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Denver Lunar New Year Food Events and Celebrations for 2025

If you are looking to ring in the Year of the Snake in style, here are some ideas for special Lunar New Year (“LNY”) dinners, pop-ups, special menus, and celebrations going on in and around Denver.

This year the start of the Lunar New Year is Wednesday, January 29, 2025 and traditionally celebrations last for two weeks. LNY is celebrated in many different Asian communities around the world, so the festivities span many different cuisines and cultures.

In 2023, thanks to the efforts of community leaders and activists, Lunar New Year became an official Colorado state holiday, celebrated each year on the first Friday of February.

The majority of the places on this list are local Asian or AANHPI-owned or led businesses and organizations.

So for those who celebrate, put on your best red clothing items, stuff those little envelopes full of money for the youngsters, and let’s get the party started!

Last updated: 31 Jan 2025

On-going food specials and shopping

Restaurant specials: Starting Jan 24

Arden $15 Lunar New Year Combo. Arden. 3355 S Yarrow St Unit E-115, Lakewood. Regular restaurant hours.
This AANHPI woman-owned tea and coffee shop is offering a week-long+ promotion $15 LNY combo meal: 2 pork spring rolls, 1 20oz drink w/ add-on, 1 dessert. Jan 24 – Feb 2.

Coffee Sarap: Year of the Snake LNY Specials. Coffee Sarap. 3460 Larimer St, Denver. Regular restaurant hours.
This Filipina American woman-owned coffee shop has four Year of the Snake-inspired lattes, teas, and sparklers available starting Jan 24th.

Coffeegraph LNY Menu. Coffeegraph. 3800 Julian St, Denver. Regular restaurant hours.
This woman-owned Indoneasian coffee shop offers LNY drinks inspired by founder Brenda’s Chinese Indonesian heritage and will also have BBQ pork buns and desserts from Bánh Butter Bakery for sale. Jan 24 – through February.

Celebrations and shopping: Starting Jan 24

Far East Center Lunar Street Market. Far East Center. 333 S. Federal Blvd, Denver. 10am – 6pm.
LNY supplies and gifts, lucky plants and flowers, fresh fruit for purchase. Jan 24 – 28.

Lunar New Year Tea Blends. Hearth and Seoul Herbal Shop. 3748 Tejon St. Denver. Regular store hours and online purchase.
Two limited edition tea blends inspired by the Year of the Wood Snake available from this woman- and AAPI-owned shop in the Highlands.

Restaurant specials: Starting Jan 27

tí.café Year of the Snake Special Menu. Tí: Cafê. 30 N Broadway, Denver. Normal shop hours.
AANHPI women-owned Vietnamese coffee shop will offer LNY-themed drinks and host pop-ups from local bakers. Jan 27 – end of Feb.

Restaurant specials: Starting Jan 29

Poulette Bakeshop LNY Treats. Poulette Bakeshop. 19585 Hess Rd #107, Parker. Regular shop hours.
This little shop in Parker, CO was recently named one of the best bakeries in the US by the New York Times. They will be offering new pastries, confections, and cakes featuring Asian flavors to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Jan 29 – Feb 1.

Ace Eat Serve Lucky in Love Pop-up. Ace Eat Serve. 501 East 17th Ave, Denver. Regular restaurant hours.
This LNY and Valentine’s Day mashup features a lot of red-themed food and decor and runs through the full month of February on the enclosed heated patio at the restaurant and ping pong hall. Jan 29 – Feb 28.

Yum Cha: Central Park, Cholon: Denver, Cholon: Sloan’s Lake. Various locations. Regular restaurant hours.
Each of Lon Symensma’s Asian cuisine concepts are running LNY specials through the weekend. When you order any of the specials and receive a Mystery Red Envelope, which will contain a Gift Card ranging from $5-$25. Jan 29 – Feb 2.

