Who said dragons weren’t real? In case you missed it, 2024 is a Year of the Dragon + we’re here to tell you how to ring in the Lunar New Year the Chattanoogan way.
Though its official dates vary across different Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of spring and a new year following a calendar on the lunar phases.
Not only is this a Year of the Dragon (the only mythical animal out of the 12 Chinese zodiacs), but more specifically the Wood Dragon . The last few times we were in the dragon year were: 2012, 2000, and 1988 + 1964 was the last time we were in the age of the Wood Dragon.
Collegedale Commons , Sunday, Jan. 28
Kick off the festivities in nearby Collegedale with the folks from High Point Chinese Seventh-Day Adventist Church this weekend. The festival will feature vendors, food, and live entertainment including dance, kung fu, and tai chi.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 for two different time slots: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. + 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
A folkloric Chinese dance performance at the annual Lunar New Year Celebration. | Photo via Creative Discovery Museum
Creative Discovery Museum , Saturday, Feb. 3
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can expect lion dance performances + martial arts demonstrations from the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu. You will also have a chance to learn the art of calligraphy from Dr. Ling Jung Wang. All activities are included in admission pricing.
Asian Food & Gifts of Chattanooga , Sunday, Feb. 18
Stop by this local market for its annual parking lot takeover with a firecracker show + traditional lion and dragon dances — stay tuned for more details.