Saturday, Jan. 25 is the first day of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Rat. While it may not sound auspicious, the Rat is in fact associated with new beginnings and wealth. If you have a Rat baby this year, your child is expected to be clever, positive and industrious. Here’s how you can celebrate the new year with your family:
- Kennedy Center Chinese New Year Family Day, Saturday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Activities for all ages including arts and crafts, traditional costume photo booth, zodiac stickers, demonstrations of sugar painting and wood block printing, magic shows and more. Free.
- DC Chinese New Year Parade, Sunday, 2 p.m., starting at 6th and Eye St NW and ending at 6th and H St. The parade will include traditional lion and dragon dances, kung fu demonstrations, firecrackers, live music and marching bands, beauty pageant winners, VIPs and other community talents. Take the metro and wear red for good fortune! Free.
- Chinese New Year Children’s Storytelling, Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Xfinity Store, 715 7th St NW. Join for children’s storytelling, paper folding and more on the day of the parade. Enjoy popcorn and lucky candies. Free, register.
And here are some other goings-on in the Hill neighborhood:
- Capital City Symphony’s Symphonic Dancing, Sunday, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., Atlas Theater. This family concert explores dance-like melodies. Go 30 minutes early for the “instrument petting zoo.” Tickets, $15-$20.
- “Frozen II” matinee, Sunday, 2 p.m., Miracle Theatre. Tickets, $6.
Have a great weekend!