The Lunar New Year celebrates the arrival of spring and commencing of a new year in China, South Korea, Vietnam and many other Asian countries. Specific dates of the holiday may vary between cultures, but the holiday always signifies an opportunity to come together and spend time with loved ones while participating in long held traditions.
2024 is the year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. Whether you prefer to learn to paint Chinese watercolor or taste delicious foods from local eateries, there’s plenty to explore in February in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Events
Enjoy food, trivia and lion dances with Out Boulder County in honor of the Lunar New Year. Guests are invited to wear cultural garments and bring a dish to share, though neither are required.
Where: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 4215 Grinnell Ave, Boulder
When: Friday, Feb. 2, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: free
Join instructor Su Wang to practice traditional Chinese watercolor techniques while painting symbols of luck and fortune.
Where: Blue Moose Art Gallery, 4032 S College Ave, Fort Collins
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $65
Join Global Village Academy North, an international charter school, to watch student performances of a lion dance and kung fu techniques. There will also be Chinese food for sampling along with crafts and games.
Where: Global Village Academy North, 12415 Grant Street, Thornton
When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: free
Stroll over to this family-friendly event to try scrumptious local eats and enjoy a range of performances–from K-Pop to lion dancers. There will also be an international lineup of vendors to peruse.
Where: Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
When: Sunday, Feb. 4, 12-6 p.m.
Cost: free
Participate in traditional crafts and witness dragon and lion dances at this celebration.
Where: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora
When: Friday, Feb. 9, 4:30-7 p.m.
Cost: free
Head to the Far East Center for a variety of activities to welcome in the Year of the Wood Dragon, from dragon ice carving to dance performances and martial arts showcases.
Where: 333 S Federal Blvd, Denver
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: N/A
Enjoy a traditional three-course Chinese New Year meal while listening to stories about Chinese culture and customs.
Where: Hunan Chinese Cuisine, 731 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures through food and performances to include taiko drumming, traditional Filipino dancing and the dragon dance.
Where: The Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: N/A
Sample a few Chinese teas and sit in community to reflect on the new year through the lens of Chinese medicine and astrology.
Where: Embodied Wholeness, 827 Mathews Street, Fort Collins
When: Sunday, Feb. 11, 1-4 p.m .
Cost: $30, financial aid available
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the University of Northern Colorado. Festivities will include a children’s carnival and performance of the lion dance.
Where: University Center Ballrooms at the University of Northern Colorado, 2101 10th Ave., Greeley
When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 12:30-4 p.m.
Cost: N/A
