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10 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai To Have You Feeling Lucky

Growing up, Chinese New Year was something I always heard about but never really experienced. That changed last year when a friend invited me to celebrate with his family. 

I got to see how Chinese New Year in Dubai was celebrated and how the city mixes cultures beautifully! In this article, I’ll share the best places and events in Dubai to make the Lunar New Year special. 

1. Enjoy the Chinese New Year Festivities at Dragon Mart

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Website: https://mall.dragonmart.ae/en 

Address: Al Awir Road – Dubai International City – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 800 6254335 

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM

Dragon Mart is famous for its Chinese goods and shopping, but during Chinese New Year, it becomes even more exciting!

Visitors can watch amazing shows like the Big Dragon Dance, featuring a 42-meter dragon for good luck, and the Lion Dance, which is said to bring good fortune and chase away bad luck.

Other shows include the Dragon Kung Fu Dance, the Peking Opera, and the Umbrella Dance! For something fun and creative, the Dragon Head Lantern Workshop lets everyone make their own colorful lanterns to take home.

2. Take Part in Traditionational Activities in Dubai Mall

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Website: https://thedubaimall.com/ 

Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 800 382246255 

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM

For a Chinese New Year like no other, check out Dubai Mall! The mall is filled with Chinese music, dance, art, and activities during the Lunar New Year.

They have a Chinese Pagoda at the Star Atrium for activities like bottle painting, knot making, and a Kung Fu tea ceremony. Kids will enjoy lantern-making and dough doll workshops.

There are also live performances to enjoy, like the Umbrella Dance and Face-changing Show. You can even try Chinese chess or Mahjong!

Finally, don’t miss the Tai Chi sessions outdoors, with views of the Burj Khalifa!

3. Celebrate with Po and Friends at Motiongate 

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Website: https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai 

Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Dubai  

Contact Details: +971 4 820 0000 

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM

Admission Costs: Start at 295 AED per person 

If you have kids and you’re in Dubai during the Lunar New Year, Motiongate Dubai is the place to be for an unforgettable Chinese New Year celebration!

At the heart of the celebrations are the lovable characters from Kung Fu Panda, the animated film that has captured the hearts of children and adults alike! 

Your little ones will be so excited to see their favorite characters, like Master Po, come to life in a fun parade.

You’ll also be treated to a short program featuring Kung Fu fighters, as well as traditional Dragon and Lion dances for good luck!

Finally, the theme park hosts a pop-up market where you can shop for traditional Chinese arts, crafts, and, of course, sample authentic Chinese food.

4. Visit the China Pavilion in Global Village 

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Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/en/ 

Address: 38C5+F57 – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114 

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM; Thursday to Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM

Admission Costs: Starts at 25 AED per person

If you want a special way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai, the China Pavilion at Global Village is a great choice. This family-friendly spot is full of fun, culture, and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy!

The pavilion is inspired by traditional Chinese houses, so there are plenty of great photo opportunities wherever you turn!

Visitors can also enjoy lively shows like the Lion Dance, the Face Change performance, and Chinese drumming.

There are peaceful activities too, like listening to traditional music while looking at handmade crafts or trying herbal teas. Kids can join fun workshops to make Chinese Fortune Bracelets.

5. Catch the Fireworks and Dragon Dances at Dubai Festival City 

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Website: https://www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com/home/ 

Address: Crescent Rd – Dubai Festival City – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 800 332 

Do you want to enjoy one of the best Chinese New Year celebrations in Dubai? Make sure to check out Dubai Festival City!

As one of the city’s top destinations for business, leisure, and entertainment, they don’t hold back when it comes to Lunar New Year celebrations.

One of the highlights here is the nightly fireworks show throughout the week! You can watch the sky light up with the city skyline as the backdrop. 

For those who love cultural performances, the iconic Dragon Dance on Crescent Road is also a must-see!

