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Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with festivities throughout January and February in and around Philadelphia, including, of course, the city's vibrant Chinatown. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Chinese New Year 2012 brings the Year of the Dragon, the mightiest of the Chinese signs, characterized by ambition, enthusiasm, success and passion.

You can celebrate the Chinese New Year at various celebrations throughout the region that exemplify all those traits and more.

Check out our mini-guide:

• Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation 46th Anniversary Chinese New Year festivities: As the Year of the Rabbit draws to a close, PCDC has exciting plans in store to bring in the Year of the Dragon. In addition to the annual Chinese New Year parade (January 29, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), PCDC will host its first ever Flower Market (January 21-22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). The Abakus Chinese New Year Party will take place January 21 from 6-9 p.m., and the New Year’s Eve Midnight Celebration January 22 starting at 10:45 p.m. Finally, head to Ocean City Restaurant on February 3 at 5:30 p.m. for the delicious annual Chinatown banquet celebrating the New Year (register here).

• Chinese New Year Tasting Tour at Joseph Poon Chef Kitchen: On Sunday, January 22 from 7:30-11 p.m., Chef Poon welcomes guests for a tasting tour through Chinatown. You’ll visit the Chinese Bakery, the Asian Grocery, the fortune cookie factory and more. This special tour is followed by Chef Poon’s Chinese New Year banquet. After the meal, stick around as Chinatown comes alive at midnight for the Year of the Dragon. The cost for the tour is $79 per person and guests receive a special gift.

• Main Line Chinese Culture Center (MLCCC) Presents: Chinese New Year Free Community Gala: The MLCCC will host its annual Chinese New Year Community Gala on Sunday, January 22, at the Great Valley High School in Malvern. The Gala is the largest suburban celebration of its kind in the region, featuring entertainment, cultural games, prizes and refreshments. The Gala (free!) runs from 1-5 p.m.

• Philadelphia Library Independence Branch Events: The library hosts two free events in honor of the Chinese New Year. On Wednesday, January 25, at 12:30 p.m., students of Holy Redeemer Elementary School will perform the exquisite traditional Lion Dance which wards off evil spirits. Immediately following, Jennifer Chang (librarian at NE Regional Library) will regale her audience with captivating tales of Chinese folklore.

• Banquet and party at Yangming: In honor of the Chinese New Year, starting Monday, January 19 and going through Saturday, February 25, Yangming will offer a special multi-course banquet for $65 per person. But Monday, January, 23 at 7 p.m., is when the party really gets hopping. Bring your family to Yangming that night for its annual Chinese New Year celebration with an exciting live Lion Dance, which is a real treat for all ages.

• “Pearls of the East”: 10th-Annual Lunar New Year at the International House of Philadelphia: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the International House on Friday, January 27 starting at 7:30 p.m. Events take place in the Ibrahim Theater and include the Lion Dance, traditional cultural performances, and a sampling of foods. Tickets are $8 for members, $10 for students/seniors, $12 general admission.

• Penn Museum’s 30th Annual Chinese New Year celebration: Welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the 30th annual daylong extravaganza celebration on February 12. Visitors can bring the whole family and celebrate the New Year through a wide variety of music and dance performances, children’s activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, and martial and healing arts workshops. The day ends with a drum roll, a roar and the popular Lion Dance parade.