NYC’s Lunar New Year Parade: routes and street closures

As of January 25, it’s officially the Year of the Rat in the lunar calendar, which means that celebrations have kicked off all over New York City. But one of the most important festivities, Chinatown’s 21st annual Lunar New Year parade, is happening this Sunday in Lower Manhattan.

Organized by Better Chinatown USA, the parade fills the neighborhood’s streets with lion dancing groups, floats, firecrackers, and plenty of performances.

As is the case with every parade, expect changes in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Below, find everything you need to know.

When is Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade?

This year, the Lunar New Year parade will take place on Sunday, February 9, at 1 p.m.

Where does the Lunar New Year parade take place?

The yearly parade takes place in Manhattan’s Chinatown. It starts on Mott and Canal streets, then heads to East Broadway towards the Manhattan Bridge, and finishes on Eldridge and Forsyth streets towards Grand Street, according to the organizers.

What streets will be closed for the Lunar New Year parade?

The following streets will be closed for the parade, according to NYC’s Department of Transportation:

Formation

• Mott Street between Grand Street and Canal Street
• Hester Street between Bowery and Mulberry Street

Route

• Mott Street between Canal Street and Chatham Square
• East Broadway between Chatham Square and Forsyth Street
• Eldridge Street between East Broadway and Hester Street
• Hester Street between Eldridge Street and Forsyth Street
• Forsyth Street between Hester Street and Grand Street
• Chatham Square between Mott Street and East Broadway

Dispersal

• Forsyth Street between Grand Street and Rivington Street
• Broome Street between Forsyth Street and Eldridge Street

What does this mean for traffic this weekend?

Expect vehicular and pedestrian traffic to get messy around Lower Manhattan. We recommend planning accordingly, and if you plan to attend, use public transit—go to the MTA’s Weekender website for service changes to look out for.