The LIC Lunar New Year Celebration is back by popular demand…and it’s a day longer as February has 29 days, thanks to leap year.
Head to Western Queens to savor delicious food, dance with dragons, revel in hot fashion, meet people, spoil your pets, and support Long Island City’s flourishing Asian/Asian-American community…and everybody else.
The 2024 program features an entire month of promotions and events organized by more than 80 local businesses, arts groups, and borough boosters. The schedule follows. Assume that events are month-long unless otherwise indicated.
Lady M’s 2024 Lunar New Year Gift Set
Until Feb. 10. Pop open a Lady M’s Lunar New Year Gift Set and marvel at spinning plum blossoms that symbolize prosperity and growth. These limited edition gems feature a selection of six confections — i.e. Abundant Roasted Almonds, Cheerful Coconut Chocolates, and Prosperous Melon Pearls — each with a unique significance for the holiday. To share happiness and good fortune, each set has five lucky red envelopes along with matching greeting cards and custom-designed gift bags. Also available online and in Lady M’s Manhattan Boutiques.
H Mart Makes Mark With Special Red Envelopes
The cavernous H Mart Long Island City store hands out special 2024 Lunar New Year Red Envelopes to Smart Card members who spend more than $50 there (until supplies last). For more information, check in-store ads and follow H Mart on Facebook, Instagram, KaKaoTalk, and WeChat.
Moonlit Duo Tufting at Go Tufting NYC
Celebrate creatively with Go Tufting NYC’s Moonlit Duo Tufting Experience. Enjoy crafting two medium-size rugs (20″ x 20″) for $499 in a special workshop designed for pairs. Perfect for a unique celebration with your bestie or a loved one, the workshop offers Year of the Dragon-themed design templates featuring symbols like the Chinese character for good fortune (福) and zodiac animals. To reserve a spot, send an email to [email protected].
This four-hour session is open to ages 18 and up, and no prior experience is required. Instructors set up tufting stations, provide project yarn, and explain the equipment. From applying carpet adhesives to gluing, trimming, and backing processes, participants create tufted items under expert guidance. Take home a creation to impress the dragons.
Pawsbury Lane Lunar New Year Pets Promo
Pawsbury Lane unveils the Sunlit Blooms collection, showcasing matching owner headbands, dog sailor bows, and bandanas designed to celebrate Lunar New Year. All prints are meticulously crafted with love in Long Island City. There’s a 25 percent discount storewide throughout February. Use the code LICLUNAR25 at checkout for the offer.
City Acres Market Presents: A Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration
City Acres Market vendors offer samples of Asian cuisine, and new members registering for the loyalty program receive 10 percent discounts on their entire purchases.
Partners Coffee LIC celebrates with a re-release of Black Sesame Cold Brew Latte. This house-made treat features cold brew concentrate, freshly-mixed black sesame with your milk of choice, and a sprinkling of sesame sugar. It’s smooth, nutty, lightly-sweet, and utterly craveable.
Shiso Green Tea Chocolate Truffle
Until Feb. 17. Milène Jardine Chocolatier celebrates with Shiso Green Tea Chocolate Truffles. The chocolate ganache has bright and vibrant notes from the shiso leaf grounded with the smooth green tea and then dusted with matcha powder. The creamy interior is contrasted with a thin, crisp, dark chocolate shell. Get 15 percent off the gift set with the code LUNARNY24 until Feb. 17.
Align Your Body, Mind and Spine at Wellness Within Studio
The Harmony Renewal Package ($277) features five ELDOA alignment classes and three sauna and ice bath sessions. The Dragon’s Spine Renewal Program ($997) is a 90-day challenge for a healthier spine. Enroll now and get a chance to receive symbolic Red Envelope Wellness Gifts.
Lucky Orange Buttercream Cake at Wildflower Bakery
Wildflour’s signature vanilla champagne cake ($85) is adorned with raspberries and strawberries and enrobed in a zesty orange buttercream. The cake is elegantly finished with a chocolate drip, chocolate cookies, and a sprinkle of gold.
New Years Savings, New You Results at Ideal Image Medspa
Clients can indulge in the limited-time Prosperous Glow Package, featuring a harmonious trio of Botox, CoolSculpting, and laser hair removal. This comprehensive package offers the luxury of smooth, hair-free skin, targeted fat reduction, and a rejuvenated facial appearance. All services are administered by registered nurses.
Softbite’s chefs have crafted a special menu inspired by the Lunar New Year, featuring delectable dishes and heavenly soufflé pancakes. As a token of appreciation, every customer will receive a red envelope with a special gift inside.
