Lunar New Year is upon us, with the city offering plenty of ways to properly ring in the Year of the Dragon. The start of the year is marked by the first new moon on February 10 this year and is followed by 15 days of celebrations. The festivities are expected to be vibrant and lively, commemorated by spirited lion and dragon dances, fireworks, gift-giving, and epic feasting. In Houston, Asiatown has long served as a popular destination to gather, but restaurants, malls, and museums are putting their own thoughtful twists on the occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a spirited family-friendly event or an exclusive multi-course dinner with performances by one of Houston’s top dance troops, here are 11 exciting ways to ring in the Year of the Dragon.
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Lunar New Year celebrations return to Katy Mills again this year. The whole family can enjoy the festive holiday event, which invites residents to roam the outlet mall and enjoy a traditional lion dance by dance troop Soaring Phoenix in the food court on Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m in the Neighborhood 2 courtyard.
This Katy Asiatown favorite is bringing back its special family-style Malaysian feast in honor of the Lunar Year. The five-course meal is available during four different seatings — Friday, February 9 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 10 at 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, February 11 at 11:30 a.m.; and on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. Festivities also include lion dance performances by Lee Golden Dragon. The cost is $88 for adults and $28 for children under 12.
The longtime tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Chinese Community Center continues this year on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, outdoor event will feature a variety of cultural and family activities, raffle prizes, a photo booth, food trucks, Lunar New Year merchandise, and dragon and lion dance performances.
This all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant will keep the booze flowing all week long with a buy-one, get-one free Korean soju special. Enjoy various flavors, including the original Chamisul and Jinro is Back Chum-Churum, plus fruity varieties like green apple, strawberry, and peach.
Boutique chocolatier Cacao & Cardamom has unveiled its Lunar New Year collection of bonbons with varieties inspired by Chinese flavors. Flavors like black sesame ginger, Five-Spice Praline, matcha, and Strawberry Szechuan are available by the piece or in festive 8- and 16-piece gift boxes.
This ritzy River Oaks restaurant known for its whimsical vibe dining atmosphere is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 10. Along with special pricing on bottles, the evening’s festivities will feature a lively combination of dragon dances and Ciel’s signature song and dance performances.
This neon-lit handroll bar will kick off Lunar New Year on Thursday, February 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. by giving away more than 200 lucky red envelopes. Diners can enjoy themed cocktails like the Year of the Dragon cocktail, plus exclusive drink specials, followed by a traditional lion dance performance at 8 p.m.
Grab an ice cream cone from Fat Cat Creamery, a sandwich from Luloo’s Day & Night, or a rice and chicken plate from Rooster & Rice, and then settle in for a spectacular Lunar Year performance from Nu Vuong Hoa Binh LDT on Sunday, February 11. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the troupe will take over the Stomping Grounds’ green space with a vibrant display of traditional dances and cultural celebrations.
As part of its bountiful offerings, Dessert Gallery is crafting hand-decorated cookies in hues of red and gold in honor of the Lunar New Year. The decorative sweets are available for $5 each in the shop through Saturday, February 10, and can be pre-ordered online through Monday, February 5.
Asia Society will keep its annual tradition of welcoming residents to its free Lunar New Year festival. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, and will feature arts and crafts for all ages, music and dance performances presented by Huaxing Arts Group Houston, zodiac games, and a food and retail market. While the event is free, registration is requested.
Post Houston, the popular downtown hub for dining, events, and concerts, is ringing in the Year of the Dragon with a free Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, February 4, beginning at 11 a.m. Festivities include an Asian pop-up market featuring food vendors, games, and arts and crafts, plus day and evening lion dance performances by Soaring Phoenix at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
Lunar New Year celebrations return to Katy Mills again this year. The whole family can enjoy the festive holiday event, which invites residents to roam the outlet mall and enjoy a traditional lion dance by dance troop Soaring Phoenix in the food court on Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m in the Neighborhood 2 courtyard.
This Katy Asiatown favorite is bringing back its special family-style Malaysian feast in honor of the Lunar Year. The five-course meal is available during four different seatings — Friday, February 9 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 10 at 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, February 11 at 11:30 a.m.; and on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. Festivities also include lion dance performances by Lee Golden Dragon. The cost is $88 for adults and $28 for children under 12.
The longtime tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year at the Chinese Community Center continues this year on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, outdoor event will feature a variety of cultural and family activities, raffle prizes, a photo booth, food trucks, Lunar New Year merchandise, and dragon and lion dance performances.
This all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant will keep the booze flowing all week long with a buy-one, get-one free Korean soju special. Enjoy various flavors, including the original Chamisul and Jinro is Back Chum-Churum, plus fruity varieties like green apple, strawberry, and peach.
Boutique chocolatier Cacao & Cardamom has unveiled its Lunar New Year collection of bonbons with varieties inspired by Chinese flavors. Flavors like black sesame ginger, Five-Spice Praline, matcha, and Strawberry Szechuan are available by the piece or in festive 8- and 16-piece gift boxes.
This ritzy River Oaks restaurant known for its whimsical vibe dining atmosphere is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 10. Along with special pricing on bottles, the evening’s festivities will feature a lively combination of dragon dances and Ciel’s signature song and dance performances.
This neon-lit handroll bar will kick off Lunar New Year on Thursday, February 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. by giving away more than 200 lucky red envelopes. Diners can enjoy themed cocktails like the Year of the Dragon cocktail, plus exclusive drink specials, followed by a traditional lion dance performance at 8 p.m.
Grab an ice cream cone from Fat Cat Creamery, a sandwich from Luloo’s Day & Night, or a rice and chicken plate from Rooster & Rice, and then settle in for a spectacular Lunar Year performance from Nu Vuong Hoa Binh LDT on Sunday, February 11. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the troupe will take over the Stomping Grounds’ green space with a vibrant display of traditional dances and cultural celebrations.
As part of its bountiful offerings, Dessert Gallery is crafting hand-decorated cookies in hues of red and gold in honor of the Lunar New Year. The decorative sweets are available for $5 each in the shop through Saturday, February 10, and can be pre-ordered online through Monday, February 5.
Asia Society will keep its annual tradition of welcoming residents to its free Lunar New Year festival. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, and will feature arts and crafts for all ages, music and dance performances presented by Huaxing Arts Group Houston, zodiac games, and a food and retail market. While the event is free, registration is requested.
Post Houston, the popular downtown hub for dining, events, and concerts, is ringing in the Year of the Dragon with a free Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, February 4, beginning at 11 a.m. Festivities include an Asian pop-up market featuring food vendors, games, and arts and crafts, plus day and evening lion dance performances by Soaring Phoenix at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.