Thanks to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year is a bit of a moving target. This year, it begins on Saturday, January 25 and celebrations last for as long as two weeks. 2019 marks the Year of the Rat (taken from the Chinese zodiac). Those born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020 are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.
Celebrations are an explosion of light and sound with fireworks, music and traditional lion dances. Never one to miss a party, Colorado will celebrate Chinese New Year will a host tons of activities and parties, some for the kiddos and others for grown-ups.
Here are some we could find. If you know of any we’ve missed, email us at info@milehighonthecheap.com and we’ll try and get them added to the list.
Also, check out a huge list of free things to do around Denver this week. And if you haven’t subscribed to Mile High on the Cheap’s email list, sign up now. There’s no better way to ring in the new year!
Saturday, January 25
CANCELLED! 2020 Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration
The Potter’s House Church of Denver
Saturday, January 25, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The largest celebration in the area moves to a new location for 2020. FREE admission for the Cultural Fair, Taste of China and a Marketplace filled with arts & crafts. Savor a variety of authentic Chinese foods. Experience cultural displays, entertainment, music, artworks and crafts, calligraphy, traditional costumes, children’s games and more.
Tickets are $25 to the Celebration Show from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It features acrobats, magic, dance, opera, music, martial arts and a children’s choir. 9495 E. Florida Ave., Denver.
Truong An Gifts
Saturday, January 25, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with events all day. Opening Ceremony kids fashion show at 11:30 a.m.
Shaolin Hung Mei (Dragon Dance & Martial Arts) at noon. Tai Kung Ha (Tai Chi Performance) at 1 p.m. Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage (Dragon Dance & Martial Arts) at 2:30 p.m. (All kids are welcome to join and welcome in the Dragon, please dress your children in any traditional attire to participate). 333 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
2020 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair
Southridge Recreation Center
Saturday, January 25, noon to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Asian art and culture. See an array of educational, art and craft displays and items for purchase. The Fair is FREE.
There’s a special performance by the Great Wall Chinese Academy from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with dragon and lion dances, martial arts and music. Tickets to the show are $8 in advance and $11 at the door (if not sold out). 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch.
Sunday, January 26
Pacific Ocean Marketplace
Sunday, January 26 (11 a.m. Denver, 1 p.m. Aurora, 3 p.m. Broomfield)
Celebrate the year of the rat with traditional lion dances at all three locations. Denver (2200 W. Alameda Ave., 303-936-4845) at 11 a.m. Aurora (12303 E. Mississippi Ave., 720-858-8818) at 1 p.m. and Broomfield (6600 W. 120th Ave., 303-410-8168) at 3 p.m.
Truong An Gifts
Sunday, January 26, store hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a 1:15 p.m. Kids Fashion Show. 1:30pm – National Martial Arts Academy (Dragon Dance & Wushu) at 1:30 p.m. Traditional Fan Dance performed by GDPT Nguyen
Thieu Youth Group at 2:30 p.m. Lion Dance at 3:10 p.m. Also K-Pop performances and karate demos. 333 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
Chinese New Year in Loveland
Loveland Museum
Sunday, January 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Chinese students from Campion Academy will offer an open house full of entertaining stations that will display the fun, food, and festivities of Chinese New Year. 503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland.
Saturday, February 1
Lunar New Year Celebration
Sharetea Westminster
Saturday, February 1, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Spectacular performances by Nguyen Thieu Lion Dance which include lion dance, drum show & more. They will also give out Li Xi (red envelopes) for good luck. 5684 W. 88th Ave., Westminster.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Ross-Barnum Library
Saturday, February 1, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join them for a traditional Lion Dance and other fun activities to celebrate the New Year. 3570 W. First Ave., Denver.
Sunday, February 2
Lunar New Year Celebration
Bambu Denver
Sunday, February 2, starts at 1 p.m.
Hosted by Saigon Travel, Now Pho, Bambu Desserts and Drinks, and 1145 S Federal Blvd Business Center. Performances by Colorado Asian Heritage Center which include: lion dance on high poles (jongs), dragon dance, drum show and more. They will also give out li xi (red envelopes) for good luck. 1147 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
Monday, February 3
Lunar New Year Celebration
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez Library
Monday, February 3, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join them for a traditional Lion Dance and other fun activities to celebrate the New Year.1498 Irving St., Denver.
Saturday, February 8
The Asian Pacific Alliance of Longmont
Silver Creek High School
Saturday, February 8, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This FREE event features an art show, food, live performances, including the Lion Dance, Hanfu Fashion Show, Taiko Drummers, Kung Fu, dancers and singers.
Enjoy trying your skills at a number of hands-on booths — Chinese paper cutting, Origami, Chinese brush painting, chopstick lessons, a tea ceremony and more.
New for 2020 — Lantern Festival and the Future-Ready Innovation Lab with hands-on and virtual reality activities. 4901 Nelson Rd., Longmont.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Hadley Library
Saturday, February 8, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join them for a traditional Lion Dance and other fun activities to celebrate the New Year.1498 Irving St., Denver.
January 25 to February 8
Lunar New Year at Outlets at Castle Rock
From January 25 through February 8, shoppers can stop at the Customer Service Desk and receive traditional Chinese red envelopes stuffed with gift cards and shopping coupons. Children 12 years old and younger can collect a lantern craft at Customer Service and then return with their decorated lantern to receive an envelope with a special surprise treat from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Cafe.
