Traditional dance, arts, crafts, and magic will highlight the Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange’s events at prominent Central New Jersey retail center
(A dragon dance accompanied by the beating of drums, cymbals and gongs will welcome the Year of the Snake at “Lunar New Year @ The Commons” on February 1 and 2. Photo credit: Bridgewater Commons.)
BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (January 13, 2025) — The beating of drums, cymbals and gongs accompanying dragon dance movements to bring good luck and fortune will be just the beginning of the free “Lunar New Year @ The Commons Celebration” as Bridgewater Commons welcomes the Year of the Snake on February 1 and 2.
Held in partnership with The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange (CCCE), the center will host live performances, a fashion show and even an interactive Lunar New Year Zumba to celebrate the grandest ancient traditional festival in Asia, signaling the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. 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, February 2, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the mall will host live, spectacular 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 (located on the Main Level next to Vans) on both Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The traditional Chinese giving of red envelopes filled with treats and special mall offers will delight lucky attendees.
Established in 2019, CCCE is a non-profit organization founded in New Jersey and its mission is twofold: to help preserve Chinese culture and heritage and to promote unity, harmony and respect for all demographic groups within the community. Through sharing East Asian culture and art, CCCE provides several cultural events annually including The Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar Chinese New Year and many more.
“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, in honor of the unique diversity in Somerset County.
Located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206, the 1.2 million-square-foot Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
The complex also includes The Village at Bridgewater Commons, a unique, open-air shopping district with more than 10 retailers and food and beverage locations including LOFT, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Shake Shack and Starbucks.
About Bridgewater Commons
Bridgewater Commons is one of Northern New Jersey’s premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.2 million-square-foot shopping center features a vibrant mix of retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. More than 150 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Apple, lululemon athletica, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory, to popular local small shops like SNIPES, Crepes du Nord and DIG. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and was acquired by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the premier owners of retail real estate in the country. For more information on the property, please visit bridgewatercommons.com or follow on social media: Facebook @BridgewaterCommons and Instagram: shopbridgewatercommons.