Dragon-themed parades, lion dances and feasts of traditional foods are all part of the celebrations and traditions of Lunar New Year. This year’s festival ushers in the Year of the Dragon, which represents good luck, strength and health. Here’s a list of ways to mark the occasion in and around Arlington.
Ice Cream Jubilee
Through early March
Get a sweet start to the new year with four new Asian-inspired ice cream flavors. Available as scoops, tasting flights and pints for shipping, the flavors are Red Bean Almond Cookie, Strawberry Matcha Latte, Mango Sticky Rice and the vegan Mega Mango Sorbet, made with Alphonso mangos. “Lunar New Year flavors are one of my favorite traditions for Ice Cream Jubilee,” says Victoria Lai, who founded the shop 10 years ago. // Ballston Quarter, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
MGM National Harbor
Through March 17
The resort across the river is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with a 70-foot jade water dragon display, traditional dragon and lion dances (Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.), and a special Lunar New Year menu (Feb. 8-18) at Ginger, an authentic Asian eatery, that includes crispy fried crab claws and golden egg yolk lobster. To ensure the flow of positive energy, a feng shui master oversaw the design of the Conservatory, where the dragon resides along with a coin tree, jade rock fountain, bamboo forest, pagoda and koi fish. // 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland
The Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center
Feb. 4, 4 p.m.
See a performance of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Co., which blends contemporary American and traditional Chinese folk dance styles. The 90-minute show includes live music using traditional Chinese instruments. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and students, and $20 for McLean Community Center district residents. Get there early to enjoy the free Year of the Dragon Festival from 12-4 p.m. with local musicians, dancers, artists and lunar new year foods. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Rosslyn Business Improvement District Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy a traditional lion dance performance at this free family-friendly event at Central Place. Such shows have been focal points of Chinese celebrations for years, and the Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe promises an impressive presentation. Other highlights include free fortune cookies, ceremonial tea from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Napa cabbage kimchi for purchase from D.C.-based Tae-Gu Kimchi. // 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Chasin’ Tails and Nue
Feb. 8, 5-10 p.m.
The sister seafood and Vietnamese restaurants are teaming up to offer a feast for the eyes, ears and belly. A special menu of traditional celebratory cuisine includes a dragon-inspired crispy whole fish and dragon-themed cocktails. Then enjoy live performances by fire spinners and a DJ. Other highlights include a blessing from the dragon dance—a promise of good fortune for the year—and a fashion show of ao dai, Vietnam’s national dress, by designer Thieu Vy. Tickets cost $88 per person and may be reserved through OpenTable. Additionally, from Jan. 29-Feb. 29, both restaurants will feature other Lunar New Year specials, including $24,000 in prizes. Tables that spend at least $202.40 will receive li xi, which means “lucky money” in the form of a red envelope full of prizes, such as a chef’s VIP dinner at each location. “In my family, I experienced these grand, all-encompassing celebrations that would take over my entire life for weeks. I want to bring that same larger-than-life celebratory spirit to our community here,” says CEO Tuyet-Nhi. // 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church
2024 Lunar New Year Celebration at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Feb. 10, 1-4 p.m.
Head to the Metro-level dining pavilion inside the mall to see live entertainment, including lion dances and a dragon parade. Immerse yourself in the action with hands-on activities. // 1100 Hayes St., Arlington (National Landing)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Long Branch Nature Center
Feb. 10, 3-4:30 p.m.
Meet live animals, make Lunar New Year crafts and take a short hike with paper “firecrackers” to chase away the nian, a mythological new year beast. Registration is required for adults and children. Tickets cost $7. // 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington (Glencarlyn)
15th Annual Chinese New Year Festival
Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
See stage performances of traditional Asian dances, music and martial arts, and join in the dragon parade at this Asian Community Service Center-sponsored event. It also includes cultural and craft exhibits and activities for kiddos such as Chinese writing, and Asian cuisines. The center is a nonprofit with mostly Chinese American volunteers who enjoy celebrating and sharing their heritage. Tickets to the festival are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. // Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church