In Chinese astrology, The Year of the Dragon is marked by excitement, exhilaration, and intensity. This January, Las Vegas rolls out the red carpet to welcome in the year that embodies the spirit of the destination.
"The Year of the Dragon fills people with energy, vitality, and unbridled enthusiasm," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "We are excited to welcome Chinese New Year with vibrant celebrations that showcase Las Vegas' global appeal."
Chinese New Year in Las Vegas has a long rich tradition of being one of the most extravagant seasons on the destination's calendar. The annual celebration is marked by traditional Lion Dances, extravagant décor, unique entertainment, and special culinary offerings.
For those drawn to the spectacle and pageantry of the traditional Lion Dances, check out the Wynn Las Vegas where the Dragon and Lion Dance ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27, The Venetian on Monday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m., and The Gold Coast two Lion Dances on Feb 1 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Caesars Entertainment Lion Dances will be on January 27 at 5 p.m. at Harrah's Las Vegas, 6:15 p.m. at Imperial Palace Las Vegas, 7 p.m. at Flamingo Las Vegas and 10 p.m. at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. On January 28 at noon at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 1 p.m. at Paris Las Vegas, 2 p.m. at Bally's Las Vegas and 5 p.m. at Caesars Palace. All across the city resorts transform their properties with extravagant displays and elaborate décor.
The Palazzo will display a 128-foot fire breathing dragon. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will feature over 22,000 colorful flowers and two 25 foot dragons. Wynn Las Vegas' atriums will feature over 8,000 red and yellow chrysanthemums, silk dragons, and golden dragon sculptures measuring eight feet tall. Cultural entertainment offerings abound throughout the Year of the Dragon celebration. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace welcomes Mandopop star Wakin Chau in concert. The Fremont Street Experience will host a nightly festival with Chinese food and arts and crafts and cultural presentations on the 3rd Street Stage.
Fantasy Stars in concert will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Jan. 28 for the celebration, welcoming Daniel Chan, Aska Yang, Alec Su and Wilber Pan. The following world-class restaurants will offer special menus and festive culinary creations to honor the Chinese New Year. Luxor's new Asian bistro Rice And Company will offer a traditional prix fixe menu and The Palazzo's Zine Noodles Dim Sum and China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan will offer celebratory cuisines and festive cocktails as well.