Celebrating Lunar New Year: Traditions to Carry and Where to Source Your New Year Goods
Lunar New Year falls on February 12th this year, and unfortunately the pandemic will affect the way we celebrate in 2021. Traditionally, we would visit family, pass out red envelopes, eat together, and celebrate with the people we love. Without a doubt, this is the most important holiday on the lunar calendar! Since we are social distancing, this year might be the first time you experience a traditional Lunar New Year in your own home. Don’t know where to start? No worries! We’ve compiled a list of Chinatown businesses that will have everything you need to keep up with family traditions - food, decorations, and everything in between. This is the Year of the Ox, which exemplifies hard work, diligence, dependability, and strength. Click on the photos below to open links to maps and store websites.
MEAT & FISH
Traditions vary from household to household, but generally speaking, there will be a whole chicken and a whole fish on the table, along with a variety of side dishes like roast pork, cupcakes, and pastries. Head over to 47 Division Street Trading for great deals on fresh chicken and spare ribs. Or if you’re picking up ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, 57 Bayard Meat Market is just a few steps away. For high-quality fish and seafood, Haicang Seafood and Dahing Seafood Market can be found on Mott Street. If you’re in the market for something fancy, Aqua Best has a huge selection of lobster, crab, and shellfish.
LANTERNS & DECOR
From the smell of incense and the sound of fireworks to the excitement of receiving red envelopes from your aunties and uncles — Lunar New Year is filled with happiness and nostalgia. Stop by these amazing shops to get your home ready for a new year of luck and good fortune:
LUNAR NEW YEAR TAKEOUT
As much as we all love a home cooked meal, getting takeout can accentuate any Lunar New Year celebration. From the familiar paper box filled with pastries to little plates of dim sum, and if you’re lucky, containers of longevity noodles, here are some of our favorite spots to pick up tasty bites for your friends and family:
Visit these businesses to make the most of your Lunar New Year celebration:
Meat & Fish
47 Division Street Trading 47 Division St.
57 Bayard Meat Market 57 Bayard St.
CT Seafood Marts 250 Grand St.
Dahing Seafood 127 Mott St.
Haicang Seafood 71 Mulberry St.
Restaurants
Jing Fong 20 Elizabeth St.
Big Wong 67 M0tt St.
Hop Lee 16 Mott St.
Wu’s Wonton King 165 E. Broadway
Congee Village 100 Allen St.
Lanterns & Decor
KK Discount 78 Mulberry St.
Grand Tea & Imports 298 Grand St.
Pearl River Mart 395 Broadway
UNI 28 28 Bowery