Celebrations and shopping: Starting Jan 29

Year of the Wood Snake Print. Union Hall. 1750 Wewatta St Suite 144, Denver.
Limited-edition relief prints were created in collaboration with Union Hall Art Space and Colorado-based multi-media visual artist Leilani Nobuko Derr to honor the 2025 Lunar New Year. Prints are available to purchase at Union Hall and online, shipping available upon request. 18”x 12.5”, $75

One- or two-day events

Saturday, Jan 25

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Tea Street Red Envelope Giveaway Party. Tea Street: Parker. 16524 Keystone Blvd #A, Parker. 12pm until supplies last.
Taiwanese bubble tea shop is handing out red envelopes and a chance to win a 50lb bag for Three Ladies jasmine rice with purchase of a drink. Parker store on Sat, 1/25, Denver store on Sun, 1/26.

Die Die Must Try Lunar New Party. Die Die Must Try. 250 Steele St #108, Denver. 5 – 7pm.
Singaporean bubble tea shop in Cherry Creek will have crafts, LNY story time, crafts, lo hei (prosperity toss), and will be selling treats crafted by local AANHPI baker, Craving Nomz.

Welton Room Lunar New Year Pop-up. Monkey Bar at Welton Room. 2590 Welton St, Denver. 12 noon – closing.
The AANHPI-owned cocktail bar will celebrate the LNY with Chinese-inspired cocktails featuring Remy Martin spirits. Walk ins only.

Celebrations and shopping

2025 Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration. George Washington High School. 655 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver.
The Denver Chinese School puts on this annual event with a cultural fair, Taste of China food stalls, and marketplace that are free an open to the public between 10:30am – 1:30pm. Tickets to the staged Celebration Show (1:30-3:30pm) cost $25+.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Town Center at Aurora. Town Center At Aurora. 14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora. 2 – 5pm.
Afternoon filled with cultural performances, crafts, giveaways, a LNY photo booth, and family-friendly activities. Free admission.

AVID Lunar New Year Potluck and Community Conversation. Comrade Brewing Company. 7667 E Illiff Ave. Denver. 12 – 3pm.
Asian Vibes in Denver is hosting this potluck event. If you are a non-AANHPI individual, you must be invited by an AANHPI community member to attend. Free, but bring a dish and serving utensils.

Sunday, Jan 26

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Tea Street Red Envelope Giveaway Party. Tea Street: Denver. 4090 E Mississippi Ave. 12pm until supplies last.
AANHPI-owned Taiwanese bubble tea shop is handing out red envelopes and a chance to win a 50lb bag for Three Ladies jasmine rice with purchase of a drink. Parker store on Sat, 1/25, Denver store on Sun, 1/26.

Little Ogre x Taeko-san Takeout LNY Pop-up. Pony Up. 1808 Blake St, Denver. 11am-3pm.
All-vegan/GF food menu and all-vegetarian drink menu featuring lots of mochi and riffs on Thai and Japanese favorites. Portion of proceeds benefit Denver nonprofit Asian Girls Ignite.

Celebrations and shopping

Lunar New Year On Havana Street. Stampede. 2430 S. Havana St. Aurora. 12-6pm.
Second annual celebration. Global market and food, cultural performances including lion dancing and taiko drums, firecrackers presentation, kids activities, and more. Donations will benefit Colorado nonprofit CACEN. Free admission.

Monday, Jan 27

Celebrations and shopping

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado: Lunar New Year Gift Drive 2025. The Cultural Development & Wellness Center. 1537 Alton Street, Aurora. 9am – 5pm.
APABA, CACEN, and number of other community co-sponors are looking for volunteers to create a gift basket or donate a red envelope for refugee families in Colorado. Truong An Gifts will offer 15% off for items purchased for the drive. The last day to sign up is Feb 21, and you will be matched with a family.

Tuesday, Jan 28

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Pho King Rapidos Lunar New Year Pop-up. Sắp Sửa. 2550 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. Seatings 5:45-9pm.
Long Nguyen will spotlight Vietnamese-American history through a family-style five course prix fixe menu. Reservations required. $88/pp. Update 2/28: Event is sold out.

