Welcome the Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year — celebrated across Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and dozens of other Asian cultures — arrives in Arlington with genuine energy and a growing calendar of events each February. The Rosslyn Business Improvement District hosts a free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration at Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street) annually, typically featuring a dramatic lion dance performance by the Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe, traditional tea service, a wishing tree, children’s activities, fortune cookies, and photo opportunities — one of the most accessible and festive free events of the winter season. The event typically falls on the weekend nearest the official lunar new year date and draws a large, joyful crowd.

Further afield but very much within Arlington’s orbit, the Eden Center in Falls Church hosts a multi-day Vietnamese Tết celebration with free face painting, balloon art, community flag ceremonies, and lion dances on the official Lunar New Year day. Pentagon City’s Fashion Centre hosts its annual 10th-floor dining pavilion celebration with traditional music, dance performances, and cultural activities in partnership with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. GMU Arlington’s campus hosts its own student-organized celebration with food, games, and performances by the Vietnamese Students Association. Upside on Moore in Rosslyn has also hosted Lunar New Year celebrations welcoming Little Tiger Dumplings with lion dances and all-day food specials. Check the Rosslyn BID calendar at rosslynva.org and stayarlington.com for each year’s schedule.