Dragon Sparkles at Sit Still Kids Salon
Sit Still Kids Salon offers a complimentary dragon glitter tattoo or two sparkle strands (red + gold) to each child who visits the salon. Limit of one per child. Valid during open hours: Thursdays, 3 pm to 7 pm; Fridays, noon to 6 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm.
Asian Product Show at Koufuku Market
Koufuku Market presents snacks from top Japanese and Taiwanese brands with Lunar New Year gift packages.
Limited Edition Asian Pastries at LM Cafe
LM Cafe celebrates by introducing a special new dessert.
Coffee Project NY Coffee from Yunnan – Lan Lin
Coffee Project NY launches a direct-relationship coffee from Yunnan, Lan-Lin. The first 100 customers who purchase the coffee from the LIC location will receive a Lunar New Year ornament and red envelope. Customers stand a chance of getting gift certificates inside the red envelope with various values for future purchases at Coffee Project NY (while stock lasts).
Otis & Finn Barbershop Red Envelope Drawing
Until Feb. 15. Head to Otis & Finn Barbershop for festive decor and a red envelope drawing at its two Long Island City locations. After purchase, clients will be able to draw a red envelope that contains positive affirmations along with a chance to win prizes and discounts such as 15 percent off on the next service, 20 percent off merchandise and products, free socks, other merch, and more. Limit one per client.
Spice lovers can try the Szechuan Popcorn Chicken, while everyone can sip the plum-flavored Dragon Drink. Also rolling out in February is the long-awaited Mapo Tofu. In February, enjoy these Asian-inspired flavors separately or opt for the Dragon Drink Combo (any entree + drink) at just $16, available for dine-in only.
The sampler comes with two wings and two drumsticks (choice of garlic, spicy garlic, or sweet and spicy), two chicken tenders (choice of one sauce), a choice of waffle fries or croffle (two pieces), plus one beer or soft drink of your choice. At the reduced price of $25.99 ($35.99 value), the promotion is offered to dine-in customers at the LIC location only.
Roam Dessert Bar & Gallery debuts a new dessert, a fusion of tradition and modern flair, representing a fresh start. The exquisite creation promises a symphony of flavors along with a feast for the eyes and palate.
Complimentary Boba Jelly Beans from Extra Butter Concessions
Enjoy complimentary Boba Jelly Beans while supplies last. Be sure to follow Extra Butter on Instagram for specialty Lunar New Year releases throughout the month.
Noodlecraft offers all dine-in customers a free traditional Chinese dessert or snack.
Limited Edition XFF Chili Oil & Crisps Jars at Xi’an Famous Foods
Xi’an Famous Foods released limited-edition Chili Oil & Crisps, expertly crafted in-house, featuring secret proprietary spices selected by founder Jason Wang. Enjoy an exclusive 25 percent off at both LIC locations by mentioning the “Lunar New Year Celebration.”
Dragon Noodle Bowl at Instant Noodle Factory
Instant Noodle Factory offers a $11 Dragon Bowl, chewy noodles with a rich gomtang bone broth base. Then add INF’s popular beef birria, beef shumai, scallions, and mala chili.
Tingly and Numbing Dragon Wings at Lotus + Cleaver
Enjoy a special mala spice and numbing, four-piece chicken wing for $8.
Chun Yang Tea’s Special Scratch Raffle
Until March 31. Try your luck at Chun Yang’s Lunar New Year Special Scratch Raffle: customers will get different rewards from each raffle ticket. There are a variety of prizes related to Lunar New Year, and offers for future purchases include BOGO, free toppings, and discounts.
Complimentary Cocktail or Mocktail at SAPPS
Enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail called “The Dragon’s Tail.”
The Courtyard by Marriott LIC offers a room rate package with cultural and seasonal items. Lunar New Year amenities will be offered to all guests on arrival between Feb. 9 and Feb. 15. The rooms package offer goes on sale mid-January with stay dates of Feb. 1 to Feb. 29. A dragon will appear on a few dates throughout the month as appropriate.
JACX&CO Lunar New Year Bar Special
Come to JACX&CO for the Dragonfly, which features Bourbon, lemon, honey, plum seltzer, and a plum garnish.
Emack & Boilo’s presents chocolate dragon cones. Purchase any size scoop in a chocolate cone and it will automatically be upgraded to include a chocolate dragon.
Until March 2. The Infamous offers cocktails, including:
- Green Jade – rum, melon liqueur, passionfruit, egg whites, lemon
- Mother of Dragons – vodka, honey, ginger, green tea, lemon
- 888 – bourbon, peychaud’s bitter, demerara, sesame
Aromatherapy Massage + Cupping at Quintessential Therapy
Quintessential Therapy curates an Aromatherapy Massage + Cupping session. Anyone who books the Lunar New Year session also gets 25 percent off of a natural wellness product purchased in the shop.
