Bridgewater Commons to celebrate Lunar New Year with events

Bridgewater Commons began its Asian cultural celebrations in 2020.

One of Northern New Jersey’s largest shopping centers is partnering with a local organization to ring in the “Year of the Snake.”

Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater Township, N.J., in collaboration with The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange (CCCE), a New Jersey-based Chinese nonprofit, will host live performances, a fashion show and even an interactive Lunar New Year Zumba to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Feb. 1 and 2. According to Chinese astrology, just as snakes shed their skin periodically, the Year of the Snake symbolizes “transformation and rebirth.”

“Bridgewater Commons is blessed to be the retail heart and soul of an ethnically and culturally diverse community,” said Tom Kovacic, marketing and business development director of Bridgewater Commons. “It’s always a highlight to celebrate our Asian American community, and to work with CCCE to create events that will honor Chinese culture and educate all of our guests.”

On Sunday, Feb. 2, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the mall will host live performances in Center Court including the following:

Traditional Lion and Dragon dances by the Murray Hill Chinese School
Traditional Chinese dances by Hua Xia Edison Dance
Tibetan dance by Murray Hill Chinese School
Miao Ethnic Dance by Raritan Valley Chinese School
Face Change Magic by artist Mister Peng Li
Chinese Hanfu Fashion Show
Interactive Lunar New Year Zumba by Dream Cat

In addition, families are also welcomed to partake in a Chinese arts and crafts workshop that includes Chinese calligraphy and lantern making at the Event Space on both Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Traditional Chinese giving of red envelopes filled with treats and special mall offers will be handed out to lucky attendees.

“We’ve been delighted to work with Bridgewater Commons for our fifth straight year to celebrate the New Year, our Autumn Lantern Festival and our Asian American community,” said Li Ching Jung, head of the CCCE. “Each year, our events are bigger and better, and this year will be no exception!”

Bridgewater Commons began its Asian cultural celebrations in 2020 with Lunar New Year dance spectaculars in Center Court that featured over 40 performers, drawing hundreds of guests. The annual program has evolved and grown into this year’s expanded Lunar celebration. Other cultural celebrations throughout the year at the shopping center include the Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festivals and Diwali.

At 1.2 million square feet, Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, featuring more than 150 tenants. The center is operated by Pacific Retail Capital Partners.