Chinese New Year

If your New Year’s resolutions aren’t quite holding up, don’t sweat it: You get a do-over. According to the Chinese zodiac, the new year—4708, the Year of the Tiger—doesn’t start until February 14, bringing with it the city’s largest Chinese cultural celebration. In addition to flipping over a new calendar year, the Chinese zodiac predicts that “tiger” years (happening once every dozen years) also bring out certain personality qualities. Here are six places where you can celebrate the new year and resolve to tap into your inner tiger traits.

Tiger trait bravery
Those born during a tiger year are most known for taking risks and looking danger in the eye. Unleash your tiger by defying death, soaring through the air and contorting your body into amazingly uncomfortable positions…or, at least, watch the Golden Dragon Acrobats do it. The group performs acts that range from the bizarre (umbrella-juggling guy, we’re looking at you) to the truly terrifying—taking 12 chairs, stacking them all vertically end-to-end, balancing the whole operation on two glass bottles then climbing to the top for a one-handed handstand. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie (847-673-6300, northshorecenter.org). Tue 26–Jan 29 at 10am, noon; $9

Tiger trait intelligence and cultural awareness
A tiger’s spontaneity is tempered with a thirst for knowledge. Learn a bit about Asian heritage at Navy Pier’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration. This year’s free festivities include traditional music, puppet shows, calligraphy demos and a performance of the lion dance—a thousand-year-old ritual designed to ward off evil spirits in the upcoming year. 600 E Grand Ave (312-595-7437, navypier.com). Feb 14 at noon, free.

Tiger trait creativity
For tigers, knowing is half the battle; creating is the other half. To get artistically inspired, check out marching band performances, lion dancers, live music, elaborate floats and one giant silk dragon. The highlight of Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year Parade, the Mystical Dragon Dance is performed using a 100-foot silk and bamboo costume. Wentworth Ave between 24th St and Cermak Ave; Feb 14 at 1pm, free.

Tiger trait sociability
Known for being extraverted and charming, tigers can show off their social skills and penchant for partying at the Chicago History Museum’s Eye of the Tiger pub crawl. Taking patrons on a trolley tour to four watering holes that pay homage to animals in the Chinese zodiac, this tour provides a safe way to get sociably soused as well as a brief lesson on the history and customs behind Chinese New Year. Meet at the History Museum, 1601 N Clark St (312-642-4600, chicagohs.org). Feb 11 at 6:45pm; $25, museum members $20.

Tiger trait unpredictabillity
Tigers are known for throwing the not-so-occasional curveball. Give friends and family a shock by skipping alcohol-fueled fetes and heading to Asians and Friends Chicago Social Club’s 25th Annual Chinese New Year Dinner. You won’t find the cheering crowds or outrageous outfits here, but you will get to gorge on a multicourse meal while taking in a dragon dance or two. Phoenix Restaurant, 2131 S Archer Ave (312-328-0848, chinatownphoenix.com). Feb 6 at 7:30pm; $50 (includes dinner), advance $45.

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