​IMPORTANT: When registering for this event, please ensure you sign up for one ticket per person and indicate if the ticket is for an adult or youth. This will allow us to plan accordingly.

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​Join us for a special Lunar New Year celebration in partnership with SAMA SAMA. While schools are closed for this national holiday, we're creating a joyful, screen-free space where children can explore Chinese language and culture through stories, crafts, and community connection.

​At SAMA SAMA, we believe in the power of cultural exchange to open young minds. This celebration brings global traditions to life through hands-on experiences that honor heritage while welcoming everyone to participate.

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​What to Expect

• ​Mandarin Language & Storytime Led by Michele Wong from Gordon & Li Li, children will learn simple Mandarin phrases woven naturally into storytelling—"hello" (你好), "thank you" (谢谢), "please" (请), and more.

• ​Hands-On Craft Workshop Bo & Mei will guide children through a traditional Lunar New Year craft experience, creating keepsakes to take home.

• ​Quiet Play Space A low-stimulation area will be available for puzzles, games, and quiet time throughout the session.

• ​Treats & Tea Snacks from Spongies Cafe, Mei Lai Wah and Lily’s Treats will be served. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a special tea tasting hosted by YUSTEA.

​Who Should Join?

• ​Mandarin-speaking families looking for an engaging, playful introduction to Chinese language for their children

• ​All families curious about exploring new languages, cultures, and traditions together

​Choose Your Session

​Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

​SAMA SAMA is an experiential platform collaborating with artists, change makers, and visionaries to create fun, cultural experiences for kids ages 2-8 years old in New York. 

​WELCOME TO CHINATOWN is a nonprofit supporting Manhattan Chinatown small businesses and entrepreneurs. We do this by providing business resources, hands-on training, community connections, and thoughtful opportunities. 

​BO & MEI creates modern games, puzzles, and activities that bring culture to life through play, helping families connect, learn, celebrate, and pass down traditions with love.

​GORDON & LI LI is the first-ever Mandarin bilingual book series for early childhood development, created by author Michele Wong McSween. Featuring loveable panda cousins Gordon & Li Li, the series introduces young children to first words in Mandarin and has become a beloved resource for multicultural families connecting with Chinese culture and language.

​YUSTEA TEA is an authentic Pu’er tea brand founded by a Pu’er native and now based in New York City. Their teas are carefully curated from Yunnan’s pristine tea mountains, offering aged Pu’er teas shaped by nature, tradition, and time. Their mission is to bring the essence of Chinese tea heritage into every cup.

​Sponsors

• ​TAAF The Asian American Foundation is promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity for AANHPI. Founded in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence, TAAF is reversing the longstanding under-investment in our community and addressing the root causes of hate and discrimination.

• ​VISA ASIAN STANDING TOGETHER (VAST) is a prominent employee resource group (ERG) at Visa, aimed at supporting and uniting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. It serves as a platform for cultural celebration, career development, mentorship, and community outreach, driving inclusion, supporting AAPI heritage, and fostering belonging.

• ​WHITE RABBIT TRUST is an organization and strengthen collective efforts that support AAPI creatives and entrepreneurs.