Celebrate Chinese New Year

(Lion dance image courtesy of Fontainebleau Miami Beach)

If our cover story on how and where to enjoy dim sum has you hankering for more ways to experience Chinese culture in South Florida, here are some other places to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Colorful lion dancing, thrilling kung fu performances and – of course – special Chinese dishes are part of the fun in many of these events.

Kid-friendly celebrations
Miami-Dade’s public libraries feature celebrations for kids with crafts, stories and activities. For more details, click here.

Palmetto Bay Branch
Sat., Jan. 21, 11am

Hialeah Gardens Branch
Sat. Jan. 21, 3:30pm

International Mall Branch
10315 NW 12 St.
Tue., Jan. 24, 6:30pm

Miami Children’s Museum hosts a Chinese New Year Dragon Parade.
Mon., Jan. 23, 5:30pm

Miami’s Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is offering a new class for parents and kids featuring special treats only available during Chinese New Year.
Sat., Feb. 4
Book online.

For all ages
Embrace China 2012 Chinese New Year Celebration will be held at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts Sat., Feb. 4.

The 24th annual Chinese New Year Festival at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus kicks off Sun., Feb. 12 at 11am

Grown-up fun

The always lively Chow Down Grill in South Beach is presenting lion dancers and other entertainment starting at 8pm Mon., Jan. 23, plus a la carte menu items (and "no price gouging," promises Joshua Marcus.)

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami celebrates its Asian roots with a list of activities, including a Chinese calligraphy exhibition in the lobby, a special Chinese New Year menu at Café Sambal through Feb. 5, and an Al Fresco Beach Party Jan. 28 from 7-10pm. Details here.

Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach is celebrating with seven days of menu specials from Jan. 22-29. The celebration kicks off with a dragon dance on Sun., Jan 22 at 9pm. Special a la carte menu items include Four Happiness Special Dim Sum Platter and Chinese Long Life Crispy Noodles.
For reservations, call 1-877-326-7412.

Philippe in South Beach is honoring the New Year with Dragons, Drums & Dumplings on Mon., Jan 23 starting with cocktails at 6pm and including performances and a special prix fixe menu. For reservations call 305-674-0250.