WongWayVeg LNY Take Home Meal for Two. Art Gym. 1460 Leyden St, Denver. 3-6pm pickup.
100% vegan dim sum scratch meal. Features veganized recipes passed down by Lisa Wong’s Chinese grandparents. Order by 8pm, Jan 22. $140 + tax. Seated 5-course prix fixe meal also available on Jan 29-30 (see below).

Yuan Wonton LNY Menu. Yuan Wonton. 2878 Fairfax St, Denver. Regular restaurant hours.
Special a la carte menu for Jan 28 – 29. Check their Instagram stories for updates on the menu. This month, their Chifa Night (Jan 31) will start with a lion dance celebration (see below).

Celebrations and shopping

Lunar New Year Celebration at MSU. Tivoli Turnhalle in the Tivoli Student Center on Auraria Campus. 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver. 11:30am – 1:30pm.
MSU will host this event with food, crafts, and performances. Free and open to all.

Wednesday, Jan 29

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Hop Alley x Magna Kainan x Sắp Sửa: Lunar New Year Pop Up. Magna Kainan. 1350 40th St, Denver. 7pm seating.
4-course dinner from Carlo Lamagna (Magna Kainan), Tommy Lee (Hop Alley, Uncle), and Ni Nguyen (Sắp Sửa). Ticket holders can join for karaoke 9 – 11pm. Tickets required. $125/pp.

WongWayVeg LNY Seated Dinner. Art Gym. 1460 Leyden St, Denver. 7pm seating.
100% vegan dim sum scratch 5-course meal. Features veganized recipes passed down by Lisa Wong’s Chinese grandparents. Tickets required. $78/pp. Jan 29-30. Take home menu for two available for pickup on Jan 28 (see above).

Stellar Jay Lunar New Year Dinner. Stellar Jay. 240 14th St, Denver. Two seatings – 4pm and 8pm.
Four-course menu curated by guest chefs Sathia Sun and Joshua Mendiola, alongside Populus Executive Chef Ian Wortham. Dinner was conceived by the restaurant’s GM, Raya Kellenberger, to honor her Chinese roots and celebrate the AANHPI community. Reservations recommended. $85/pp with optional beverage pairing.

Dry Storage Dumpling Night Menu. Dry Storage Bakery. 3601 Arapahoe Ave D-181, Boulder. 5 – 9pm.
Special LNY dumpling and lucky food menu inspired by chefs Egan Ma (Hey Kiddo), Holly Clarke (Dry Storage), and Mara King (Id Est Director of Fermentation). No RSVP needed.

Chinese Zodiac Cocktail Menu. Traveling Mercies. 2501 Dallas St Suite 311, Aurora. 4 – 9pm
Full cocktail menu inspired by the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, designed by bar manager Zachary King.

Lunar New Year Dinner for Two. Bao Brewhouse. After 5pm in the Tea Room.
The restaurant normally offers a Wed all-inclusive dinner for two, but this week they will feature some off-menu items only available on LNY Day. Reservations encouraged (at the moment they look booked up). You can only get this menu after 5pm in the upstairs Tea Room. $70/ two people.

Thursday, Jan 30

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Dân Dã Restaurant Lunar New Year Celebration Menu. Dân Dã Restaurant. 9945 E Colfax Ave, Aurora. Normal restaurant hours.
Chef and owner Ank Nguyen serves up Món Ăn Tết Truyền Thống (Traditional Lunar New Year Dishes) inspired by her family’s roots and childhood Tết memories. Specials will be available all day January 30 – 31st. This is not a ticketed event.

WongWayVeg LNY Seated Dinner. Art Gym. 1460 Leyden St, Denver. 7pm seating.
100% vegan dim sum scratch 5-course meal. Features veganized recipes passed down by Lisa’s Chinese grandparents. Tickets required. $78/pp. Jan 29-30. Take home menu for two available for pickup on Jan 28 (see above).