SquareWine & Spirits In-Store Sake and Soju Tasting Series
SquareWine & Spirits hosts in-store Sake and Soju tastings every Thursday in February. Visitors are encouraged to drop in anytime between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm to explore a new selection each week. The team provides guidance, food pairing suggestions, cocktail recipes, and exclusive discounts on featured products.
Visit Takumen for the Dragon-themed chashu pork appetizer until Feb. 4. The dish includes torched chashu pork with a soft-boiled Ajitama egg, scallions, and hot spicy sauce. This menu will be served only during dinner hours, and details are subject to change.
Center of Attention: Lunar Infant at The Noguchi Museum
On Feb. 2, join an extended conversation on Isamu Noguchi’s illuminated sculpture Lunar Infant from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Admission to The Noguchi Museum is free on Feb. 2.
On Feb. 3, families with children of all ages are invited to explore Isamu Noguchi’s Lunars and related artworks in the galleries from 11 am to 2 pm. Families will be invited to the education studio to create a sculpture inspired by personal memories and the symbolism of the moon. Free with admission; no RSVP required.
Feb. 3 to Feb. 24. Kora offers Itlog na Pula (Salted Red Egg) Fried Brioche. Pre-order for pick-ups in LIC every Saturday in February from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Dragon Puppet Making at Tutu School LIC
Feb. 4, 2 pm to 5 pm. Tutu School LIC organizes an event to create Dragon Puppets. Develop fine motor skills through coloring and cutting by following basic instructions to craft the best paper toy. RSVP at [email protected].
Ai Mart offers Gift Baskets featuring traditional cookies and snacks from Feb. 5 to Feb. 29.
Trivia Night at Fifth Hammer Brewing Co.
Fifth Hammer Brewing Co. hosts a special Lunar New Year-themed trivia during its weekly Tuesday Trivia Night hosted by Troublesome Trivia on Feb. 6, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Prizes will be awarded to First and Second Place winners.
Year of the Panda at Panda Eats World
Feb. 7 to Feb. 29. Panda Eats World has a specially crafted bento-style box featuring an array of traditional Chinese food. But wait, there’s more excitement as each box comes with a lucky red envelope, and who knows? You might snag some awesome gift cards and prizes.
Dim Sum Brunch Menu at Red Sorghum
Feb. 7 to Feb. 29. Red Sorghum offers a selection for two for $50. The menu includes a variety of delectable dishes such as chicken truffle soup dumplings, sichuan wontons, scallion pancakes, and taro puffs, complemented by a pot of chrysanthemum goji, ginseng oolong, jasmine green or tie guan yin tea.
Cocktail Special + Red Envelope Lucky Draw at 929
929 offers a special cocktail that brings back memories of favorite childhood snacks from Feb. 8 through Feb. 10. Each cocktail purchase includes a 929 red envelope with random prizes.
Yelp Lunar New Year Boba Bonanza
Feb. 9 to Feb. 26. Yelp teams up with LIC Partnership and 10 boba shops for Boba Bonanza. Stop by a participating boba shop listed below and grab a stamp card to embark on your journey. Visit five out of the 10 businesses and you can enter to win some cool prizes. Everyone will also be entered to win one of two roundtrip JetBlue tickets.
- Chun Yang Tea
- Gong Cha
- iCha Boba
- iMilky
- Mango Mango
- M Tea
- One Zo
- Teazzi
- Yi Fang
- Yumpling
Red Envelope Revelry at Cuppa Tea LIC
Cuppa Tea LIC gives out 500 red envelopes from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11. The envelopes contain surprises such as cash prizes, complimentary drinks, and various coupons.
Hong Bao Lucky Red Envelopes at Dun Huang
Dun Huang Noodles offers the Harmony Appetizer Platter ($9), which includes flavorful ingredients like cucumber, garlic, and wood-ear mushrooms, fromFeb. 9 to Feb. 19. Guests can also enjoy special red envelope surprises, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Court 16
Everyone is invited to the courts for tennis, pickleball, and dim sum on Feb. 9 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.
DEBBIE’S Lunar New Year Party 2024
On Feb. 10, enjoy a Lunar New Year party with live music, dancing and the famous Dragon Punch Cocktail.
Little Chef Little Cafe Red Envelope Prizes
Stop by Little Chef Little Cafe for red envelopes and to see if you’re a winner on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11. The red envelopes include prizes of all kinds, from sweets to drinks to discounts. One envelope per visit. No purchase necessary.
