Saturday, February 10 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, starting a year of the Dragon. More specifically, the Wood Dragon. The sign of the dragon is a symbol of power, wisdom and good fortune in Chinese culture, and 2024 is specifically predicted to be a year of innovation and growth.
Along with the Lunar New Year comes all the exciting events that take place across Miami to celebrate this monumental time! Here are many incredible ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year this year:
1. View beautiful lanterns around Jungle Island
Filled with all kinds of wonders, one stunning experience that you won’t want to miss is Luminosa: A Festival of Lights. Over 40 impressive Chinese lanterns, carefully crafted by artisans, await at this radiant experience. Designed around multiple themes such as mythical jungle wildlife, ancient Asian dynasties and legendary Latin culture, each section offers a captivating journey. Get tickets to Luminosa here.
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL, 33132-1611
2. Attend 1-800-Lucky’s 2nd annual Lunar New Year Dine-Around
1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first and only Asian food hall, has some big plans to celebrate. On Saturday, February 10, with the purchase of a ticket, guests will enjoy dishes that represent each of the 7 lucky foods traditionally enjoyed during the New Year, curated by Lucky’s 7 vendors.
Where: 143 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
When: February 10, 12 pm – 6 pm
3. Indulge in authentic dishes and dragon performances at Jaya at The Setai
From February 9-11, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year with Jaya’s nightly Asian Night Bazaar. Enjoy evenings surrounded by the glow of red lanterns while taking in stage performances, including traditional lion and dragon shows, martial arts demonstrations and drummers along with a contortionist and DJ. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or mocktails, such as the Golden Garden, and have yourself some signature Peking Duck and Dim Sum along with Crab Dumplings, Wok Lobster, Duck Salad and Wok Prawns.
Where: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
When: February 9 – 11
4. Write down your 2024 wishes at Hakkasan
Head to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for an incredible chef’s tasting menu inspired by the Year of the Dragon at Hakkasan. In addition to dishes, guests will receive red Wishing Ribbons to write down their 2024 wishes and hang on the restaurant’s Ling Ling walls in hopes of good luck and fortune. On February 10th at 8 pm, make sure to catch a traditional dragon dance in Fontainebleau’s lobby, ending in Hakkasan.
Where: 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
When: February 10, 8 pm
5. Hang your wishes on Hutong’s wishing tree branches
Hutong will also hand out wishing cards for guests to fill out and hang on the restaurant’s wishing tree branches after their meal to make a wish for the Lunar New Year! These trees are an homage to the famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in Hong Kong. Indulge in the Brickell restaurant’s contemporary Northern Chinese cuisine and cocktails while enjoying fire artists and lion dancers. Special offering include a traditional Lo Hei Salad and a Rising Dragon cocktail, among other incredible fare.
Where: 600 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
6. Party it up at Komodo
Komodo, known for its iconic, treehouse-like atmosphere and elegant Southeast Asian cuisine, is throwing a special dinner party featuring a live dragon show, specialty menu and interactive incentives for guests. On February 10 starting at 6 pm, guests will choose from special menu items like a Dragon Sushi Roll, specialty cocktail and dessert. There will also be traditional red envelopes, strawberry fortune cookies, a photo booth and live performance featuring drum, gong and cymbal players.
Where: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
When: February 10, 6 pm
7. Dine at Smorgasburg’s Chinese New Year Market
Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is teaming up with Smorgasburg to host its famous Chinese New Year Market on Feb. 16-18. The weekend celebrations, taking place in both Wynwood and Lincoln Road locations, will include loads of decorations and activities along with over 15 Asian vendors highlighting different cuisines.
Where & When:
Lincoln Road – 1111 Lincoln Rd
- February 16, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Wynwood – 2600 NW 2nd Ave
- February 16, from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- February 17, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- February 18, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
8. See a lion dance by the water at La Mar by Gastón Acurio
La Mar is offering special dishes throughout the week of February 5th such as Shanghai Chifa Siu Mai with sticky rice chaufa filled with siu mai and Longevity Noodles, with charsiu pork, shrimp, cloud ear and snow mushrooms, tausi and garlic chives. Complimenting the delicious cuisine is a traditional “Lion Dance” performance on February 10th at 6:45 p.m.
Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
When: February 10, 6:45 p.m.
9. Dance with Miami Design District into the New Year
Miami Design District is gearing up for its annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 10. Everyone is welcome to watch their exciting lion dances, symbolizing strength and good luck, taking place throughout the district. The free celebration will kick off at the Palm Court at 3:30 pm.
Where: 140 NE 39th St, Miami FL, 33137
When: February 10, 3:30 pm
10. Try new dishes at Kaori
For just two days, Kaori is unveiling never-before-seen dishes for the occasion. There’s Niman Ranch Smoked Char Siu Pork, Roasted Whole Local Snapper and Jian Dui, among others. It isn’t a celebration without cocktails and bubbles, which means they’ll be adding new items, including the Dynasty Rose made with Tanqueray Ten Gin, green apple, bay leaf, Lillet Rose, Ming River Baijiu, and Canton Margarita made with Union Mezcal, Cointreau, chili sesame oil, sweet and sour agave, lime juice, five spice salt.
Where: 871 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
When: February 9 – 10