4 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year

The big San Francisco Chinese New Year parade has been canceled, true. But you can still celebrate virtually. Here are four options.

SF Neon Chinatown Tour Party

The first of a two-part series, this virtual party — which starts at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday — opens with an introduction by the Chinese Historical Society of America on San Francisco traditions for Chinese New Year, followed by SF Neon’s popular tour of Chinatown. The 90-minute virtual tour includes vintage neon signs, photographs, video clips, maps and historic research. There’s a second one on Feb. 17, too. Free, $10 donation suggested. bit.ly/38yowtp

From Resilience to Celebration: Inside San Francisco’s Chinatown

A new photo documentary book, “San Francisco’s Chinatown,” brings history, culture and traditions to life. Enjoy a slideshow with commentary from project originator and photographer Dick Evans and writer Kathy Chin Leong from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. www.chinatownbooksf.com

American Chinese Restaurants

This Chinese Historical Society webinar, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, delves into the story of Chinese food in the Midwest and connects Chinese food to Jewish Americans, Chinese restaurants in the South and Central America and the “new” American Chinatown. Free. bit.ly/35rkufp

Chinese New Year Children’s Program — Year of the Ox

Join author Oliver Chin for a reading of “The Year of the Ox: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac” from 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 online. This children’s book is the latest in a series by Chin and illustrator Jeremiah Alcorn that features the 12 charming animals that represent the Chinese New Year. This virtual program is recommended for elementary-age children, but all are welcome. Free, $10 donation suggested. bit.ly/3bwwids