Dragon Breath Slayers at 13-11 Jackson Ave Dental
Feb. 10 to Feb. 17. Visit and request a free goodie bag with items that promote good oral hygiene. Being a patient is not a requirement.
Embody the Spirit at BOUT Boxing
Join BOUT Boxing on Saturday, Feb. 10, for a day of ration classes. In the spirit of the holiday, wear red to classes at 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am., and stick around post-workout for red envelopes with deals inside and Lunar New Year-inspired treats.
Well Wishes for Furry Friends at Dogtopia of LIC
When you visit Dogtopia, jot down your Lunar New Year wishes for your furry friend’s wellness. Complete this activity to receive a goodie bag and a feature in an Instagram post. Additionally, enjoy 25 percent off your next spa service, including baths, nail trims, teeth cleanings, ear cleaning, or our spa package (excluding haircuts). Utilize code DOGTOPIALUNARNY to unlock this offer. Prior to booking any services, all visiting dogs must undergo a Meet & Greet Evaluation to ensure their comfort and suitability for Dogtopia’s caring environment. For inquiries, contact Mackenzie at [email protected]. This promotion runs from Feb. 10 to Feb. 17.
Red Envelope Day at City Chemist
Receive red envelopes filled with surprises like a “free gift” or “20 percent off your next purchase” when you make a purchase of $75 or more at City Chemist on Feb. 10, from 10 am to 6 pm.
LIC YMCA Summer Camp Open House
LIC YMCA will host Lunar New Year-themed activities, tours, and excitement for camp on Feb. 10 from 10 am to noon.
Activities:
- Lunar New Year play dough
- Fireworks craft
- Create dragon art
- Paper cut art
- Good luck symbol
Mexology Dragonfruit Agua Fresca Special
Mexology offers Dragonfruit Agua Fresca as the daily Agua Fresca on Feb. 10 from 11 am to 11 pm. Dragonfruit, also known as Pittaya, is commonly consumed in both Mexico and Asia.
Free Dumpling of the Month at Jing Li
Jingli 井禮 offers free dumplings to all dine-in customers from Feb. 10 to Feb. 25.
Korean Traditional Rice Cake Soup at Little Banchan Shop
Enjoy $5 pints of traditional Korean rice cake soup (tteok guk) at Little Banchan Shop on Feb. 10 from 11 am to 8 pm (in-store only). This must-try Korean Lunar New Year dish is made with Debragga prime beef brisket, a clean and umami-filled dried anchovy broth, and locally sourced rice cakes from Yedang rice cake shop.
Limited Edition Lunar New Year Dish at Yumpling
Yumpling introduces a new popup drink that resembles a classic root beer float with an Asian twist from Feb. 10 to Feb. 29. The beverage features sarsaparilla paired with creamy ice cream and distinctive Asian garnishes.
Sofun Noodle Bar Red Envelopes Festival
Feb. 10 to Feb. 29, dine at Sofun Noodle Bar and for every purchase over $60, receive a red envelope. Each red envelope contains one of the following special surprises to enhance your dining experience:
- $5 off current bill
- A complimentary dessert
- 20 percent off your next visit.
Spot Dessert Bar’s Eye of the Dragon features sticky longan pudding cake soaked in palm sugar caramel sauce and served with condensed milk cream. In addition, spend $10 or more between Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 and enter a raffle to receive a lucky red envelope from Spot Dessert Bar, valued at up to $100. Offer is first come first served and limited to in-store purchase.
Free Exclusive Keychain at Mango Mango Desserts LIC
From Feb. 10 to Feb. 11 at Mango Mango Desserts LIC, the first 50 customers each day, dressed in radiant red and armed with the secret phrase “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (pronounced gong she fa tsai), are in for a delightful surprise. Utter the phrase with your purchase and receive an exclusive key chain as a token of appreciation. No purchase minimum required, and limited to one key chain per person/party. Ensure your red attire is a visible garment like a shirt or pants, as accessories won’t qualify (such as socks, headbands, etc…).
Golden Lucky Release Party at Finback LIC
Finback Brewery will host a party at its new Long Island City location for its annual release of Golden Lucky, a pilsner brewed with coconut and kumquat, on Feb. 10. The event will also include a drop of limited-edition merch and more.
Performances with Queensboro Dance Festival
Queensboro Dance Festival offers pop-up local dance performances at Culture Lab LIC on Feb. 10 at 3 pm.
