Sunday, January 22 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, starting a year of the Rabbit. The sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, and 2023 is specifically predicted to be a year of hope.
Along with the Lunar New Year comes all the exciting events that take place across Miami to celebrate this monumental time! Here are 8 incredible ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year this year:
1. Take a dumpling cooking class at the Berkeley Park Hotel
This Lunar Year, you can learn how to make traditional dumpling dough from scratch alongside an expert chef. Fit for all skill levels, you’ll also be making your own fillings with beef and vegetarian options available. You’ll have to be 21+ to attend this experience, as you’ll be enjoying your creations at the very end with some delicious drinks available for purchase at the venue. Get you tickets here!
Where: 334 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
2. Attend 1-800-Lucky’s first annual Lunar New Year dine-around
1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first and only Asian food hall, is planning something big to celebrate. On January 21 and 22, with the purchase of a ticket, guests will receive a traditional envelope that includes 7 lucky foods from 7 vendors. Menu items include Longevity Noodles from Gold Marquess, Coconut Jelly Rabbit Dumpling from Yip, Oyakodon Donburi Rice Bowl by Usagi Tokyo, Korean Rice Cake Soup by 2 Korean Girls, and more.
Where: 143 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
When: January 21 – 22, 12 pm – 4 pm
3. Enjoy a special brunch and lion dancing at La Mar by Gastón Acurio
La Mar is hosting a special “Chifa Brunch” curated by Executive Chef Diego Oka on Saturday, January 21st, between 12:30 to 3 pm. Complimenting the delicious Peruvian and Chinese fusion cuisine is a traditional lion dance ready to treat diners! Choose from an array of delectable items with hot and cold food stations replete with signature cebiches, tiraditos, sushi, and salads, as well as juicy anticuchos, fried whole fish, empanadas and more. In addition to the buffet, the brunch experience includes tableside Chaufa Aeropuerto to share, a choice of main course and assorted desserts.
Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
When: January 21, 12:30 pm – 3 pm
4. Head to MO Bar + Lounge for some signature cocktails
Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, like La Mar, the chic and modern bar will offer several Chinese specials including Shu Mai, authentic spicy Dan Dan noodles and themed cocktails like the “Lucky Rabbit” and “Wish Me Luck.” On Sunday, January 22nd at 8 pm, guests can also enjoy a traditional lion dance at MO Bar + Lounge.
Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
5. Celebrate with traditional red envelopes and a special wagyu bao bun at Tanuki
The modern pan-Asian eatery will celebrate the Year of the Rabbit as an annual tradition. They will hand out traditional red envelopes with surprise gifts included for each guest; plus, they’ll have a special Wagyu Bao featuring steamed bun filled with wagyu beef, scallions, spicy hoisin and shiitake.
Where: 1080 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
6. Get crafty and create red envelopes at Broward County Main Library
To commemorate the Chinese Lunar New Year, partake in this handy craft for the entire family to enjoy. Traditionally, adults fill ornate red envelopes and then hand them out to young children as a token of good fortune for the new year. The library’s version will include making the red envelope from scratch, decorating them, and filling them with chocolate coins.
Where: 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
When: January 19, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
7. Dine at Smorgasburg’s Chinese New Year Market
Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is teaming up with the Smorgasburg to host a Chinese New Year Market on Jan. 21 and 22 from noon to 7 pm. The weekend celebrations will include loads of decorations and activities like a lion dance, art & calligraphy and a violinist performance, along with special dishes highlighting different Asian cuisines.
Where: 2600 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
When: January 21 – 22, 12 pm – 7 pm
8. Indulge in authentic dishes and a lion performance at Jaya at The Setai
From January 19 through 22, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year with Jaya’s nightly Asian Night Bazaar. Enjoy a transportive evening surrounded by the glow of red lanterns while taking in a traditional lion dance performance in the restaurant’s courtyard. Sip in style with the new Setai Spritz with Chinese Five Spice and enjoy authentic dishes, including Wok Lobster, Dim Sum, and Peking Duck.
Where: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
When: January 19 – 22