January brings a new calendar year as well as Chinese New Year events leading up to the Grand Parade, which will be held on Saturday, February 4th. The celebrations in San Francisco are some of the largest in the world. You’ll find lots of fun events for the lunar new year in both January and February, just minutes from NEMA. Here are a few featured events happening as the Year of the Rabbit is welcomed:
Flower Market Fair, January 14-15. The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair is held on the weekend before Chinese New Year Day. The Flower Fair is the place to come to purchase fresh flowers, fruits, candies and brand new supplies for the home to begin the new lunar year. Delight in performances of traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dancers and opera as you take in the beautiful fragrances of spring. You will find over 120 booths and concessions making this a shopper’s paradise.
2023 Choy Sun Doe, January 22. Under the auspices of the SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Choy Suns will grace Chinatown and pass out thousands of “Lai Sees” to eagerly waiting children. All the “Lai Sees” will contain a chocolate gold coin. Additionally, some will have either money or a gift certificate that can be redeemed for a toy. Choy Sun, the god of wealth, is a deity that every Chinese person welcomes. He blesses everyone he encounters with much prosperity and abundant wealth. Traditionally, “Lai Sees” (red envelopes) are passed out to children and unmarried persons during Chinese New Year as a good luck symbol, with the belief that the more “Lai Sees” one passes out, the more good luck will be returned.
Basketball Jamboree, January 28. This basketball tournament was started by retired Francisco Middle School Principal Kenny Lee. Kenny wanted to create a basketball tournament that was reminiscent of his childhood days growing up in SF Chinatown. This event also showcases the adult alumni who lend their support and volunteer their time as referees and provide support to this next generation of our youth. Bring your friends and family to this exciting Lunar New Year Basketball Jamboree!
Miss Chinatown Pageant & Coronation Ball, February 3. Beautiful, talented and bright young women from throughout the United States are still coming to San Francisco during Chinese New Year to compete for scholarships and prizes in the annual Miss Chinatown USA Pageant. Each year’s winners become goodwill ambassadors for the Chinese community throughout the new lunar year.
Chinese New Year Grand Parade, February 4. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 5:15 PM, stepping off at Second and Market Streets. It is a free event for all to attend but tickets must be purchased to sit in the bleacher sections.
The San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade has announced actor, Rich Ting, as the 2023 Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Parade’s Grand Marshal. Rich Ting was born in Los Angeles, California and is a 4th generation Asian American. Growing up as an athlete, Ting played collegiate football at Yale University while earning a B.A, and then went on to achieve a dual J.D./M.B.A. degree. Soon after achieving his scholastic goals, he realized that he needed to switch careers and pursue his passion for the entertainment industry and, specifically, as an actor.
Community Street Fair, February 4-5. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of San Francisco’s exhilarating Chinatown during one of the community’s most exciting times of the year. You will find over 120 booths and concessions making this a shopper’s paradise. The SF Chinese Chamber of Commerce has activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and much more at the entertainment stage on Pacific St. below Grant Ave. Make sure to get a family photo with the giant puppets, dragon and other memorable artifacts from the Parade!
Chinatown YMCA Run, March 5. The Chinatown YMCA, in San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, is holding its 45th annual “Chinese New Year Run” this year. Now in its 45th year, the Chinatown YMCA CCHP Lunar New Year Run gives participants a rare opportunity to run through San Francisco Chinatown’s historic (and slightly hilly) streets, taking in the architecture, scents, and sounds of a bustling and vibrant community. For those who prefer to participate virtually, the event will again offer a virtual race to include our friends and partners from across the globe.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Visit the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade website for more detailed information on events.
Image Credit: Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Festival & Parade
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