As we get ready to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, the Dublin Lunar New Year programme of events has been announced. With lots to enjoy around the city centre, there are also a whole host of family-friendly events.
The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, is a repeating 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal and corresponding attributes. This year, we mark the Year of the Rabbit from January 22nd 2023 to February 9th 2024, which will then be followed by the Year of the Dragon.
From food tastings and story sessions to craft workshops, tea parties and even a rice grain challenge, there is plenty to choose from! For the full programme of Dublin Lunar New Year events, click here.
Dublin Lunar New Year Events for Families
Chinese New Year Concert
When: January 21st 2023
Where: Online
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with an online music concert from the Chinese Embassy. The concert condenses the development of Chinese culture and music into a 2 hours program. It will feature music and media expressing different kinds of love, from family, friendship, and romantic love to love of homeland, nature, and music.
For more information, click here.
Online Bilingual Story of Mulan
When: January 21st 2023 at 11am
Where: Online
“A male rabbit kicks off to the north
And a female rabbit, doe-eyed
But think of when both rabbits are running closely along the ground[So] how could I possibly be distinguished male or female?”
The Ballad of Mulan translated by Steven C. Poling
This classic story, beautifully illustrated by Clémence Polletto, will be shared with you in Cantonese and English in this Year of Rabbit. You will then learn to draw simple bunnies and sing some Lunar New Year songs in Cantonese.
Suitable for ages 5-10 years. For more information, click here.
Year of the Rabbit Paper Puppets and Shuang Xi (Double Happiness)
When: January 22nd 2023 at 11am and 2pm
Where: Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts, Dublin 2
To honour the Year of the Rabbit, this workshop will demonstrate how to make an articulated paper rabbit puppet. This fun craft project will explore the basics of mechanics, making this a great STEM activity for the New Year celebrations!
While getting creative, the art facilitator will explore Chinese culture as well as the Chinese Zodiac animals!
Participants will also have the option to make Shuang Xi (Double Happiness) banners. This traditional symbol makes for lucky décor during Chinese New Year Celebrations.
While tickets are free, booking is required. For more information, click here.
K-Pop Dance Workshop
When: January 25th 2023 at 7pm
Where: The Lab, Foley Street, Dublin 1
Join Órna from Pink K-Pop Dance for a special festival workshop: Talk That Talk by Twice! Enjoy K-Pop dance in a fun, beginner-friendly class and meet other K-Pop fans! The workshop will include some stretching, basic steps, the main dance and a break with time to chat.
Órna has been teaching K-Pop classes since 2015. She trained at one of Seoul’s top dance schools, DEF Dance for over 4 years, alongside idols and trainees. She focuses on keeping classes fun and enjoyable, teaching dances step-by-step so everyone can follow, and building up confidence and ability.
Tickets cost €5 each. Class suitable for older teens and adults. For more information, click here.
Family-Friendly Carnival Celebration
When: January 28th, 2023
Where: Asia Market, Dublin 2
Asia Market, working with city partners, will mark the upcoming year of the rabbit by hosting a day of family-friendly festival celebrations. An eye-catching ten metre-long dragon will dance its way through Dublin city centre and down towards the action on Drury Street, where the sounds of oriental music and Asian aromas will fill the air.
Shoppers will be tempted towards a street market selling traditional Asian arts and crafts, and tuk-tuk stalls handing out sumptuous samples for passersby to enjoy. Complimentary Japanese Gyozas and Chinese Dumplings, Steamed Bunny Bao Buns and a variety of Mochi Monkey Bubble Teas are guaranteed to get shoppers into the festival mood.
Meanwhile, in-store there will be kid activities such as face paintings & origami.
For more information, click here.
Silk Worm Families: Rabbit Hats
When: January 28th 2023
Where: Chester Beatty Library, Dublin 2
The rabbit is considered the luckiest animal of the Chinese zodiac. To celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, let’s join Hoi-Shan Mak and make your own colourful hats with paper, paints and fabric. Your rabbit hat will bring you fortune and keep you safe throughout the year.
Suitable for ages 6-11 years, with limited spaces available. Free, but booking is essential. For more information, click here.
Rabbits in Motion
When: January 28th 2023 at 10am
Where: Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin 1
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, join in this fun stop-motion animation workshop to create your own rabbit character and see it hop around the page. You will learn simple skills in drawing for animation and creating a stop-motion loop.
Suitable for children aged 7-10 years old. Tickets cost €5. For more information, click here.
Don’t Miss…
Are you searching for what’s on for families in Ireland? Enjoy hours of family fun with our monthly round up of exciting events and things to do!
Rice Grain Challenge
When: January 29th 2023 at 12.15pm
Where: Chester Beatty Library, Dublin 2
Rice is very important in China; it symbolises prosperity and is often offered as a gift. This year, Chester Beatty Library invites you to take part in a Lunar New Year challenge and draw a picture on a grain of rice. Patience and perseverance will be essential for this tricky task!
Limited to 20 participants. Tickets are free and no booking is required. For more information, click here.
Tai Chi / Kung Fu Demonstration
When: January 29th 2023 at 12pm and 1.30pm
Where: Meeting House Square
The late Grandmaster Sam Lee was a firm believer in the healing aspects of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. For the Dublin Lunar New Year 2023 – Year of the Rabbit – his students will run a demonstration of his style. You can join in and reconnect with your body in Meeting House Square in Temple Bar.
Suitable for all ages. No booking required.
Mad Hatter’s Chinese Tea Party
When: January 29th 2023 from 12-5pm
Where: Asia Market, Drury Street, Dublin 2
Asia Market will host a magical one-of-a-kind ‘Year of the Rabbit’ themed Mad Hatter’s Chinese Tea Party Experience for children aged 4-8 years of age (children must be accompanied by an adult) that will run throughout the day.
Upstairs, away from the hustle and bustle of the shop floor, children will be transported down the rabbit hole to a world of enchantment as they pull out a chair and take a seat alongside the Mad Hatter.
There, they will be served Chinese tea and a treasure trove of Asian treats by the White Rabbit, while Alice regales them with stories of traditional Chinese folk tales. Young attendees will also take home an Asia Market goodie bag.
Tickets are €20. For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Dublin Lunar New Year Closing Ceremony
When: January 29th 2023 from 12-6pm
Where: Meeting House Square, Dublin 2
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the closing ceremony of colour and fun.
For more information, click here.
About the Author: Emily Manning
