Abroad, millions of Chinese are trying to get home for Chinese New Year (Tet). Instead of spending time with their families, they are stuck at train stations. Trains are unable to move due to severe winter weather that has swept across much of the country.

In Seattle, however, Tet is in full swing and ready to bring in the Year of the Rat. Stores in the International District are filled with red-packaged gift boxes and containers of dried fruits and brightly colored candies. Asian shoppers fill the aisles as they pick up last minute items for their holiday meals.

Over the next two weekends, Seattle will be filled with dancing dragons and firecrackers. It's easy to partake in the annual celebration and if you've got kids, they'll love the banging drums and the loud fireworks (bring your earplugs).

Here are a couple of places where you'll get the best experience:

1) February 2nd and 3rd - the Seattle Center has a two day celebration where you can attend concerts, partake in children's activities and watch dance performances.

2) February 2 - The Chinese Youth Ensemble will be performing for a Chinese New Year Celebration event in Kane Hall at the University of Washington at 7pm.

3) February 7 - Chinese New Year celebration concert presented by the US China Music Ensemble at Seattle City Hall from noon to 1pm.

4) February 9 - Chinatown will be filled with parades of dragons as they move from store to store to bring luck for the coming year. Performances will also take place inside of Union Station.

Travel Well!

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