Looking for a little extra luck while visiting Las Vegas? Come visit during Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year is the Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival is usually referred to as the Spring Festival in mainland China, and is one of several Lunar New Years in Asia. In 2023, the first day of the Chinese New Year is Sunday, January 22nd, initiating the Year of the Rabbit.
Every year Vegas likes to throw a party for Lunar New Year. You might see parade-like lion dances winding through casinos. There may be special menus at restaurants to celebrate, and you can see a beautiful display of flowers at the Bellagio Conservatory. Many hotels put up decorations and symbols of luck throughout their properties in honor of the New Year. Who couldn’t use a little more of that when they’re in Vegas?
Photo: Bellagio Las Vegas
Here is a list of some events and exhibits celebrating the “Year of the Rabbit” in February 2023 in Las Vegas:
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens-Chinese New Year display
FREE-all day access
Bellagio Las Vegas
Just past the front desk you’ll find the 14,000 square foot Conservatory. This is where the talented horticulture staff transforms the space seasonally using thousands of flowers and trees. This year’s masterpiece, titled “The Year of the Rabbit” is open day and night and is always FREE to view. The 17-foot-tall statue of Caishen, the benevolent Chinese god of wealth, overlooks the family of eight golden rabbits representing abundance and new beginnings. The Chinese New Year display runs through March 4th. The Spring show runs in March, April and into May. The Summer display runs June -September, the Harvest Show runs September – November, and the Holiday display runs December – early January. They offer a web cam view of the current display on their website, though it doesn’t seem to be updated as of yet. You can see the past shows posted for viewing as well.
11th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert
January 26-28, 2023
The 12th annual Chinese New Year in the Desert™ has grown from just another cultural event to one that is an official state recognized “Nevada 150” event and what Forbes Magazine has called “one of the top 8 places in the United States to celebrate Chinese New Year”. The explosive growth over the past 10 years has led to an expanded program at various venues in 2023 such as the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, The X-Pot, Goong Korean BBQ Las Vegas, Downtown Las Vegas, and Downtown Container Park.
“Year of The Rabbit” Lunar New Year Gala and Community Achievement Awards
February 3, 2023, 5:30-8:30pm
Cocktails & Silent Auction followed by dinner & Awards presentation at 6:00PM. Located at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. See the link for more details.
Fashion Show Las Vegas Lantern Light Show
Daily through February 5th
In honor of the Year of the Rabbit, discover a symphony of music and light every hour on the hour in The Great Hall. Gather your friends and family to capture memorable Lunar New Year photo ops!
While you’re there, check out all the special Lunar New Year offers they have right now.
Celebrate Lunar New Year With the ‘Good Fortune Scratcher’ at Panda Express
Running nationally through Feb. 21, the “Good Fortune Scratcher” is a digital game in which players unlock trivia about Lunar New Year and Panda Express through a fun scratcher experience. Players can win a lucky food-centric promotional offer, $8 off a Family Meal, or gift cards worth $88 or even $888.
You can go to PandaLny.com from now until February 21 to play the Good Fortune Scratcher Game. If you want to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions you can head to the Panda Cub Club, where there is a free booklet perfect for exploring with family.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas horticulture team consulted a feng shui master to transform its Waterfall Atrium with an elaborate installation. Surrounded by lush greenery and gold coins, the focal point is a colossal 16-foot-tall, 700-pound rabbit sculpture that symbolizes longevity, peace and prosperity. The Year of the Rabbit decor will be on display until February 26, 2023.
Also at the Venetian, you can enjoy a range of Chinese restaurants at the resort. Mott 32, Hong Kong Café, and Noodle Asia all offer their own unique dishes to experience. Make reservations ahead of the holiday so you can be seated without a wait.
Wynn Las Vegas gets festive with décor throughout the resort, including hanging silk dragons and citrus trees to highlight the holiday’s tradition of gifting citrus fruit. The resort also features roughly 100 fun-loving figurines of rabbits, see if you can catch them all!
Shen Yun at the Smith Center
February 24-26, 2023
Through breathtaking dance and music, Shen Yun’s artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations. Shen Yun’s works convey the extraordinary depth and breadth of genuine Chinese culture, and bring the magnificence of five thousand years of civilization back to life on stage. Described as ‘fascinating’, ‘life-changing’, ‘stunning’ and ‘a must-see’, you don’t want to miss this show.
Tickets begin at $95 and are selling out quickly. Visit The Smith Center for tickets.
I hope this list helps you find an event to celebrate Chinese New Year in Las Vegas. This list will be updated as more events are added. You can get free daily email updates of all the free and cheap events, plus deals and discounts on entertainment and dining, by subscribing to our daily newsletter on the right. For even more cheap fun, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Enjoy these other posts about free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas:
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