The Lunar New Year, an annual international holiday celebrated in a number of Asian countries and by more than a billion people worldwide, celebrates the beginning of the next lunar calendar. It's a chance to spend time with family, to leave bad luck and negativity behind, and to strive for prosperity in the new year.
Lunar New Year 2022 will bring a number of in-person and virtual events to Denver this winter, including street-food fairs, Lion Dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and more. While New Year kicks off Feb. 1, Denver will host several events in the coming weeks. Here are a few, and if we missed any, let us know at [email protected].
Truong An Gifts & Far East Center's 28th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration.
Where: 333 S. Federal Blvd.
When: Feb. 5 and 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: This annual festival invites Denverites to shop for Asian gifts, snacks and clothing at Truong An Gifts at the Far East Center on Federal Boulevard while enjoying traditional entertainment like Lion Dance. This weekend, you can also enjoy music performances, ice carving, a kids fashion show, martial arts, food vendors and more.
Lunar New Year 2022 Celebration & Street Food Fair - Year of the Tiger
Where: KUTEA - Boba Milk Tea & Vietnamese Desserts, 1147 S. Federal Blvd.
When: Sunday, Feb. 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Now Pho, KUTEA, Saigon Travel, and Denver Street Partnership have teamed up to present this performance and food market event. Guests can visit more than 20 booths selling street food and products by local vendors, and experience performances by the Colorado Asian Heritage Center, including Lion Dance on jongs, or high poles, dragon dance, drum shows, martial art demonstrations and traditional dances. Coordinators will also be handing out li xi, or red envelopes, for good luck.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: The 2022 Lunar New Year of the Water Tiger
Where: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
When: Saturday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m.
What: Famous for its choreography that blends both traditional and contemporary elements, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company brings this dance celebration of Year of the Water Tiger to the stage for one night only. The audience will experience a colorful display of dance, sound and vibrant costuming. Tickets are $35-45.
Into the Wild Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown, 1750 Welton St.
When: Saturday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
What: This jungle-themed benefit to celebrate the Year of the Tiger invites guests to enjoy a family-style meal in Denver's Grand Hyatt. Programming will include Lion Dance performance, a traditional Good Luck Salad Toss, silent and live auctions, a live band, casino games and a Night Market with vendors, beer tasting, palm readings, calligraphy, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Nathan Yip Foundation, which supports K-12 education in rural schools throughout Colorado and China. Tickets start at $250 per person.
DPL's Lunar New Year Cultural Workshop
Where: Virtual
When: Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, and March 1 4:15 p.m. - 5 p.m.
What: Presented by Denver Public Library, this five-part free online course teaches kids age 5-17 about Chinese culture and the Mandarin language, with special focus on Lunar New Year traditions, customs, food, and more. Students will meet on GoogleMeet.
2022 OCA Online Celebration of Chinese New Year
Where: Virtual
When: Feb. 1-5, 6:30 p.m.
What: The Organization for Chinese Americans' Colorado chapter will host its annual New Year Gala online during the pandemic. Guests can tune in during the celebration to catch Lion Dance and Kung Fu, a variety show by young Great Wall Chinese Academy performers, traditional dance by Jasmine Flower Chinese Dance School, Quipao Dance, prizes, and much more. You can get the YouTube link on various local WeChat groups or from the OCA email group.
