Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional festival in China, marking the start of the lunar new year, which typically falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. Celebrated widely, the festival ushers in 15 days of customs and traditions starting with the Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve.
The year 2024 welcome the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing strength and good fortune. Festivities include decorating with red for luck, setting off fireworks to ward off evil spirits, giving red envelopes (hongbao) for prosperity, and enjoying cultural displays like dragon and lion dances. The Spring Festival culminates in the Lantern Festival, celebrated with colourful lanterns, symbolizing a hopeful and bright future.
Let’s explore the various locations in Dubai where Chinese New Year celebrations are taking place this year.
Shangri-La Dubai’s Dragon Brunch
Shangri-La Dubai has launched an exciting “Dragon Brunch” to coincide with the Chinese New Year festivities. This new brunch offering, available every Saturday, is a culinary nod to the Asian heritage, featuring the finest Asian cuisine.
The Dragon Brunch offers a fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese traditions, merging the culinary expertise of Hoi An and Shang Palace. It includes multiple live cooking stations offering dishes like live pho, hand-pulled Chinese noodles, Peking duck rolls, and dim sum. A live duo will enhance the experience with their music.
Special Menus:
- The Soaring Dragon Set Menu from February 1 @ AED 188 per person
- Three curated menus: the Lantern Festival Menu, Celebratory Set Menu, and Golden Dragon Menu from February 9th to 16th starting @ AED 288 per person.
Don’t miss the lion dance performance on February 10 and the Wishing Tree in the lobby.
Location: Hoi An & Shang Palace, Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road.
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 4 405 2703
- Email: fbreservations.sldb@shangri-la.com
- Website: shangri-la.com
Hutong Dubai
Hutong Dubai elevates the Chinese New Year experience by showcasing its culinary prowess through exclusive à la carte offerings such as Lobster Lao He, Chinese New Year Dim Sum Platter, Five Spices with Foie Gras, Flaming Peking Duck, and Cigar Signature Box. To complement the dining experience, Hutong Dubai’s bar team has concocted the Long Wang cocktail, a unique blend inspired by the theme of the dragon.
The festivities include a DJ, Dragon Show, and the intriguing art of Face Changing Mask on February 9th, followed by a brunch experience with DJ beats, Dragon Shows, and live Calligraphy on February 10th.
February 10th Brunch Packages:
- Non-Alcoholic Package @ AED 288
- House Beverage @ AED 448
- Prosecco @ AED 488
- Premium Champagne @ AED 688
Location: Gate Building 6, Ground Floor, DIFC
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 4 220 0868
- Email: hutongreservations@aqua-dubai.com
- Website: hutong-dubai.com
LEGOLAND
Legoland transforms into a festive playground, brimming with activities and experiences tailored for the whole family to welcome the Chinese New Year. At the heart of the festivities is Factory Street, which comes alive with the spirit of celebration. Adorned with hanging lanterns, lively music, and dazzling lights, it’s a hub of joy and entertainment.
Special Events:
- Engage in fun Lego-themed activities from building your own Lego dragon to displaying it beside a giant Lego lantern, there’s plenty to spark creativity.
- Embrace the tradition of making wishes for the New Year by hanging them on the Lego Wishing Wall.
- Join the Lucky Red Envelope Hunt throughout the park, where you can win special prizes including Lego box sets, a stay at LEGOLAND Hotel Dubai, and more!
- Indulge in Chinese-themed culinary delights and refreshing beverages.
- Spend AED 399 and receive a FREE limited-edition ‘Year of the Dragon’ Lego Box Set. And don’t miss out on the first limited edition 2024 Chinese New Year souvenir Lego brick as you exit the park.
Extend the fun with a Chinese New Year Sleepover at LEGOLAND Hotel Dubai.
Location: Dubai Parks & Resorts, Jebel Ali
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 4 820 0000
- Email: GuestServices@LEGOLAND.ae
- Website: legoland.com
Zheng He
This waterside location celebrates Chinese New Year with special decorations and a menu of delicious offerings. Drawing inspiration from the voyages of the historical Chinese explorer, Zheng He, the restaurant presents an array of oriental cuisine with a modern twist.
The menu includes stewed chicken with spicy bean sauce, char siew pork belly, wok-seared tenderloin with savoury truffle paste, and more. Experience the energy and tradition of live lion dance performances, scheduled for February 9th and 10th.
Dining Experience:
- AED 288 per person inclusive food only
- AED 388 per person inclusive of soft beverages
Location: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
Booking Information:
SHI
SHI celebrates Chinese New Year with an exclusive ‘Dragon Feast’ from February 5th to 11th, with a spotlight on the evenings of the 9th and 10th. SHI has come up with a captivating blend of Chinese cultural festivities and culinary delights.
Look forward to receiving a traditional red envelope upon arrival, a symbol of good luck and prosperity, which you’ll get to adorn on bonsai trees at the entrance, creating an enchanting forest of aspirations. These envelopes hold special surprises, adding an element of mystery and excitement to your experience.
The menu features a range of exotic dishes, including Dragon Fruit Tiger Prawn, Crispy Duck Maki Roll with Volcano Sauce, Braised Lamb Pot, and Crispy Chicken with Lime Sauce. The meal concludes with the Chef’s Special Dessert.
The evenings of February 9th and 10th will showcase hand fan performers and Guzheng instrumental performances, alongside SHI’s resident DJ and singer. Each table will receive a Fortune Cookie Box and a dragon tassel key chain as a memento.
Dragon Feast:
- The Dragon Feast is priced at AED 400 per person
- Children under six dine for free
Location: Ground Floor, Blue Waters Island
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 4 393 9990
- Email: reservations@shirestaurant.com
- Website: shirestaurant.com
Ladurée
In honor of Chinese New Year, the esteemed French patisserie, Ladurée, is offering a special limited-edition 8-piece macaron box. Elegantly adorned in a red and gold box, these boxes are priced at AED 150 and available at select Ladurée outlets across Dubai.
You have the option to customise the box according to your preference from a variety of macaron options. You can find these celebratory macaron boxes at multiple locations including the iconic Dubai Mall restaurant, the Tea Room at Dubai Mall, and the Tea Room at the Mall of the Emirates, the Dubai Festival City Mall, Nakheel Mall, and the Dubai Hills restaurant.
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 50 248 7471
- Email: events@fsladuree.ae | customercare@fsladuree.ae
- Website: www.laduree.ae
Maiden Shanghai
Embrace the spirit of strength, prosperity, and good fortune with a special 4-course themed gourmet Chinese set menu at Maiden Shanghai. The menu features exquisite dishes like Dim Sum, Smoked Asparagus Duck Roll, Kung Pao Chicken, and the Lychee Goji Berry Pudding, each symbolizing the auspicious qualities of the dragon.
The celebration is further enhanced by high-energy live performances and a festive ambience. The experience is further enhanced with selfie spots set against the Chinese New Year décor or the stunning Marina Skyline for the perfect Instagram moment.
Event Packages:
- 4-course Set Menu at AED299 per person
- 4-course Premium Set Menu at AED598 per person
- A la carte beverages
Location: Level 1, FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Booking Information:
- Telephone: +971 4 455 9989
- Email: fpjd.dining@fivehotelsandresorts.com
- Website: maiden-shanghai.com
These venues offer a variety of ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Dubai, from traditional feasts and cultural performances to modern interpretations of the festival. Each location brings its unique flair to the Year of the Dragon celebrations, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
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