Culture Lab LIC’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Culture Lab LIC organizes traditional games (ring toss, Mahjong), dumplings, performances, and an Asian art gallery. End the evening laughing with stand-up comedy on Feb. 10 from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the DIY DragonZodiac. Made of PVC and transparent plastic stickers, this work of art is by Xiangdong Shi. Guests are invited to paste plastic stickers on the designed pattern area. The special, transparent, and bright light effect heralds good fortune for 2024. End the night with CrazyLaugh Comedy, the first Chinese stand-up comedy club in the Greater New York Area and a fast-growing non-profit Asian cultural exchange platform.
Libation at Aloft Long Island City
WXYZ Bar & Lounge at Aloft Long Island City is offering a signature cocktail beginning on Feb. 10. The first few guests will receive lucky red envelopes with coupons for free drinks. The Aloft lobby will also feature decorations to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
On Feb. 10 from 7 pm to 10 pm, your ticket includes entry to the event, all-night open play (great for all levels), one complimentary Tsingtao beer to toast to the festivities, and a special fortune card upon arrival. You might be a lucky winner and receive a CityPickle tote bag. CityPickle encourages you to wear your favorite red outfit and sneakers. Reserve a spot now.
Can’t make the Lunar New Year party, but want to try pickleball? CityPickle welcomes new players with a 50 percent discount on your first visit. Enjoy Tsingtao beer for only $6 in honor of Lunar New Year all February, as well as a specialty Ginger Mandarin Margarita for $12. Paddles are available to rent on site and balls are provided. Wear sneakers and be ready to have fun.
Dragon Robotics & Beginner Coding at Snapology
Feb. 11 to Feb. 29. In Snapology’s Lunar New Year Celebration Robotics class, your little engineers will create their own Dragon robotic model. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, simple machines, and programming as they build, learn, and play. This is a drop-off class for ages 6-12.
Lunar New Year Storytime at Book Culture LIC
Feb. 11, from 1 pm to 2 pm. Book Culture LIC hosts a free story time for children, showcasing picture books that celebrate Lunar New Year.
Sweat ‘n Sip: Pilates & Brunch Wellness Bundle from Ning Pilates and Lately Café
Feb. 15 to Feb. 29. Ning Pilates and Lately Café, both proudly Asian-owned, are excited to introduce the Sweat ‘n Sip Wellness Bundle. Valued at $220 and offered at $160, the bundle includes two Private Sessions at Ning Pilates, featuring wellness affirmations to instill positive vibes for the new year. Additionally, enjoy a Brunch Combo with a healthy Bacon & Avocado Sandwich and a cup of the Signature Drip Coffee at Lately Café. Valid for 30 days from the purchase date, Sweat ‘n Sip encapsulates the invigorating exercise at Ning Pilates (Sweat) and the delightful refreshments at Lately Café (Sip), creating a unique and rejuvenating experience that nourishes body and mind.
Dancing Dragons Creative Movement Class for Kids at LIC School of Ballet
Feb. 17, from 10 am to 11 am. Long Island City School of Ballet presents Dancing Dragons, a celebratory creative movement class for kids. Children ages 3 to 7 will enjoy an imaginative dance class using imagery from Chinese Zodiac animals. Hop like a rabbit, slither like a snake, scurry like a rat, and fly like a dragon. No experience or special clothing necessary. Wearing red is encouraged.
This class is free to the LIC community, but pre-registration is required. RSVP at [email protected].
Feb. 17, noon to 6 pm. Everyone Comics x Collectibles is excited to bring comic artists from across the city for a Lunar New Year celebration. There will be books, prints, posters, stickers, t-shirts, and original art available. Meet local creators who have worked on stores for Marvel, DC, and other publishers. Attendance is free, and there will be kid-friendly products available.
Guests include:
- Kenny Wong (@gengadraws)
- Dan Stebbins (@danxndr)
- Sir Gryphon (@sirgryphon)
- Charlie Boatner (@mcboatner)
- Trevor Fernandez (@pocketwatchpress)
Art Strong NYC hosts an Open Studio on Sunday, Feb. 18. This event is open to children ages 2-9. There are two sessions: 9:30 am and 10:45 am. During Open Studio there will be five Lunar New Year-themed sensory activities and art-making stations to explore. This is not a drop-off event, and one parent is required to attend per child. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
Greater Astoria Historical Society President Bob Singleton offers a presentation on Feb. 26 at 7 pm.
In 1960, Sony launched its U.S. operations with Sony Corporation of America (SONAM), a groundbreaking move for a Japanese corporation. During the early years, SONAM strategically chose 47-47 Van Dam St. in Long Island City at it had convenient access to Manhattan, transportation networks, and affordable rents for corporate space and staff housing. Fast forward to 2022, and Sony’s principal U.S. businesses recorded revenues exceeding $82 billion.
Images: LIC Partnership