrate the Year of the Monkey all over the USA.

Alabama: The 2016 Chinese New Year Festival in Birmingham promises games, traditional dance and enough food to feel like you’re back at the Thanksgiving table. (Photo via Birmingham Chinese Festival Association)

Alaska: Join the Alaska Chinese Association for a joint Chinese New Year and 40th anniversary party. The party takes place in Anchorage on February 8 and is open to members for $20.

Arizona: The three-day Chinese Culture & Cuisine Festival in Phoenix promises traditional Chinese cuisine and dance, martial art demonstrations and dragon and lion dances.

Arkansas: Calling all students of the University of Arkansas. On February 6, the Chinese Students + Scholars Association will host a celebration of the New Year, free to enrolled students of the Fayetteville campus.

California: Hope you’re ready to party, LA. Head out to the 117th Annual Golden Dragon Parade + Chinese New Year Festival on February 13 (free to the public too!) or enjoy any one of the other events happening, like the Chinatown tour or Chinatown 5K/10K race.

Colorado: Head out to Highland Ranch in Denver for their Chinese New Year event on February 6, featuring on-stage performances, cuisine and fun for all ages.

Connecticut: Spend your day at Lunarfest, a crazy creative event chock full of activities for kids and adults alike. Kick things off with the lion dance parade and then try your hand at dumpling-making, learning a bit of Mandarin or crafting a lantern.

Delaware: On February 20, the Delaware Art Museum will play host to the Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Monkey. Your jam-packed day will include a gallery scavenger hunt, traditional Chinese art activities, calligraphy lessons and more.

Florida: Folks in Orlando can make their way to the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival on February 14 for what could arguably be the most unique V-day date idea. Chinese cuisine, dancing and martial arts are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at this free event. (Photo via Central Florida Dragon Parade)

Georgia: The 2016 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival is a two-day event that promises fantastic ethnic food, arts and crafts and folks songs and dance. Admission is five dollars per person.

Hawaii: In Oahu? First, we’re jealous. Second, head over to Chinatown for their Chinese New Year extravaganza, featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, Kung fu exhibitions and of course, a parade.

Idaho: Idahoans can celebrate at the annual Idaho Chinese New Year Party on February 13 at Brandt Fine Arts and Convocation Center. Admission is eight dollars, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Illinois: Home to one of the nation’s largest Chinatowns, Chicago is filled to the brim with activities to celebrate. Check out the Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade or visit the Garfield Park Conservatory to throw a wish up on their monkey tree. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. (Photo via Choose Chicago)

Indiana: The Indianapolis Chinese Performance Arts presents the Year of the Monkey, a night filled with Chinese music, dances, acrobats and traditional instruments.

Iowa: Any dinner party that pairs wine with each course is a winner in our book. Head over to the Tassel Ridge Winery to enjoy a four-course meal and wine pairings to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

Kansas: Hey K-State students! You can head over to the university on February 7 for their annual New Year celebration. Activities take place from 11am-6pm.

Kentucky: Feeling like tackling a creative DIY? Members of the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington get to make Chinese lanterns and paper fish kites at their annual Chinese New Year event.

Maine: Drawing in over 750 attendees, the Chinese + American Friendship Association’s Chinese New Year Celebration is one of the most anticipated events in Maine each year. Speakers include NY Times best-selling author, Tess Gerritsen, and activities include martial arts, Chinese folk song and dance performances. (photo via CAFAM Maine)

Maryland: Stop by the Lakeforest Mall between February 1-14 to explore traditional decor and exhibits as well as live music on the weekends. Shopping and culture? We’ll take it!

Massachusetts: Join community members in Salem for the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, featuring drop-in art activities, performances and a special peak inside the life of monks.

Michigan: Stop by the Detroit Institute of Art to check out a classical southern style lion dance and demonstrations of a variety of Kung Fu forms. In addition, visitors can browse the more than 2,600 Asian artifacts that call the Institute home.

Minnesota: Head over to the Chinese Dance Theatre and celebrate the New Year by taking in a production of their latest event: One Earth, One Home.

Mississippi: Make your way to Mississippi State University on February 7 to take part in their annual Chinese New Year Gala, featuring a traditional Chinese cuisine dinner and cultural performances. Admission to this event is three dollars.

Missouri: The Acrobats of China is a fast-paced extravaganza to celebrate the New Year. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight parade make this a can’t-miss event.

Montana: The Mai Wah Society in Butte, Montana hosts what Reader’s Digest calls “One of the six most interesting processions in America.” An accompanying art show and reception will be held in tandem on February 13. (Photo via Mai Wah Society)

Nebraska:The Asian Community and Cultural Center in Lincoln will host its annual Lunar New Year event on February 13. This popular event is expected to draw crowds of over 700 guests.

Nevada: What happens at the Spring Festival, stays at the Spring Festival. The Chinese New Year in the Desert event will be held in multiple locations across an entire week. Participants can enjoy everything from parades and fashion shows to mixology demonstrations and ice shavings. (Photo via CNY in the Desert)

New Hampshire: For the second year in a row, the University of New Hampshire plays host to a traditional “Miaohui” or “Temple fair.” Participants can visit different booths and experience everything from rice cake pounding to traditional brush painting.

