BARTable ways to celebrate Lunar New Year

Last Updated On Feb. 04, 2024

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at celebrations throughout the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of The Chronicle.

Lunar New Year 2024 celebrates the Year of the Dragon. In Asian cultures, dragons are mythical creatures that symbolize good luck and strength with those born in this year thought to exhibit fearlessness and courage. There are many ways to celebrate the lunar new year around the Bay. We’ve got annual parades and celebrations, literary events at local libraries to spark curiosity and restaurants that offer feasts that would satisfy any hungry serpentine creature. Hop on BART and unleash your inner dragon!

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Dine on Dim Sum and More | Powell St, MacArthur, Embarcadero

Elevated dumplings and cocktails at Bodega SF. Photo courtesy of Erin Ng.

Countless Chinese and Asian restaurants are hosting Lunar New Year dining options in addition to special dishes to commemorate the annual holiday. Bodega SF is hosting a multi-course meal to honor the holiday for two nights (Feb. 9 and 10). Reserve your spot here. Travel 0.1 miles from Powell St to 138 Mason St.

Socialize and celebrate Lunar New Year at Oakland's Groundfloor. Photo courtesy of Groundfloor Oakland.

On Feb. 18, Groundfloor Club Oakland is celebrating the holiday with a daytime “night market” theme where there will be street food–style bites, cocktails and mocktails, shopping and music. Tickets start at $15. Travel 0.1 miles from MacArthur to 4055 Telegraph Ave.

Decadent dishes await at the Embarcadero's Harborview Restaurant & Bar. Photo courtesy of Harborview Restaurant & Bar.

And for the rest of February, the Embarcadero’s Harborview Restaurant & Bar is offering several different Lunar New Year menus. Choose from a lobster dinner for four or a business "prosperity" multi-course meal for 10. Lots of a la carte fish and seafood options are offered, too. Travel 0.1 miles from Embarcadero to 4 Embarcadero.

Attend a Parade or Celebration | Embarcadero, Lake Merritt

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a parade. Photo courtesy of the SF Chinese New Year Festival & Parade.

San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade happens Feb. 24, the largest illuminated night parade in the country! Travel 0.1 miles from Montgomery to the start of the parade at Market and 2nd Sts that begins at 5 p.m. (look for the BARTmobile with BART staff who will be marching in celebration!). There are plenty of other events taking place throughout the month of February too! The Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage organization also offers a great roundup of events to check out.

Floats and presentations are part of the fun at Oakland Chinatown's parade. Photo courtesy of Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council.

And even though San Francisco's parade is the biggest in the Bay, it isn’t the only one. Oakland’s Chinatown is hosting a parade on Feb. 18 where dragons will be on full display along with other festive food and entertainment. Travel 350 ft from Lake Merritt to 810 Jackson St (Wilma Chan Park).

On Feb. 10, Jack London Square is celebrating with lion dances, kids crafts and a martial arts presentation. And on Feb. 17, the Oakland Museum of California is celebrating its 23rd annual Lunar New Year Festival with an epic dragon dance, storytelling sessions, interactive activities for the kids and food vendors. Travel 0.8 miles from Lake Merritt to Jack London Square and 0.2 miles to the OMCA.

Lessons at the Library | Downtown Berkeley, Montgomery St, South San Francisco, San Leandro, Millbrae

A children's presentation during Lunar New Year. Photo courtesy of Berkeley Central Library.

Many libraries enlist their residents to share stories, read excerpts from their own books and share their love of music and crafts as a way to engage others during significant holidays like Lunar New Year. Berkeley’s Central Library is planning a Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 17 with an afternoon of readings, musical performances and family-friendly activities. Travel 0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley to 2090 Kittredge St.

The exterior of the historic Chinatown library branch. Photo courtesy of Skip Moore.

The San Francisco Public Library is betting big on the dragon this year! Several events are running at the main library (Civic Center/UN Plaza) and Chinatown branch through February. Check the full list here. Travel 0.8 miles from Montgomery St to the Chinatown branch at 1135 Powell St.

Rendering of the new SSF Public Library. Photo courtesy of Community Civic Campus.

The South San Francisco Library has an art exhibit reception on Feb. 9 and 10 which is a great time to visit this new library and enjoy some Lunar New Year–themed art. Both the San Leandro Library and the Millbrae Library are also hosting several kids-focused activities. Travel 0.8 miles from South San Francisco to 901 Civic Campus.

Where will you celebrate Lunar New Year this year?

We want to hear your recommendations! Let us know on social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.

by Sophia Markoulakis

Sophia Markoulakis is a Bay Area-based freelance journalist covering lifestyle and human interest topics. Her first memory riding BART was while attending UC Berkeley. It was the fastest way to escape her seven roommates and head to San Francisco. She still rides BART to access the best the bay has to offer.