Lunar New Year Celebration Planned In Downtown Metuchen

METUCHEN, NJ — Hopes for success and good luck will mark the Year of the Dragon, and Metuchen will celebrate this optimistic Lunar New Year on Feb. 24.

The Metuchen Human Relations Commission and Metuchen Downtown Alliance have created an array of exciting events for the community. It all takes place Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In 2024, the Lunar New Year officially began Feb. 10. This year is the Year of the Dragon, believed to be the sign representing power, success, honor, and luck, organizers of the celebration say.

The event is a way to learn about the culture and history of Lunar New Year and have a chance to dance with Lion Dancers and enjoy crafts and stories to celebrate the day throughout local businesses.

You can learn lots of history about Lunar New Year at the Downtown Metuchen website.

For example, the parading lion dance is performed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year, greeting people along the way.

Here is the schedule of events:

• Featured dancers: Edison Children’s Chinese School & Mandarin Academy of Metuchen.
• Children’s story time and crafts with Ran Wei of Boba Bear Lingual.
• Lion Dance performance at Metuchen Town Plaza with Metuchen High School Asian Heritage Club.
• Traditional Kung Fu Martial Arts performance.
• Korean sword dancer troupe and Korean drummers.
• K-Pop Dance team, Take 5.
• Professional Lion Dance Performance and parade through New Street and Main Street.

And don't forget to check out many Downtown Metuchen business specials:

• Akihi Bubble Tea: Special dragon soda to celebrate Lunar New Year.
• Awesome Yo Bakery: Special Lunar Year specials: congee, pineapple cookies and satay.
• Cai’s Cafe: Special Lunar New Year drink special.
• Cinnaholic Metuchen: Receive a special red envelope full of store offers with every purchase.
• FK Living: All David Chang Momofuku products are 10 percent off.
• NewMarket Metuchen – Specialty products and decor on sale for Lunar New Year
• Pastry Lu: Special Lunar New Year pastries.
• Picture Perfect: Special Lunar New Year photo sessions with decor.
• Terrace Plant Shop: Special jade plants to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
• What’s the Scoop: Small-batch flavors, including ginger, lychee sorbet and red bean ice cream. Special red envelope with purchase of a Lunar Year Flight.