New Jersey: The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is bringing the heat with their Year of the Monkey performance. You can count on witnessing a magical humanization of the Monkey King. Hello, jaw-dropping costume changes!

New Mexico: Time for a road trip to Albuquerque. Celebrate the holiday at the Chinese Culture Center, where the highlight of the day is the Dance of the Dragon, featuring a sixty-foot Chinese dragon that is operated by 10 people.

New York: You can’t really go wrong celebrating a holiday in the Big Apple, and the Chinese New Year is no exception. Head over to Chinatown on February 14 for one of the largest and most extravagant parades in the country. (Photo via Bryan Thomas/Getty)

North Carolina: The Charlotte Museum of History has been celebrating the New Year since November with their latest exhibition: “Enter the Dragon.” A celebration of the importance of the dragon as an iconic cultural symbol, this exhibit runs through the end of May.

Ohio: Clevelanders unite and make your way to Cleveland State University for the Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring a tea ceremony (so fancy), calligraphy, kung fu and so much more. (Photo via Hanban News)

Oklahoma: Keep things authentic in Oklahoma by grabbing dinner at Pho Lien Hoa in Oklahoma City. Loated in the heart of the Asian District, this restaurant specializes in the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, pho, aka the perfect, low-key way to celebrate the holiday.

Oregon: After being closed for renovations, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is reopening on Feb. 8 in time to celebrate the New Year. Be sure to get there early so you can participate in the traditional “Rolling in the Wealth,” a good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and coins through Lan Su’s front door.

Pennsylvania: If you’re in PA and looking to party, head over to Philadelphia. With events taking place in Philly’s Chinatown from February 6-14, you’re sure to find something that fits your fancy. From lion dances to museum exhibits, they have it all. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation).

Rhode Island: If there’s magic involved, we’re there. The University of Bryant hosts the Chinese New Year event on February 27 and promises martial arts, acrobatics and, yes, magic.

South Carolina: Make your way to the capital city and the South Carolina State Museum to celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner, dancing, live entertainment and a silent auction.

South Dakota: Have kids, or maybe nephews and nieces in grades K-6? We have just the event for you. Help the youngins in your life explore a new culture at the Chinese New Year event at the Adams Museum.

Tennessee: Celebrate with Tennesseans across the state at the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, a two-hour event on February 7 at the University of Tennessee Alumni Memorial Building.

Texas: Time to hit up H-town, Texans. Grab your friends and head over to Houston City Hall for the annual Texas Lunar Festival. The day is jam-packed with musical entertainment from traditional dance to modern jazz.

Utah: The gang’s all here at this celebration. Eighteen Chinese organizations throughout the state of Utah come together to put on the Chinese New Year Celebration, an event that attracts thousands each year.

Vermont: The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont has this event down. The 14th annual Lunar New Year Festival is free and welcome to all. You can count on celebrating the different cultures of Vietnam, Korea and China at this party.

Virginia: They do say Virginia is for lovers. We’re guessing that’s why their annual Chinese New Year Celebration, featuring entertainment and crazy amounts of food, is taking place on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Washington: On Saturday, February 13, make your way to Hing Hay Park for a Lunar New Year celebration that boasts itself as the largest event in the region. Try your hand at martial arts or check out traditional lion dances.

West Virginia: The Lantern Festival Party on February 13 is hosted by the Chinese Professionals Association of West Virginia. With performances and dinner offered, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Wisconsin: The entire community is welcome to join the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as they celebrate the year of the monkey on February 20. The annual Chinese New Year Gala will feature community performances and dragon dances.

Wyoming: Grab the kids and head to the Paul Smith Children’s Village for an exploration of the Chinese New Year. Kids and parents alike will learn about the Lunar New Year and the meaning behind the Year of the Monkey.

Are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Tweet us your plans @BritandCo!

(Editor’s Note: Brit + Co was unable to find events in Louisiana and North Dakota at the time of publication.)

Hilary Duff Is Housing Mandy Moore & Family During LA Fires: "Altadena Strong."

Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dawes (@dawestheband)

After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm)

The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.

celebrity newscelebrity

12 "Outdated" Kitchen Trends You Should Ditch In 2025 (But You Probably Have)

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

Amazon

8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

Shutterstock

9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

Shutterstock

10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

Check out our online newsletter for more home decor inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

kitchen trendsoutdated kitchenoutdated decorkitchen designhome decor trendshome decor ideashome decor

30 Easy & Low-Carb Dinner Recipes For Your Whole30 Month

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

alfredo saucedinnergrilled chicken saladhealthy eatinginstant pot salmon dinnerpaleorecipe roundupsweet potato egg boatwhole 30 dinnerwhole 30 dinner ideaswhole 30 dinner recipeswhole 30 dinnerswhole 30 mealswhole 30 recipeswhole30whole30 dinner recipeswhole30 dinnerswhole30 recipesketo vegan alfredo zoodleshealthy dinner recipesdinner recipeshealthy recipes