2026 Lunar New Year in NYC: A driver’s guide

In February and March 2026, New York City will celebrate Lunar New Year — and Lower Manhattan will feel it first. More than 500,000 visitors are expected to flood Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods, turning the area into one of the busiest spots in the city.

To manage the crowds, the city will declare multiple Gridlock Alert Days — periods of extreme congestion when police often restrict or fully close key streets and tunnels. For drivers, this can mean hours lost behind the wheel. The good news? With a bit of planning, you can avoid the worst of it. Here’s how to prepare.

What’s the problem?

During peak days, average driving speeds can drop to 5 km/h (3 mph). Rideshare prices skyrocket — a trip from Brooklyn to Chinatown can jump from $22 to $85 in minutes.

If you want to avoid being stuck in traffic:

• Enter Manhattan before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM
• Skip the Holland Tunnel — it usually gridlocks first
• Use the Lincoln Tunnel or Queens-Midtown Tunnel as more reliable alternatives

A little timing and route strategy can save you hours — and a lot of nerves.

2026 Event calendar

• February 17 (Tuesday): Firecracker Ceremony at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a spot in a municipal garage.
• February 21 (Saturday): Flushing Parade (Queens). Parking here is generally easier and more affordable than in Manhattan.
• March 1 (Sunday): Main parade in Manhattan (Chinatown Parade). Mott Street and Canal Street will be completely blocked by NYPD barricades.

Strategy: On Saturday, take your car to Queens to enjoy authentic cuisine without the massive crowds. On Sunday, March 1, leave your car in the Tribeca or Lower East Side neighborhoods and walk to the parade (approx. 10 minutes).

Economics: Drivo vs. rideshares

For a group of 3 or more, renting a car is more cost-effective than using on-demand taxi services.

1. Rideshare services: A multi-stop route between boroughs during the holidays can cost $220–$280 due to surge pricing and congestion surcharges for every trip within the zone.
2. Drivo: Sedan rental (~$75) + Underage Fee for drivers aged 21–24 ($25) + Pre-booked garage (~$45) + Fuel (~$10) = $155.

You save at least $100 — enough for a full dinner at a local, authentic restaurant or festive souvenirs.

Vehicle selection and parking

Many Chinatown garages are located in historic buildings with narrow car elevators and low ceilings, often limited to 188 cm (6'2").

• The SUV problem: Full-size SUVs physically won't fit in many elevators or under low ceilings. Attendants may turn you away even if you have a reservation. Additionally, garages charge an "Oversize Fee"—an extra $15–$20 for large vehicles.
• The solution: Choose Compact or Midsize classes. They fit in any elevator and are easier to maneuver into tight street parking spots.

Pro tip: Do not try to drive closer than 3 blocks to Canal Street. The Manhattan Bridge will drop you into the Lower East Side—park there and walk to the epicenter to avoid getting trapped in a maze of one-way streets.

Survival toolkit

1. Book parking: Use mobile parking apps. A reservation guarantees your spot and often costs half as much as the "drive-up" rate. Check municipal garages near Worth St or Mott St.
2. Congestion pricing: Entering Manhattan below 60th Street costs $9 during peak hours (2026 rate). Drivo vehicles are equipped with E-ZPass, allowing you to pass through toll points without stopping; the exact amount will be deducted from your deposit later.
3. Restrooms: Public restrooms are scarce in Chinatown. Use the facilities in large grocery stores, fast-food chains, or the lobbies of major hotels.

Why choose Drivo

We offer honest terms without hidden markups:

• Drivers 21–24: Our underage fee is $25/day — significantly lower than major rental chains ($30–$50).
• Payment: We accept debit cards.
• Location: Our Brooklyn and New Jersey offices allow you to pick up a car without paying airport taxes or surcharges.

Book your car for the holiday weekend in advance. Compact sedans typically sell out a week before the parade.