Lunar New Year falls on February 10, and it ushers in the year of the dragon. The dragon is a symbol of good luck, and it’s the only mythical creature among the Chinese zodiac signs, so this year will feel more auspicious than most. Find some red envelopes, a lion dance, and eat dumplings at these North Texas celebrations.
Jan. 26-28, Feb. 2-4, Feb. 10-11
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Asia Times Square
One of the largest celebrations is at Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie, and it lasts three weekends.
Jan. 26-28: An opening banquet will kick off the festivities on Jan. 26. The banquet is usually invitation-only. This is the first year guests can purchase tickets to attend and listen to keynote speakers and community leaders while enjoying a family-style dinner. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased here. The rest of the weekend will take place on the grounds of Asia Times Square and will include food and art vendors and performances.
Feb. 2-4: The celebrations continue with more food and art vendors and lion dances. The dances will take place every two hours. Cash is recommended for purchasing food and drinks.
Feb. 10-11: Lunar New Year weekend kicks off with firecrackers as well as lion and dragon at noon on both days.
Admission is free, except for the opening banquet. Get full details here. 2625 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Grand Prairie.
Jan. 27
2024 Lunar New Year at Cali Saigon Mall
Celebrations include lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and a food festival and market. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and is free to attend. If you’re bringing kids, they’ll get “lucky money,” too. Learn more here. 3212 N. Jupiter Rd., Garland.
Feb. 2
Lunar New Year Night Market Festival in Frisco
The Lunar New Year’s Eve celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Frisco Ranch near 99 Ranch Market, and it includes lion dances, live music, and local food vendors. There will also be a fashion show and a calligraphy artist. Learn more here. 9292 Warren Pkwy., Frisco.
Feb. 9
Lunar New Year at The Kimbell Art Museum
Learn about Chinese art, listen to a guzheng trio (a guzheng is a Chinese string instrument that is plucked), and conduct a scavenger hunt through the permanent collection. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth.
Feb. 10
Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibit and Lion Dance at Galleria Dallas
About 250 red lanterns will be installed above the ice skating rink by Jan. 31, and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 10, mall-goers can watch a lion and dragon dance on the first level near Sephora. The performance will also include lively drumming to ring in the new year. 13350 Dallas Pkwy.
Feb. 10
Lunar New Year Celebration at NorthPark Center
The shopping center is celebrating the year of the dragon in collaboration with the Crow Museum throughout the mall. At 9 a.m., Park Cities Chinese School is hosting a storytime inside Bookmarks on the first level, and then between 10 a.m. and noon on the first floor, activities such as Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper folding, and more will be available. At 11 a.m., the Rising Phoenix lion dancers will perform between Nordstrom and Macy’s. 8687 N. Central Expy.
Feb. 11
Lunar New Year Celebration in Richardson
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richardson’s Chinatown district will host a festival with the CORE District, Chinese Community Center, and the city of Richardson. The event will include food vendors, calligraphy exhibits, dragon and lion dances, martial arts performers, and more. Attendance is free. Learn more here. 400 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson.
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