11 Spectacular Ways To Celebrate Chinese New Year In Dubai

Dubai is no stranger to lavish celebrations, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Whether you're looking for extravagant dining experiences, immersive cultural performances, or unbeatable shopping deals, the city transforms into a sea of red and gold to welcome the Year of the Snake.

This guide breaks down the best ways to celebrate, including high-end retail offers, family-friendly events, must-visit restaurants, and unique experiences that go beyond the usual.

1. Shopping

- Mall of the Emirates & Dubai Festival City Mall
For those looking to shop, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Festival City Mall are offering exclusive discounts and promotions for Chinese residents and visitors. Shoppers can receive ten times the usual SHARE points on purchases from January 20 to February 15. Additionally, spending over AED 500 at participating stores unlocks discounts of up to five percent when using Alipay+, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, or American Express.

- Dragon Mart
Dragon Mart, Dubai's largest marketplace for Chinese products, is hosting an immersive Chinese New Year experience with live performances and traditional entertainment. Visitors can explore thousands of retail stalls selling everything from home décor and fashion to authentic Chinese products. The entire mall will be adorned with red lanterns, and visitors can participate in cultural activities such as Chinese calligraphy and live painting demonstrations.

- Damas
Luxury jeweler Damas is offering an exclusive Chinese New Year promotion, giving shoppers a chance to win one of five stunning Lace Collection necklace and earring sets. Every purchase above AED 500 at select Damas stores will automatically enter shoppers into the lucky draw.

2. Free Experiences

- JLT Park:
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Park will host a Chinese New Year celebration on January 29 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, free of charge. The event will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary activities, including a lion dance parade, Chinese tea-tasting sessions, and calligraphy stations. Children can participate in ring toss games, face painting, and dressing up in traditional Chinese garments.

- Global Village:
Global Village will showcase an extended celebration from January 24 to February 2, with cultural performances at the China Pavilion, themed food stalls, and an extravagant fireworks show at 9:00 PM. Visitors can also enjoy laser and fire shows at Dragon Lake, explore handcrafted goods at the bustling night market, and taste authentic Chinese delicacies at the Floating Market.

- The Green Planet:
To mark the Year of the Snake, The Green Planet is offering an interactive experience with a Burmese python. Visitors can engage in a safe, educational encounter with the reptile while learning about its role in the ecosystem. The venue will also be decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns, and children will receive fortune cookies upon entry.

3. Restaurants

Dubai's finest restaurants are curating special menus to celebrate Chinese New Year, ranging from multi-course feasts to traditional banquets.

- Demon Duck
Demon Duck by celebrity chef Alvin Leung at Banyan Tree, Bluewaters Island, is offering a five-course set menu from January 27 to February 2. Highlights include the restaurant's signature slow-roasted demon duck, Long Life noodles, and a dim sum basket. On January 28 and 29, guests will be treated to a live lion dance performance. The experience is priced at AED 620 per person for soft drinks and AED 820 per person with house beverages.

- Hakkasan
Hakkasan, located at Atlantis The Palm, is known for its opulent Chinese New Year celebrations. Diners can participate in the tradition of tying red ribbons with their wishes onto the restaurant's decorative walls before indulging in a meticulously curated nine-course menu. Dishes include king crab with caviar, Silverhill duck breast, and Thai snake fruit salad. The experience is available from January 28 to February 12 at AED 738 per person.

- Tang Town
For those celebrating in a group, Tang Town at Dubai Mall Fountain Views offers extensive set menus catering to four to sixteen guests. The feast features braised abalone, roasted Peking duck, and brown sugar rice cake, with pricing starting at AED 1,988 for four guests and reaching AED 20,888 for sixteen guests.

- Mott 32
Mott 32, located on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort, is offering a week-long dining experience from January 27 to February 2. The menu includes crab roe soup dumplings, black truffle chicken, and stir-fried spicy lobster with rainbow quinoa. For those looking for an exclusive experience, a five-course paired grape dinner will take place on January 29, priced at AED 888 per person.

- Ling Ling
For those who prefer an à la carte experience, Ling Ling at Atlantis The Royal is serving a range of Chinese New Year-inspired dishes, including crispy chow mein with sliced smoked duck breast, steamed razor clams with vermicelli, and a snake-themed dessert. Dishes start at AED 130, and the menu will be available from January 28 to February 7.

4. More Unique Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year

- Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace will host a high-end afternoon tea featuring Chinese-inspired delicacies such as smoked duck salad, Chinese baos, and premium teas. The experience will be enhanced by live performances of traditional Chinese dances. The afternoon tea will be available from January 28 to February 2 at AED 420 per stand.

- Trader Vic's
Trader Vic's, known for its Polynesian charm, will host a one-day-only brunch on February 1. The event will feature Chinese New Year-themed sharing platters, festive decorations, and live entertainment. Prices start at AED 299 per person for the soft drinks package, AED 349 for house beverages, and AED 399 for the premium package.

- Ladurée
Ladurée is releasing a special-edition Chinese New Year macaron box, featuring a luxurious red and gold design. The box contains twelve signature macarons and will be available at all Ladurée outlets across Dubai, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. The collection is priced at AED 210.

- Newby Tea
For tea enthusiasts, Newby is offering a special Chinese New Year edition of its premium Assam black tea infused with almond notes. The packaging, designed with snake-scale motifs, makes it an ideal gift. The limited-edition tin is priced at AED 170 for 125 grams and can be purchased online.

- MOTIONGATE Dubai
For families looking to celebrate with younger children, MOTIONGATE Dubai is running a special Chinese New Year program from January 18 to February 2. Activities include a cherry blossom wish tree, Kung Fu Panda-themed rides, and interactive performances. Tickets are priced at AED 295 online and AED 330 at the gate.

- LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai will transform into a festive wonderland, featuring the Lucky Red Envelope Hunt, LEGO Snake Build workshops, and a lively character parade. Families staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel can also participate in special Chinese New Year-themed activities.

- JLT Park
One of the best free experiences in the city, JLT Park's Chinese New Year festival will feature tea tastings, traditional dances, dragon parades, and calligraphy workshops. The event will be held on January 29 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

- Eauzone
For a serene and elegant celebration, Eauzone at One&Only Royal Mirage will offer a special Chinese New Year dinner from January 27 to 31, featuring prosperity toss salad and roasted Peking duck. A traditional lion dance will take place on January 29.

Dubai is set to offer an unparalleled Chinese New Year experience, blending luxury, culture, and entertainment to welcome the Year of the Snake in grand fashion.