Late January–Early February
Chinatown

The Chinese New Year is a celebration of the new lunar year that involves ten days of feasting and festivities starting on the first full moon after January 21st. The city tries to prohibit the use of fireworks, but they might as well outlaw jaywalking. According to Chinese tradition, firecrackers are thought to cleanse the air of evil spirits lingering from the previous year. The parade that signals the beginning of the holiday is a fantastic sight, featuring at least one dragon (up to 100 feet long) and a traditional Chinese Lion Dance. Food is another important part of the celebrations, with local restaurants serving up enthusiastic feasts.