Lunar New Year is coming up at the end of January this year, and we’re ready for the Year of the Snake! Keep scrolling to learn all about Lunar New Year and how you can celebrate in Atlanta!
First of all… what is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also sometimes known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a yearly calendar based off of the Chinese lunar calendar. Each new year is represented by an animal, and marks the start of a new zodiac cycle. Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions all over the world, particularly in Asian countries.
This year is the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and introspection. Learn more about the Year of the Snake here!
Here are 7 amazing ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in Atlanta!
1. Visit Atlantic Station for their dazzling Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Atlantic Station! Decked out in gorgeous decorations, Atlantic Station is definitely a great spot to start your Lunar New Year! They’ve got everything from a magnificent “fire” breathing red dragon to a mesmerizing lantern show that runs at the top of the hour each night for a limited time only. Don’t miss out! Check out all the details here!
2. Check out Stone Mountain Park’s stunning Lunar New Year Festival
The iconic Atlanta family-fun attraction is hosting their third-annual Lunar New Year festival, complete with incredible things to do throughout the Lunar New Year. From martial arts demonstrations to beautifully curated cultural decorations and performances, you don’t want to miss out on this masterpiece show.
And of course, in classic Stone Mountain Park fashion, each night will conclude with an iconic light, drone, and firework spectacle!
Check out more information about Stone Mountain’s Lunar New Year Festival here!3. Head to the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival
Pick up a ‘passport’ and travel between tons of amazing cultural booths to learn all about the East Asian cultures who celebrate Lunar New Year! Festival goers can expect tons of delicious food, traditional and modern Tinikling dances hosted by Georgia Tech’s Filipino Student Association, the highly-antipated lion dance by the Sang Anh Duong dance troupe… and so much more!
All ticket profits from this year will go to Asian American Voices for Education!
When: Sunday, February 2nd from 1 – 5pm
Where: Ebster Recreation Center | 105 Electric Ave., Decatur, GA 30030
Tickets: $10 for adults, kids enter free!
Learn more on their website here!4. Visit Atlanta Chinatown
Although Atlanta doesn’t have an official Chinatown, we do have this incredible gem located in Chamblee. The oldest Asian shopping center in the southeast, Atlanta Chinatown Mall, has an incredible food court with an unbeatable selection authentic Chinese, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Laotian and Korean cultural dishes, all in one small community. Food is essential to culture, so what better way to celebrate the Lunar New Year than with food from these incredibly beautiful cultures?
Address for your GPS: 5383 New Peachtree Rd Ste C, Chamblee, GA 30341
5. Eat out at Atlanta’s favorite Chinese restaurants
Speaking of great Chinese restaurants, check out our round-up of unbeatable Chinese restaurants in and around Atlanta for even more Lunar New Year celebrations. From those staple take-out dishes to more contemporary Chinese eateries, click here for the full round-up.
And if you’re looking for a 100% plant-based Chinese dining experience, you’ve gotta try PLANTA Queen in Buckhead!
6. Treat yourself to a Lunar New Year dumpling feast!
Did you know that eating dumplings is supposed to bring you good luck throughout the next Lunar Year cycle? You don’t have to tell us twice! We’re always looking for more reasons to go grab the best dumplings in town!
Check out some recommendations below or click here for a full round-up of dumpling hotspots across the city.
- Gu’s Dumplings, Krog Street Market
- Fudo, Windsor Parkview
- Xiao’s Way, Johns Creek
7. Experience Chein Hong Chinese New Year Celebration
The Chein Hong School of Kung-Fu hosts epic events every year for the Lunar New Year. And with amazing Lion Dances and martial art demonstrations, you don’t want to miss this years offerings!
Follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date with their events and things to do for Lunar New Year and throughout the year.