Celebrating Lunar New Year in Las Vegas: Year of the Horse Activities
As we usher in the Year of the Horse on February 17, 2023, Las Vegas is thriving with engaging events and celebrations that capture the spirit of Lunar New Year. If you’re in the city or planning to visit, you’ll be delighted by a variety of cultural activities, traditional performances, and culinary experiences throughout the month.
Vibrant Lion and Dragon Dances
One of the most exhilarating sights during Lunar New Year celebrations are the lion and dragon dances. These performances, steeped in cultural significance, are deeply rooted in the Southern Shaolin Kung Fu tradition.
On February 20 at 6:30 PM, the Aria will host a mesmerizing display by Yau Kung Moon, showcasing stunning dragon and lion dances in its main valet area. The following day, Resorts World Las Vegas will take things up a notch with a spectacular lion and dragon dance parade. Starting at 4 PM, attendees can enjoy high pole performances, a lettuce blessing ritual, and a lively firecracker finale. This is a chance to witness these captivating traditions firsthand.
Festivals and Celebrations
The festivities don’t stop there. On February 22, the Fashion Show Las Vegas will come alive with a Lunar New Year afternoon festival from noon to 5 PM. Expect a delightful array of performances, including a lion dance procession, mesmerizing fan dances, a contortionist, and martial arts demonstrations. For those looking to explore further, the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort will host a lion blessing event on February 19, starting at 3 PM. Through February 22, St. Mark’s Square will be filled with performances that celebrate Lunar New Year traditions.
Culinary Experiences
Food plays an essential role in any celebration, and Las Vegas is no exception. Numerous restaurants across the city are offering special menus to honor Lunar New Year. At the Bellagio, dining establishments such as Jasmine, Noodles, and The Garden Table invite guests to indulge in culinary creations amid the beautifully decorated Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Other notable eateries include Blossom at Aria, Joël Robuchon, Morimoto Las Vegas, and Grand Wok Noodle Bar at MGM Grand, all showcasing unique offerings. Genting Palace at Resorts World will present a special Lunar New Year dinner menu through February 22, along with an extensive buffet from February 20-22. Meanwhile, Mott 32 at The Venetian Resort will feature a special menu from February 17 to March 3, complemented by DJs and live performances on the 17th and 18th.
Insider Tips with the Vegas2Go App
To navigate through the plethora of activities and dining options, consider downloading the free Vegas2Go app. This handy guide puts everything Las Vegas has to offer at your fingertips—from top restaurants and shows to nightlife attractions and special offers. Available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, it helps ensure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting Lunar New Year celebrations.
Engaging with Tradition
Overall, the Lunar New Year celebrations in Las Vegas embody a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant performances or the delectable cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each event is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that defines this festive period.
Join the celebrations, experience the joy of community, and make the most of your Lunar New Year in this dazzling city!