Happy Year of the Pig! February 5 marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a time for celebration, which includes family dinners, dragon and lion dances, lantern festivals, firecrackers, and lucky red envelopes (hongbaos) filled with cash.

In Chinese astrology, each year of its twelve-year cycle is associated with one animal of the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019 are a pig, the twelfth and final sign of the Chinese zodiac.

Those born on a year of the pig are said to be compassionate, generous, calm, self-sufficient, and diligent, capable of achieving their goals. Pigs are also known to be trusting, which can make them vulnerable to being deceived. Click here to find more about the traits and characteristics of those born under the pig sign and to learn about the other eleven Chinese zodiac animals.

Here are some fun, family-friendly ways to celebrate the Year of the Pig in Brooklyn and say, “Gung Hay Fat Choy!”

Lunar New Year Cultural Temple Festival 2019

When: Saturday, February 2, 11am to 2pm

Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Downtown Brooklyn

What: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Sino American New York Brooklyn Archway Association are hosting a countdown to the Lunar New Year with live cultural performances, children’s activities, and giveaways.

Lunar New Year in Prospect Park

When: Tuesday, February 5, 12pm to 4pm

Where: Prospect Park Audubon Center (near the Lincoln Road entrance) and Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect-Lefferts Garden

What: Along with various family-friendly programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the Prospect Park Alliance is hosting an event to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Lefferts Historic House. Kids will learn how to make paper lanterns, good luck paper crafts, and enjoy traditional Lunar New Year treats.

How Much: Free, register here

Lunar New Year Plants Tour

When: Tuesday, February 5, 1pm to 2pm

Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue (meet at Conservatory entrance), Crown Heights

What: Celebrate the Year of the Pig with a visit to the Steinhardt Conservatory and discover Asian fruits and plants associated with the Lunar New Year including citrus, bamboo, ginger, and much more.

How Much: Free

CPC Brooklyn Community Services 2019 Lunar New Year Celebration

When: Saturday, February 9, 11:30am to 2:30pm

Where: P.S. 310, 942 62nd Street (at Fort Hamilton Parkway), Sunset Park

What: Chinese-American Planning Council Brooklyn Community Services, Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Peter Abbate, and Council Members Carlos Menchaca and Justin Brannan host this Annual Lunar New Year Celebration featuring traditional music and dance, paper lantern arts and crafts, lion dances, martial arts performances, vendors, games, a raffle, and more!

Chinese New Year Celebration at Central Library

When: Saturday, February 9, 1pm to 2pm

Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights

What: Put on something red and bring the family to see the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company perform in colorful Chinese costumes accompanied by authentic Chinese instruments.

Lunar New Year 2019 at Bay Ridge Library

When: Saturday, February 9, 2pm to 2:45pm

Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Bay Ridge Branch, 7223 Ridge Boulevard (between 72nd & 73rd Streets), Bay Ridge

What: Using music and a red ribbon dance, artists from the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society will tell the story of how the Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year.

The Cosmos New Year Market

When: Saturday, February 9, 3pm to 8pm

Where: New Women Space, 188 Woodpoint Road (between Jackson Street & Skillman Avenue), East Williamsburg

What: The Cosmos New Year Market will celebrate a dozen local Asian women artists, brands, and small businesses selling food, clothing, jewelry, art, and more.

How Much: Tickets $10

Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade and Festival

When: Sunday, February 10, 10:30am

Where: 8th Avenue & 50th Street, Sunset Park

What: Hosted annually by the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, the parade features lion and dragon dancers alongside drummers and a variety of other colorful characters. Before the parade, there will be free cultural performances and activities starting at 10:30am, with opening ceremonies at noon including speeches by elected officials and fireworks.

Lunar New Year 2019 at Dyker Library

When: Friday, February 15, 1:30pm to 2:15pm

Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue (at 82nd Street), Dyker Heights

What: Using music and a red ribbon dance, artists from the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society will tell the story of how the Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year.

Year of the Pig Celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall

When: Friday, February 15, 6pm to 9pm

Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Downtown Brooklyn

What: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Sino American New York Brooklyn Archway Association will host this Lunar New Year celebration with traditional Chinese cuisine, cultural performances, and giveaways.

How Much: Free, RSVP at 718-802-2356 or click here

Lunar New Year With Chinese Theater Works

When: Saturday, February 16, 2pm to 3pm

Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street (between Bay 16th & Bay 17th Streets), Bensonhurst

What: Join the New Utrecht Library and Chinese Theater Works in welcoming the Year of the Pig with traditional Chinese “budaixi” glove-puppet vignettes based on popular songs and stories. Participants will also learn about Chinese New Year customs and meet puppets representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Lunar New Year 2019 at Sunset Park Library

When: Friday, February 22, 4:30pm to 5:15pm

Where: Sunset Park Library, 4201 4th Avenue (between 42nd & 43rd Streets), Sunset Park

What: Asian Performing Arts will present a Chinese cultural program including dance, music, martial arts, and a ribbon dance demo with audience participation.

Lunar New Year 2019 at New Utrecht Library

When: Saturday, February 23, 1pm to 1:45pm

Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street (between Bay 16th & Bay 17th Streets), Bensonhurst

What: Asian Performing Arts will present a Chinese cultural program including dance, music, martial arts, and a ribbon dance demo with audience participation.

Lantern Cultural Festival

When: Sunday, March 24

Where: 8th Avenue (between 66th & 67th Streets), Sunset Park

What: This final Lunar New Year–related celebration includes martial arts performances and lion dancing.