Lunar New Year kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 10. It’s one of the most important holidays in China and all throughout Asia. Also known as Tết in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea, the celebrations typically last several days and conclude with the Lantern Festival. For many countries, it will mark the Year of the Dragon – which symbolizes luck and power.

In the D.C. region, many are celebrating with traditional foods like japchae, bánh chưng, longevity noodles, and pineapple cake. Local communities and diasporas are also putting together several parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions. Here are some upcoming events to help you ring in the new year.

PARADES AND FESTIVALS 

TẾT CELEBRATIONS AT THE EDEN CENTER: As a hub for one of the largest Vietnamese diasporas on the East Coast, the local community is organizing two new year celebrations with an opening ceremony, both lion and dragon dances, and a red envelope giveaways. (Eden Center; Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE)

DC CHINATOWN LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE: The community parade is back this year with street performances and firecrackers for the finale. (Starts on 6th and Eye St NW and ends on 6th and H; Feb. 11, 2 p.m.; FREE)

ROCKVILLE’S PARADE AND FESTIVAL: The city is kicking off the Year of the Dragon with performances, children’s crafts, and interactive displays for education. (Rockville High School; Feb. 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; FREE)

15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL IN FALLS CHURCH: Hosted by the Asian Community Services Center, this year’s festival will feature dragon and lion dances, along with craft booths and children’s activities. Organizers are encouraging guests to wear traditional clothing. (Luther Jackson Middle School; Feb. 17, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; FREE for children under 6, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, $5 for adults.)

PERFORMANCES AND DISPLAYS

MONGOLIAN CONCERT EXTRAVAGANZA: Celebrate the art and culture of Mongolia with dance and melodies that pay homage to its traditions. (Capital One Hall; Feb. 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $60 but use code MBCEC to get 15% OFF)

DRAGON AND LION DANCE AT NATIONAL HARBOR: The hotel and casino is hosting a dance for prosperity and good luck that guests can enjoy during their time there. (MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino; Feb. 10, 6 p.m.; FREE)

WINTER LANTERN FESTIVAL: This popular lantern display is back on tour in the D.C. region with its many tributes to the Lunar New Year, including dragons and other folklorical creatures. (8025 Galleria Dr. in Tysons; Dates and times vary but the final day to visit is Feb. 18; Prices vary)

YEAR OF THE DRAGON DISPLAY AT THE CONSERVATORY: MGM National Harbor is honoring the dragon with a display designed to bring good luck, strength, and health to those who stop by. Several features include a coin tree and a 70-foot jade water dragon. (MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino; Open now until March 17; FREE)