Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). Festivities include a virtual presentation of a lion dance, performances, crafts and more.
The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle. Each year is associated with one of 12 animal symbols in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals of his kingdom to enter a race through the countryside. The first 12 to finish the long race would each rule over one year every 12 years. The 12 animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit (or cat in Vietnam), dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia. Different countries celebrate in their own way according to national and cultural customs. In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tet. Preparations may begin one or more days before the first day of the Lunar New Year and may continue for several days. Some traditions include cleaning and decorating the home, buying new clothes, exchanging small gifts or cards, paying respect to ancestors, and eating special foods.
Image via Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year – paper dragon
2024 Year of the Dragon
Chinese Lunar New Year occurs about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, somewhere between January 20 and February 10. “Gung Hay Fat Choy” is a common Cantonese phrase for Lunar New Year that wishes the receiver prosperity. Although it’s not strictly a “happy new year” phrase the same sentiment is the same!
- Lunar Year 2024 begins on Saturday, February 10, 2024 and is the year of the Dragon. More info: Lunar New Year events around Puget Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year 2024
Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). The Bellevue Collection will ring in Lunar New Year with the following programming and activities:
- January 16 – February 4. Experience Lunar New Year décor and displays throughout Bellevue Square during regular hours: M-Sat: 10am-9pm / Sun: 11am-7pm.
- Saturday, February 3, from 11 am – 6 pm. Live Performances in Bellevue Square’s Center Court including martial arts, music, dance and visual arts.
- Saturday, February 3, from 11 am – 6 pm. Enjoy activities throughout Bellevue Square including giveaways, arts & crafts and more.
- More info: Lunar New Year – The Bellevue Collection
Image: Lunar New cultural performance via Bellevue Collection
Lunar New Year events in the Puget Sound region
(Lunar New Year occurs somewhere between the last ten days of January and the first twenty days of February. We usually update Lunar New Year events beginning in January for the current year.)
- Find more Chinatown-International District festivals and events.
- Find more Cultural heritage festivals in the Puget Sound region.
- And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