Celebrations and shopping

Little Saigon Cultural District Community Vision Board Workshop & Lunar New Year Celebration. Westwood Community Center. 1000 S Lowell Blvd, Denver. 5:30 – 7:30pm (Doors open at 5pm).
Join the Denver Mayor’s Office, Denver City Council, the City of Denver, Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU), the Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission (DAAPIC) for a LNY celebration and vision board workshop to discuss the future of South Federal Blvd and Little Saigon. Lion dance from CACHC, light snacks and treats. RSVP by Mon, Jan 27.

AREAA Greater Denver Open House and Lunar New Year Celebration. The People’s Building. 9995 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora. 5:30-8:30pm.
Asian Real Estate Association of Greater Denver is throwing this event featuring a lion dance from Guiding Mountain, bites from Dân Dã Restaurant, Banh & Butter, & New Saigon Bakery & Deli, door prizes and red envelope giveaways. Event is free but registration is required.

Clayton Lunar New Year Celebration. Clayton Hotel & Members Club. 233 Clayton St, Denver. 6 – 8pm.
Event presented by CACEN. Lion and dragon dances by CACHC.

Friday, Jan 31

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Dân Dã Restaurant Lunar New Year Celebration Menu. Dân Dã Restaurant. 9945 E Colfax Ave, Aurora. Normal restaurant hours.
Chef and owner Ank Nguyen serves up Món Ăn Tết Truyền Thống (Traditional Lunar New Year Dishes) inspired by her family’s roots and childhood Tết memories. Specials will be available all day January 30 – 31st. This is not a ticketed event.

Yuan Wonton Chifa Night. Yuan Wonton. 2878 Fairfax St, Denver. 5 – 9:15pm seatings.
Monthly, the restaurant does one Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian cuisine) dinner. For February, the dinner will begin with a lion dance celebration in honor of the LNY. Reservations required. Special LNY menu during normal restaurant hours available Jan 28 – 29 (see above).

Celebrations and shopping

Denver Bouldering Club Lunar New Year Celebration. Denver Bouldering Club Central. 2485 W 2nd Ave #18, Denver. 6 pm.
Food truck, raffles, and more in partnership with Arc’teryx & Cruxing in Color. $10 to climb.

Saturday, Feb 1

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Lion Dance at Nan’s Dim Sum: Denver. Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings: Denver. 3316 Tejon St #102, Denver, CO 80211 7pm.
Local dumplings and dim sum chain will have a lion dance performance at their Aurora location. Festivities also occur at their Aurora location on Feb 2 at 1pm.

Celebrations and shopping

Far East Center Lunar New Year Grand Celebration. Far East Center. 333 S. Federal Blvd, Denver. 11am – 4pm.
Performances, cultural demonstrations, food trucks, food vendors, and more. Feb 1 – 2. Free admission.

Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala. Grand Hyatt. 1750 Welton St., Denver. 5 – 10:30pm.
The Colorado educational non-profit’s annual gala. Silent auction, palm reading, photo booth, night market, cooking demos, and Chinese banquet dinner. $350/pp.

Sunday, Feb 2

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Lion Dance at Nan’s Dim Sum: Aurora. Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings: Aurora. 2495 S Havana St unit f, Aurora. 1pm.
Local dumplings and dim sum chain will have a lion dance performance at their Aurora location. Festivities also occur at their Denver location on Feb 1 at 7pm.

Celebrations and shopping

Far East Center Lunar New Year Grand Celebration. Far East Center. 333 S. Federal Blvd, Denver. 11am – 4pm.
Performances, cultural demonstrations, food trucks, food vendors, and more. Feb 1 – 2. Free admission.

Stanley Marketplace Lunar New Year Celebration. Stanley Marketplace. 2501 Dallas St, Aurora (right outside Chi Lin restaurant). 3:30 – 4:30pm.
Live performances, festive traditions, and a lion dance. Free admission.

