A spectacular Chinese New Year festival celebrates the Year of the Rat on February 1, 2020, at NorthPark Center in Dallas. The 21st annual festival is presented by Crow Museum of Asian Art of the University of Texas at Dallas. The free festival features delightful dancing and fun activities for all ages.
Chinese lions and dragons roam the premises while yo-yo acts, martial art demos, and mask making are all included. Art making and calligraphy, specialty booths, and vibrant cultural performances are featured. Retailer specials and giveaways can be found throughout the mall. Festival hours are 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway in Dallas. The ceremonial welcome is at 11:40 a.m.
Crow Museum of Asian Art Executive Director Amy Lewis Hofland said, “Chinese New Year Festival at NorthPark Center gets bigger and better every year, as we embrace the many Asian cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year.” Hofland thanked NorthPark Center for providing hospitality and an indoor home “out of the uncertain weather” for the beloved festival.
Photo: Crow Museum of Asian Art
Special activities include decorating lucky red envelopes and designing a Year of the Rat-inspired LEGO® building. Other activities involve Chinese paper cutting; calligraphy, noodle-pulling, and lion mask crafts led by UT-Dallas students.
Visitors are invited to dress in traditional Chinese dynasty outfits. They can also have their face painted with auspicious Chinese symbols and have photos made in the Chinese Lion photo booth. The Crow Museum’s Lotus Pop-Up Shop offers a unique selection of souvenirs and gifts, including Year of the Rat apparel.
Colorful and dramatic performances on the main stage feature dragon and lion dances by Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association and Lee’s White Leopard Kung Fu School. Also featured: Bian lian face changer performances and classical performances from the Beijing Opera. Catch a yo-yo act by the Dallas Chinese Community Center and a special concert by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra Quartet.
Photo:Crow Museum of Asian Art
“The Crow Museum of Asian Art provides engaging ways to experience and celebrate Asian culture,” said Kristen Gibbins, Executive Director of marketing and strategy at NorthPark Center. “We are pleased to collaborate with this wonderful organization for the third year. Bringing one of Dallas’ most vibrant cultural events to NorthPark as part of our overall month-long Lunar New Year celebration.”
All announcements throughout the day will be made in Mandarin and English. NorthPark Center will continue the festivities throughout the month of February in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Special exhibitions, events, and landscaping and visual displays, as well as Lunar New Year shopping opportunities, are featured.
