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.
Pro Tips:
Plan your day in advance. Dragon Mart is enormous, so creating a list of what you need will help you stay focused and save time.
Be prepared to haggle with vendors. Bargaining is part of the fun at Dragon Mart, and it can help you get some amazing deals.
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!
Pro Tips:
The events have specific timings, so plan your visit accordingly to catch the live performances and workshops.
Don’t forget to take photos with the Chinese-themed décor and events for a memorable experience.
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.
Pro Tips:
Arrive early to make the most of the rides and to catch all the exciting events and parades.
Make sure to get a map to avoid getting lost in the park!
Check the schedule ahead of your visit for special events and programs.
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.
Pro Tips:Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring other attractions in Global Village.
Arrive early to explore the pavilion and secure good spots for performances.
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!
Pro Tips:
Dress comfortably for an evening outdoors and bring a light jacket for the cool January weather.
Arrive early to secure a great viewing spot for the fireworks and Dragon dancing.
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!
Pro Tips:
Children under 5 years are not allowed to attend. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.
Plan ahead for parking or opt for public transport to avoid delays!
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!
Pro Tips:
Arrive early to enjoy the full range of performances and settle in before the fireworks show begins.
Expect to walk a lot, so wear comfortable footwear!
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!
Pro Tips:
Expect some rides to move slowly, with long boarding and exit times. Be patient, especially during busy periods.
For a quieter visit, try going on less crowded days, as the park can get crowded, especially with school kids during peak times.
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: $$$$
If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year in style, Hutong in DIFC is the perfect place in Dubai. Known as the Best Chinese Restaurant in Dubai 2024 by Time Out, Hutong serves up the bold and exciting flavors of Northern China.
The restaurant has a beautiful and modern setting, with a restaurant, bar, and terrace, making it great for special occasions, especially during Chinese New Year, when you can enjoy their exclusive menu!
Be sure to try the Unlimited Dim Sum Platter, a lunch crowd favorite! The Roasted Peking Duck is another highlight, known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
For something different, try the Wild Mushroom & Truffle Bao or the Yu Xiang Tiger Prawn.
Pro Tips:
Make a reservation ahead of time, especially during festive periods like Chinese New Year.
Consider valet parking as it’s convenient and right outside the entrance.
10. Join a Naughty Noodles Party Brunch at Maiden Shanghai
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Website: https://maiden-shanghai.com/
Address: No 1 Palm – Jumeirah Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 455 9989
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12:30 to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 1 AM; Friday – 12:30 to 3:30 PM, 7 PM to 2 AM; Saturday – 1 to 7 PM, 8 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$$$
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.
Pro Tips:
Enjoy dishes like Boom Boom Chicken and Lychee Goji Pudding for dessert. There’s also a vegan menu, so everyone can enjoy the feast.
If it’s your birthday, you can get a special package to make the day even more fun.