Here’s where to ring in the Year of the Snake in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29 and ends Feb. 12. From parades and festivals to crafts and prizes, here’s a look a how Philly is ringing in the Year of the Snake.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, Ember & Ash and EMei will host a Chinese New Year Feast. The community, family-style dinner starts at 5: 30 p.m. There will be snacks, five fusion courses and two desserts.

Through Friday, Feb. 1, South Philly restaurant Kampar will have a special tasting menu showcasing centuries of Chinese-Malaysian food traditions and ingredients symbolic of the festival.

You can also sign up to take a tour with local foodies familiar with Chinatown’s dining scene or check out some places on your own at visitphilly.com.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, the Philadelphia Suns will perform a dragon dance outside Reading Terminal Market.

Looking for some free family fun? Why not head to the Fashion District from 1-2 p.m.? There will be Chinese lion dancers, kids crafts, photo opportunities, and some special deals from participating shops.

Festivities will also be in full force at the Rail Park — refreshments, activities, waist drumming, tai chi and a lion dance performance. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is recommended.

And later in the day, from 5-7 p.m., there will be a free dumpling workshop, red envelope giveaways and a free Electrical Spectacle Light Show at Dilworth Park.

"We'll have collagraphy, the first 100 guests will receive a lucky red envelope that has secret prizes. We also have crafts for kids. Right at 5:30, we will have the Kun-Yang Lin Dancers coming back to do a traditional performance," said Giavana Pruiti with the Center City District.

A Lunar New Year parade will kick off on Feb. 2 at 11 a.m. Led by The Philadelphia Suns, there will be music, lion dancing, drumming and firecrackers — all meant to bring good luck to the community.

Through Feb. 9, Live! Casino and Hotel will have a limited-edition Lunar New Year menu. And on Feb. 1, they will host a traditional Cai Qing ceremony — a lion dance where the mythical creature tosses lettuce leaves into the crowd for good luck and prosperity, and parades around the casino.

Philly isn't the only place celebrating the Lunar New Year. For more fun around the area, head to visitphilly.com.