Top 5 Things to Do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas

With the amount of Asian tourists coming to Las Vegas to celebrate Chinese New Year, the holiday has become increasingly popular to celebrate with both locals and visitors. Chinese New Year celebrations run until the end of February throughout the city. Here are my picks for the Top 5 things to do to celebrate Chinese New Year in Las Vegas:

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas #1: Go to Chinatown

Every major city has a Chinatown, and Las Vegas is no exception. Located about 10 minutes west of the Strip on Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas' China town is home to numerous businesses from China, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam to name a few. Every year the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce commemorates Chinese New Year by hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration and Asian Food Festival at the Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza.

This year the festival runs from 10a.m to 5p.m on February 21, with over 30 different retailers and vendors presenting merchandise throughout all of Asia. Because of China's widespread cultural and historical influence throughout Asia, other Asian communities are represented as well. Throughout the day, over 5,000 festival attendees can sample authentic Asian food and watch performances from China, Korea, the Philippines, Japan, and Tahiti. Of course the traditional Dragon and Lion dances will be featured as well. Admission to the festival is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas #2: Tour the Strip

Many of the resorts on the Strip have redecorated their lobbies and entryways to honor the Chinese New Year. Several hotels will also present special performances of the lion dance throughout the weekend of February 14, including the Venetian, Palazzo, MGM, Bellagio, Aria, Ceasar's Palace, and Harrah's. For a full schedule, click here or call the hotel for more information.

My personal favorite is always the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, because the staff painstakingly creates a breathtaking picture of Chinese culture with flowers every year. And every year the display is different in order to suit the different signs of the Chinese zodiac calendar (tiger, ox, rabbit, etc.). The creativity is just awe-inspiring, and even after 11 years of living here, I never get tired of visiting the Conservatory.

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas #3: View the Exhibits

While you are touring the Strip, you may want to check out the two exhibits that hold specific ties to China. Crystal's shopping center inside CityCenter presents a Chinese historical photo exhibition titled, "Looking Back after 30 Years", which details 30 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and China. The free exhibition will be displayed the second and third levels of the shopping center until February 22nd.

And over at the Luxor, the Bodies Exhibit respectfully preserves and educates the public using human bodies donated from the Dalian Medical University Plastination Laboratories in China. The Bodies Exhibit is open daily from 10a.m. to 10p.m; tickets are $31.00 for adults, $29.00 for seniors, $23.00 for children ages 4-12, and $28.00 for locals. Many of the magazines found in hotels carry coupons for the exhibit, so check with the hotel concierge for more information.

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas #4: Visit the Library

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District does a fantastic job of educating the public about the different cultures represented throughout the valley. Long after Chinese New Year has ended, several libraries will offer workshops to teach Chinese brush painting, calligraphy, stories, and music.

For Chinese New Year, the Spring Valley Library will host a Storytime hour on February 14 from 2pm-3pm for children ages 6 to 11. And Chinese musician Li Lin Hong will introduce Chinese instruments to the public on February 20 at 4:30pm at the Sahara West Library. Both events are free.

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas #5: Chinese Buffet

While it sounds a little obvious to say we should eat Chinese food on Chinese New Year, there is a distinct advantage to doing it Vegas style: the buffets. While most Chinese restaurants in town are offering special menus for the holiday, I would encourage budget-minded visitors to hit the buffet lines instead. The majority of Las Vegas buffets have a Chinese food section with a great choice, and the price is reasonable. Several hotels have an All-Day-All-You-Can-Eat Buffet; the Excalibur's all-day buffet price is just $29 per person.

If buffet is not your style and you're looking for an inexpensive alternative to hotel restaurants, try Sam Woo's at 4215 Spring Mountain Road in the Chinatown Plaza. Known for their authentic Chinese food and really quick service, Sam Woo's definitely caters to the Asian crowd. Please note that the restaurant does not serve alcohol and only accepts cash payment.

Top 5 Things to do for the Chinese New Year in Las Vegas: Final Thoughts

As a worldwide destination, Las Vegas is the perfect destination for both visitors and locals to celebrate Chinese New Year. As they say in Mandarin, "Xīn Nián Kuài Lè"!

Sources:

Personal experience

Chinese New Year Events, Las Vegas Review Journal

Amanda Finnegan, Las Vegas Strip prepares to usher in Chinese New Year, Las Vegas Sun

Special Events, Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Bellagio.com

Crystals Retail & Entertainment, CityCenter.com

Bodies... The Exhibition, Luxor.com

Exhibition FAQs, Bodies The Exhibition

Events & Exhibits, Las Vegas - Clark County Library District

Dining Deals at the Castle, Excalibur.com

Qui Gui Su, Chinese New Year: Greetings and Phrases in Mandarin Chinese, About.com