Thursday, Feb 6

Restaurant events and pop-ups

Reclaiming Denver’s Chinatown: Lunar New Year Dinner. MAKfam. 39 W 1st Ave, Denver. 5-10pm.
A la carte LNY menu highlighting Chinese American and third culture cuisine. Special cocktails using Chinese grain spirit Baijiu, featuring spirts from Ming River and Kinmen Kao Liang. 30% of proceeds benefit Denver nonprofit CAPU. Reservations required. They go live Monday, January 20th, at 11am.

Celebrations and shopping

DBG: Unveiling the Art of Lion Dancing: Behind the Scenes Demo. Denver Botanic Gardens. 1007 York Street, Denver. 5 – 7pm.
In honor of the LNY and in partnership with the Far East Center, the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts a workshop led by Guiding Mountain Dragon & Lion Dance Association to teach guests about history and significance of lion dancing. Free with registration.

Friday, Feb 7

Celebrations and shopping

February First Friday Wish Lantern Festival. Silverthorne Pavilion. 400 Blue River Parkway. Silverthorne. 5:30 – 8:30pm.
The town of Silverthorne will celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year and Mexico’s Día de la Candelaria (Feb 2) with a joint celebration. Guests can wish on a lantern as they down the Blue River at 6:45pm, enjoy live music and salsa dancing, or enjoy coffee/tea, crafts, and story time. Free admission.

Saturday, Feb 8

Celebrations and shopping

Denver Sister Cities Kunming Committee Chinese New Year Celebration. Empress Seafood Restaurant. 2825 W Alameda Ave #2901, Denver. 4:30-8pm.
Lion dance, cultural performances, and a 10-course banquet. This event honors the lasting friendship between Denver and Kunming, China, and supports cross-cultural exchange. A portion of proceeds will support the John H. Yee Scholarship Fund. Register by Jan 31 (tickets have sold out in previous years). $65-70/pp. Child and student tickets also available.

2025 OCA Lunar New Year Charity Gala. Salon Real Event Center. 2200 W Alameda Ave Suite 30, Denver. 4:30 – 8pm.
Night market, face painting, calligraphy learning booth, and happy hour bar put on by the Organization of Chinese Americans. 10-course banquet between 6:15 – 8pm with live music, lion dance, and other entertainment. $70/pp. To purchase tickets, call Benjamin at (303) 898 – 6868.

Asian Girls Ignite’s Annual Lunar New Year CelebrAsian. Aurora (exact location will be emailed after registration). 11am – 2pm.
This event is exclusively for AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6 – 12. Food, games, karaoke, and a lion dance performance. $15 – 35 sliding scale pricing.

Friday, Feb 14

Celebrations and shopping

DBG: K-POP and V-POP Workshop: A Dance Extravaganza! Denver Botanic Gardens. 1007 York Street, Denver. 6 – 8pm.
In honor of the LNY and in partnership with the Far East Center, the Denver Botanic Gardens hosts a workshop led by Judy Tran to teach guests how to dance in the K-Pop and V-Pop style. Free with registration.

Saturday, Feb 15

Celebrations and shopping

Parker Lunar New Year Celebration. PACE Center. 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. 10am – 2:30pm.
Traditional performances, martial arts, hands-on activities, and more. Attendees can enjoy mini classes, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities that highlight the rich traditions and customs of the Lunar New Year. Sponsored by the Dragon Boat Festival, Asian Avenue Magazine, and a number of other local orgs and schools. Free admission but must RSVP for timed entry ticket (limited entry).

Saturday, Feb 22

Celebrations and shopping

Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont Lunar New Year Celebration. Silver Creek High School. 4901 Nelson Road, Longmont. Doors at 1:30pm. Performances and activities begin at 2pm.
Lion dance and performances, activities, cultural games, music and dance. Free admission.

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