Even though China is nearly 7,000 miles away from Denver, we still have plenty of great opportunities to celebrate the Chinese New Year that takes place on Thursday, February 19th 2015.
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality.
This year it’s the year of the Sheep.
So whether you are a sheep, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, monkey, rooster, dog or pig, We have all the best ways to celebrate this holiday in and around Denver, Colorado.
WOW! Children’s Museum
Welcome the Year of the Sheep with Chinese New Year crafts and a traditional lion dance performance by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association of Boulder. This special performance is included with Museum admission.
Date: February 16th 2015
Museum Admission: $9 per child and free for adults and infants.
Location: 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, CO 80026
The Denver Zoo
Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with…sheeps! (and the rest of the Chinese Zodiac animals) at the Denver Zoo.
Date: February 21st 2015
Activities included with admission
Education Station: 10 am – 4 pm
Keeper Talk : 1 pm
Location: 2300 Steele Street Denver, CO 80205-4899
Sip N’ Paint Chinese New Year
If you have yet to try Sipping N’ Painting, then you are in for a real treat. Instructors walk you through painting this Chinese New Year inspired painting step by step while you enjoy alcoholic beverages. No experience necessary.
Date: February 19th 2015.
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Price: $35
Location: 2563 15th Street, Denver, CO 80211
Lunar Chinese New Year Event – Dao House
If you feel like taking a little drive to celebrate, then consider this promising event in Estes Park.
Chinese New Year of the Sheep. Hosted by Master Chen, with festivities held at the Dao House. Special NYE dinner celebration followed by an array of performances.
Date: February 18th 2015.
Time: Begins at 6:00pm
Admission: $40
Location: Dao House at Aspen Lodge, 6120 Highway 7, Estes Park, CO 80517
Nathan Yip Foundation – Chinese New Year Gala
More than 450 national and international guests, including prominent business leaders, philanthropists and friends are expected. Guests will enjoy a fun traditional Chinese New Year evening that includes cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, and inspirational entertainment.
5:30 pm. – Cocktail Reception (cash bar) and Silent Auction
6:45 pm – Lion Dance procession to dinner
7:00 pm – 8:00 Dinner, Program and Live Auction
8:00 pm – Entertainment
Date: February 21st 2015
Admission: $225 per person.
Location: Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237.
Chinese New Year Celebration – Cherry Hills
The year: the Year of the Sheep
How it gets celebrated: with acrobats, magic, folk songs, dancing, a children’s choir, and lots of baaing
For those looking to get the party started early: at 10 a.m., the church bustles with cultural and art displays, food from China, arts and crafts, and children’s games
Starting the show: the Denver Chinese School Dance Team, who put on an exciting act they’ve practiced for a year
Performers most likely to leave your jaw dropped: winners of the Fourth National Chinese Acrobatic Silver Competition, Gao Zhao and Ye An.
Music combining classical Chinese with Western musical instruments: Jiuyue Ma and his ensemble “Sounds of China,” sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, which is comprised of internationally-renowned artists who represent the highest level of traditional Chinese folk music
Date: February 21st 2015
Time: From 10:00am
Location: Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. Littleton, Colorado 80126
Psst…Right now there is a Groupon available for this event that offers tickets for 40% off. You can get them here.
2015 Chinese New Year Celebration – Highlands Ranch
The on-stage performance showcases exciting programs including lion dances, Chinese folk dances, instruments, contortion and martial arts demo, children chorus and more.
The Culture Fair and Taste of China showcases traditional folk arts displays, Chinese costumes, crafts, authentic Chinese calligraphy & brush paintings, numerous Chinese shops, delicious Chinese New Year refreshments and food including dumplings, rolls, balls, noodles, rice and more.
Date: February 21st 2015
Time: 1:00pm- 2:00pm & 4:00pm-5:00pm On-Stage Performance.
12:00pm – 5:00pm Culture Fair & Taste of China.
Admission: $7 in advance / $10 day of event. Tickets can be purchased online.
Location: Recreation Center at Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Highlands Ranch, 80126.
Annual Lunar New Year Dinner
Delightful evening filled with a 10 course meal, lion dance, lucky drawings and entertainment.
Menu:
Honey Smoke Salmon Salad
Crab Meat and Fish Maw Soup
Walnut Shrimp
Filet Mignon in Black Pepper Sauce
Honey Garlic Pork Chop
Salted Pepper Fish Filet
Peking Duck
Ginger and Scallion Lobster
Mushroom and Vegetables
Fried Rice
Date: February 28th 2015.
Time: 5:00pm
Tickets: $45 per person
Location:
The Empress ,2825 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80219.
We wish you all a Happy Sheep New Lunar Year…Baaaaaaa!