Celebrate Lunar New Year in Bellevue
The Lunar New Year is almost here, and Bellevue is ready to celebrate! Marking the Year of the Rabbit, celebrations officially begin on Sunday, January 22, 2023, and last until Friday, January 27, 2023. Lunar New Year is a holiday that is celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian cultures and is also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new year and is typically celebrated on the first day of the first month in the traditional lunar calendar.
Common activities during Lunar New Year include decorating homes with red lanterns and paper cuttings, participating in parades and dragon dances, and exchanging gifts and red envelopes with money inside, which are believed to bring good luck. Foods such as fish, dumplings, and niangao (a sweet rice cake) are also traditionally eaten during the holiday. The Year of the Rabbit is one of the 12-year cycles of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be refined, gentle, and diplomatic. They are believed to be intelligent and quick-witted and are often successful in their careers.
As for why it is great to celebrate Lunar New Year in Bellevue, Washington, there are many reasons. Bellevue is known for its diverse and vibrant community, and the city celebrates Lunar New Year with a variety of events and activities. These may include parades, cultural performances, and festivals featuring traditional foods and crafts. The city's shopping districts and restaurants also often offer special promotions and deals to mark the occasion. In addition, Bellevue is home to many luxurious spas and hotels that can provide a relaxing and rejuvenating setting in which to celebrate the holiday. Overall, celebrating Lunar New Year in Bellevue can be a fun and memorable experience for people of all ages.
Lunar New Year Dining Options
Bellevue is known for its diverse and delicious international cuisine, and our Chinese restaurants are especially noteworthy. Here are some of our top picks for celebrating the Lunar New Year:
Baron's Sino Kitchen & Bar
Baron's offers modernized versions of classic Chinese cuisine, making it unlike any other restaurant in Bellevue. The luxurious decor is sure to impress, and their fine-dining approach is perfect for a special occasion like the Lunar New Year. Baron's also has a full-service bar with delicious cocktails made by world-class mixologists. With three private dining rooms and a large dining room that can accommodate up to 290 people, Baron's is a great choice for groups. Check out Nelson’s incredible Lunar New Year feast on the Vue.
Facing East
This beloved Chinese restaurant was named 425 Magazine's Best Chinese Restaurant in 2021. Facing East offers a wide variety of traditional Taiwanese food that is loved by locals and tourists alike. They have recently moved to a new location and now offer pick-up-only options, which are perfect for celebrating at home with family and friends. Don't forget to try their famous Taiwanese pork burger!
Din Tai Fung
This world-renowned Chinese restaurant is the place to be for dumplings and noodles during the Lunar New Year. With a non-fussy dining service and ultra-fresh dumplings made onsite, Din Tai Fung is perfect for larger parties. Visitors can even watch the dumplings being made! Join Nelson as he walks through the menu for his favorite Lunar New Year order on the Vue.
Water Grill
The new Bellevue Water Grill has created a very special Lunar New Year menu to help you remember the past, reflect on good fortune, and look forward to the future. They have brought back some of their favorite classic dishes again this year to embody health, wealth, and happiness!
Shrimp Shumai – with crispy chili sauce, cod roe, happiness, and good fortune $19
Garlic Noodles – Jumbo lump crab, green onion, crisp garlic, and a long joyous life $24
Whole Crispy Black Sea Bass – Cilantro, tangerine, green onion, with XO sauce and a harmonious family life $41/pound
Wok-Fried Spiny Lobster – Long beans, garlic, Fresno chili with a black bean sauce and a lucrative new year $62/pound
Refresh and Renew for a Great New Year
Clear out the old clutter and rejuvenate your body during your Lunar New Year getaway in Bellevue. Our city is home to some of the most sought-after shopping districts in the Pacific Northwest and luxurious spas that are perfect for giving yourself a new start this year.
Yuan Spa
Relax and rejuvenate at Yuan Spa, which offers a blend of ancient Asian healing philosophies and modern western technologies. The spa features traditional Chinese bathing, two hydrotherapy soaking pools, and a Eucalyptus steam room.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Bellevue has everything you need to make your Lunar New Year celebration special. Whether you're away from home or visiting family, a trip to our city is the perfect way to celebrate. For those reuniting with family in Bellevue, our many hotels offer comfort and privacy. And with some of the best Chinese cuisine on the West Coast and a wide range of shopping options, you'll have no shortage of ways to celebrate. Wishing you a happy and prosperous Year of the Rabbit!
