The Year of the Rooster
How to celebrate the Year of the Rooster in NYC
2017 is the Year of the Rooster, but regardless of your Chinese Zodiac symbol, there many ways to celebrate in the city. The Year of the Rooster only comes around once every 12 years, and here’s how you can make the most of it in New York.
Start by ringing in the Lunar New Year with a pop of energy and color. If the Lion Parade left you roaring for more, take a stroll through 230 Vesey Shops and view “Radiance: An Original Artwork” by Amy Kao. Displayed on the columns throughout the corridor, her inspired work features traditional paper cut-outs of 2017’s zodiac hero: the rooster.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s only one place to satisfy your craving: Chinatown. Shanghai Cafe Deluxe is one of the neighborhood’s many longstanding hidden gems, known for its succulent soup dumplings and Shanghainese eats. Save room for dessert, because you’ll want to try the exotic flavors at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. Lychee, Pandan, and Almond Cookie are customer favorites.
According to Chinese astrology, the number “8” is lucky for those born in the Year of the Rooster, so it’s only fitting you make your way over to 8th Avenue. See the Joffrey Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet at the Joyce Theater, shop locally made home goods at Teich, or stop into one of Chelsea’s many art galleries like 43 8 Avenue Gallery or Chisholm Larsson Gallery. When you’re on 8th Avenue, luck is on your side.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster are also said enjoy large crowds and being around people. What better place to surround yourself with a group than New York City? Popular entertainment venues that draw big crowds like Carnegie Hall and the Eugene O’Neill Theatre are nearby in Midtown. Plus, any time you need a quick people-watching fix, there’s always Central Park or Times Square.
230 Vesey Shops 230 Vesey St.
Shanghai Cafe Deluxe 100 Mott St.
Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory 65 Bayard St.
Joyce Theater 175 8th Ave.
Teich 22 8th Ave.
43 8th Avenue Gallery 32 8 Ave.
Chisholm Larsson Gallery 145 8th Ave.
Carnegie Hall 881 7th Ave.
Eugene O’Neill Theatre 230 W 49th St.
Central Park Enter at 59th & 7th Ave.
Times Square Broadway & 7th Ave at 45th St.