Thanks to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year is a bit of a moving target. This year, it begins on Friday, February 16 and celebrations last for as long as two weeks. 2018 marks the Year of the Dog (taken from the Chinese zodiac). Those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 possess the best traits of human nature. They are honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart, straightforward and have a strong sense of responsibility.
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!
February 1-19
Outlets at Castle Rock hosts nearly three weeks of Chinese-themed traditions and activities throughout the center. From February 1 through 19 you can stop at the Customer Service Desk for a “Red Envelope” filled with gift cards and center promotions. During that same time frame, Chinese New Year lanterns and decorations will be given to kids 12 and younger. By turning in their decorated lantern, youngsters receive an $8 Outlets gift card.
Friday, February 16
Chinese New Year Craft Party
Smiley Library
Friday, February 16, 4 p.m.
Hosts a Chinese New Year Craft Party for kids ages 3 to 8 (with an adult). Color the Chinese Zodiac, make a paper dragon, frame a year of the dog picture or choose to do them all. 4501 W. 46th Ave., Denver.
Saturday, February 17
Truong An Gifts
Saturday, February 17, store hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with events all day. Ice Carving – Luan Bui from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shaolin Hung Mei at noon. Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage at 2:30 p.m. 15% off clothes for kids purchased today for those wanting to participate in the kids parade to show off their outfits. Children who sing or dance receive a small gift. 333 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
Lions Dances at Pacific Ocean Marketplace
POM Denver store
Saturday, February 17, 12:45 p.m.
The enormous Pacific Ocean Marketplace will present a Lion Dance at each of its stores. Saturday, February 17 at 12:45 p.m. at the Denver location (2200 W. Alameda Ave.).
2018 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair
Southridge Recreation Center
Saturday, February 17, 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.
Chinese New Year Craft Party
Athmar Park Library
Saturday, February 17 at 2 p.m.
Chinese New Year Craft Party for kids ages 3 to 8 (with an adult). Color the Chinese Zodiac, make a paper dragon, frame a year of the dog picture or choose to do them all. 1055 S. Tejon St., Denver.
The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project
Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
They’ll be releasing a new beer at the party and doing cool infusions. There’s a food truck starting at 2 p.m. and live music at 8 p.m. continuing to 11 p.m. 925 W. 8th Ave., Denver.
2018 Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration
Citypoint Church
Saturday, February 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The largest celebration in the area. 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. 200 S. University Blvd. (near Cherry Creek Shopping Center), Denver.
Sunday, February 18
Lions Dances at Pacific Ocean Marketplace
Sunday, February 18
POM Aurora store, 10 a.m.
POM Broomfield store, 12:30 p.m.
Pacific Ocean Marketplace will present a Lion Dance at each of its stores. Sunday, February 18 at 10 a.m. at the Aurora location (12303 E. Mississippi Ave.) and at 12:30 p.m. at the Broomfield location (6600 W. 120th Ave.).
Dragon and Traditional Folk Dances
Outlets at Castle Rock
Sunday, February 18, 1 p.m.
Dancers and artists from the Denver Chinese School — Jasmine Flower Dance Academy and the Denver Shaolin Kung Fu Academy will perform dragon dances and traditional folk dance in the Outlets at Castle Rock courtyard by Under Armour.
Truong An Gifts
Sunday, February 18, store hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a 2:30 p.m. performance by Nguyen Thieu Lion Dance Group. 15% off clothes for kids purchased today for those wanting to participate in the kids parade to show off their outfits. Children who sing or dance receive a small gift. 333 S. Federal Blvd., Denver.
Monday, February 19
WOW! Children’s Museum
Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to noon
Celebrate the Year of the Dog with Chinese dragon puppet crafts at 10 a.m. and a traditional lion dance performance by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association at 11 a.m. All activities included with Museum general admission: Children (1-11) $9, Adults $5. 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette.
Saturday, February 24
The Asian Pacific Alliance of Longmont
Silver Creek High School
Saturday, February 24, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This FREE event features an art show, food, live performances, including the Lion Dance, Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi, 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. 4901 Nelson Rd., Longmont.
Lion and Dragon Dance at Ameristar Casino & Resort
Saturday, February 24, 10 p.m.
Hopefully the new year brings you luck at the slot machines and gaming tables. The casino rings in the Asian New Year with a Lion and Dragon dance at 10 p.m. On Level 2 of the casino right outside Fireside Kitchen. 111 Richman St., Black Hawk.
