Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Philadelphia

Celebrate the Year of the Dog in Philadelphia at these events, which include lion dancers, calligraphy lessons, traditional music, and, of course, lots of authentic Chinese food.

The International House's Lunar New Year show sells out nearly every year, so you'll want to grab your tickets early. This year's show features an exhilarating lion dance, as well as other traditional music, dance, and martial arts performances. There is also a reception with tastings of Chinese food after the show.

7 p.m. Thursday, International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut St., $15,  215-387-5125, ihousephilly.org

Each year, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp. organizes a night of lion dances in the heart of Chinatown. Arrive early for the best views, dress warmly, and grab dinner at a nearby restaurant to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family and friends.

11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, intersection of Race and 10th Streets, free

This kid-friendly event features Lunar New Year-themed crafts and other hands-on activities for little ones to try, giving them a taste of Chinese culture.

4:30 p.m. Thursday, South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St., free, 215-685-1866, freelibrary.org

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Delaware Contemporary with a silent art auction featuring works by pop-up book artist Colette Fu and ceramic sculpture artist Zhihui Xie, among others, a live DJ, delicious bites, and a cash bar. There will also be a balloon drop-and-pop to ward off bad luck.

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Delaware Contemporary, 200 S. Madison St., Wilmington, $25 in advance, $30 at the door, ages 18 and over, 302-656-6466, decontemporary.org

This year, try your hand at calligraphy and martial arts, listen to Chinese storytelling, taste food samples from the JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, make your own dragon puppet, or build a Chinese lantern at the Independence Seaport Museum. The best part? The museum is also hosting adorable, adoptable puppies from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society in honor of the Year of the Dog.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., $16 for adults, $12 for children, 215-413-8655, phillyseaport.org

Learn how to make Chinese crepes from Alice Ye of Five Spice Philly, and watch Michael Chow of Sang Kee Peking Duck carve a roast duck. The Philadelphia Suns will also perform a lion dance to bring good luck and fortune to Philly's favorite food market.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St., free, 215-922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org

At this year's event, kids can learn about the Chinese zodiac, watch Chinese classical dance and music performances, make a New Year's wish, interact with lion dancers, and practice their calligraphy.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, $19 for kids and adults, 215-581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org

Lion and dragon dancers will frolic through Chinatown on Sunday in order to bring businesses good luck this year, so be sure to grab some dim sum and join in the fun.

11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sunday, starting at 10th and Race Streets, free, facebook.com