6.  The UAE Chinese New Year Gala at Coca Cola Arena 

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Website: https://www.coca-cola-arena.com/ 

Address: Al Wasl – سٹی واک – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 800 223388 

Admission Costs: Start at 200 AED per person 

The UAE Chinese New Year Gala offers an unforgettable evening with cultural performances and exhibits, as well as a sense of community! This annual event is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Chinese culture in the UAE.

Since its start in 2015, the Gala has become a highly anticipated event, bringing together families, professionals, and expatriates from across the region!

The evening features beautiful Chinese dances, music, and plays, giving you the chance to experience the rich 5,000-year-old Chinese culture, all in one night and in one venue! 

7. Catch Traditional Performances and Fireworks at Riverland 

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Website: https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/riverland 

Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 800 2629464 

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM

Admission Costs: Start at 25 AED per person 

Riverland Dubai is one of the most popular, Instagrammable spots in the city, with its beautiful views, fun activities, and tasty food—it’s a must-visit for anyone in Dubai!

One of the best times to visit is during Chinese New Year. This usually calm place comes to life in red! The highlight is the amazing fireworks show that lights up the night sky.

While you’re there, you can enjoy street performances, like Dragon and Lion dances, as well as jaw-dropping acrobatic acts. It’s a great way to experience Chinese culture! 

For extra fun, try to guess who’s behind the dragon and lion masks during their performance. It makes your visit even more interactive!

8. IMG World of Adventures 

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Website: https://www.imgworlds.com/ 

Address: City of Arabia – Dubai

Contact Details: +971 4 403 8888 

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12 to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 12 to 11 PM

Admission Costs: Start at 365 AED 

If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the perfect spot! This family-friendly indoor theme park becomes a fun and magical place to enjoy the holiday.

You can dress up like a dragon or carry a lantern to join in the celebration. The park offers lots of activities like spinning the wheel of fortune, dancing to festive music, and watching amazing magic shows.

What makes this place special is how it combines fun with learning. You’ll not only enjoy the festivities but also learn about Chinese culture in an interactive way!

9.  Enjoy a Special Chinese New Year Feast at Hutong Dubai 

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Website: https://www.hutong-dubai.com/  

Address: Ground Floor DIFC – Gate Building 6 – Al Sukook Street – Trade Centre – DIFC – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 4 220 0868 

Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday 12 to 3:30 PM, 6 to 11:30 PM; Saturday – 12:30 to 3:30 PM; 6 to 11:30 PM 

Price Range: $$$$

If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year in style, Hutong in DIFC is the perfect place in Dubai. Known as the Best Chinese Restaurant in Dubai 2024 by Time Out, Hutong serves up the bold and exciting flavors of Northern China.

The restaurant has a beautiful and modern setting, with a restaurant, bar, and terrace, making it great for special occasions, especially during Chinese New Year, when you can enjoy their exclusive menu!

Be sure to try the Unlimited Dim Sum Platter, a lunch crowd favorite! The Roasted Peking Duck is another highlight, known for its crispy skin and tender meat.

For something different, try the Wild Mushroom & Truffle Bao or the Yu Xiang Tiger Prawn. 

10.  Join a Naughty Noodles Party Brunch at Maiden Shanghai

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Website: https://maiden-shanghai.com/ 

Address: No 1 Palm – Jumeirah Dubai – Dubai 

Contact Details: +971 4 455 9989 

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12:30 to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 1 AM; Friday – 12:30 to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 2 AM; Saturday – 1 to 7 PM, 8 PM to 2 AM

Price Range: $$$$

For a fun way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai, visit Maiden Shanghai at FIVE Palm Jumeirah for their famous Naughty Noodles Brunch! 

The brunch offers more than just amazing food—it’s an all-day celebration! Unlimited handcrafted cocktails and other drinks flow for 3.5 hours, while guests are treated to plenty of entertainment, including dancers, drummers, singers, and a live DJ.

As the indoor celebrations wind down, the fun continues at the Maiden Shanghai Rooftop Terrace! This afterparty offers stunning views of the Dubai Marina, where you can enjoy the skyline with specially priced drinks.