Chinese New Year is on February 5, but the celebrations begin earlier and run for nearly a whole month. Venues and amusement parks across the emirates are hosting events that feature traditional Chinese cultural activities and performances, from face-changing shows and dragon dances to wish trees and lantern-making, not to mention fireworks, food, fortune cookies and fun.
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ABU DHABI
Chinese New Year on Al Maryah Island
Thursday, January 31 to Saturday, February 2
The Waterfront Promenade at Al Maryah Island will transform into a celebration of Chinese New Year with themed activities, workshops and performances, as well as a spectacular choreographed fireworks display at 9pm on February 1. Visitors can make a wish at the Tree of Fortune in the Great Room of The Galleria, children can design their own paper lanterns and good-luck ornaments as well as take part in drum-making, dragon art and face-painting. There will be Chinese calligraphy on show, sugar-painting displays, tea-making ceremonies and an exhibition of Chinese Bian embroidery. See lion dancing, acrobatic performances, mask-changing routines, drum shows, artistic ink-sleeve displays and more.
4pm to 10pm, The Galleria and Waterfront Promenade, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.almaryahisland.ae
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Chinese New Year at Yas Waterworld
Friday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 20
This Chinese New Year, visit Yas Waterworld for family fun across 40 rides, slides and attractions. Take part in noodle-making demonstrations and enjoy activities including beach games at Amwaj Pool, pool noodle crafts, the pearl diving experience and tuck into an authentic Chinese beach buffet with dishes such as Szechuan stir-fried rice, barbecue wings, chop suey and fried rice.
10am to 5pm, from Dh250, Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yaswaterworld.com
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Chinese New Year at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
Friday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 20
Catch an interactive Chinese New Year show in the Plaza at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi that features Bugs Bunny and pals. There will be festive decor and photo opportunities with your favourite Warner Bros characters and children will enjoy the Chinese arts and crafts activities, such as making lanterns, paper dragons and more. Taste Chinese inspired treats from egg noodles to spring rolls and an assortment of Chinese desserts.
10am to 8pm, from Dh295, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.wbworldabudhabi.com
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Chinese New Year at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Friday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 20
Experience traditional performances at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi this Chinese New Year, including the Hao Yun acrobatic show and the Qingdian circus acts and martial arts. Children can design their own Chinese arts and crafts such as mask-painting and lantern-making, join in grand master Khalil’s Kung Fu Academy. Plus, there are plenty of Ferrari-themed rides for all levels of adventurers as well as food and beverage offerings.
11am to 8pm, from Dh295, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
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DUBAI
Chinese New Year at City Walk
Friday, February 1
Catch the Grand Parade at City Walk, which hosts a variety of traditional activities and festivities in honour of Chinese New Year. See performances such as the dragon dance, Awake the Lion dance, kung fu, qipao show, magic, acrobatics and Sichuan opera.
4pm to 7.30pm, The Green Planet parking area, City Walk, Dubai, www.citywalk.ae
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Chinese New Year at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah
Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2
Experience a themed atmosphere and take part in festive activities this Chinese New Year at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah. See more than 50 dragon boats race in a display of teamwork and endurance and enjoy attractions such as a dragon show, lion dances, face-changing performances, drummers and giant mascots. There will also be Chinese food, decorations and lighting.
8am to 6pm for dragon-boat races; 4pm to 11pm for entertainment, The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 04 390 9999, www.thepointe.ae
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Chinese New Year at #WOWJBR
Thursday, February 7 to Saturday, February 9
Head to #WOWJBR to see a series of performances in celebration of Chinese New Year. Enjoy a showcase of the ancient Chinese dramatic art of Bian Lian, or face-changing, as dragon characters and playful puppets engage with spectators. Visit the Chinese-themed walkabout that offers glimpses of the culture, and LED lion installations that add a splash of colour and light to the event.
6pm to 10pm on Thursdays; 4pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, free, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, www.facebook.com/thewalkatjbr
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Chinese New Year at Riverland Dubai
Friday, February 1 to Saturday, February 9
Enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities at Dubai Parks and Resorts to mark Chinese New Year. Riverland Dubai will be decked in red and gold traditional lanterns and will host roaming parades, entertainers and dragon dances. Families can take part in activities such as Couplet Pasting to convey wishes for the new year and a tea ceremony. Plus, visit the festive market featuring Chinese arts, crafts and gift items. There will be a Dragon on the River show in the evening with a display of light, sound and colour. Catch the fireworks show on February 4 at 8pm.
2pm to 10pm, free entry, Riverland Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
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Chinese New Year at The Dubai Mall
Friday, February 1 to Sunday, February 10
Visit The Dubai Mall and explore the traditions and cultures of China this Chinese New Year. Enjoy workshops in Chinese finger-palm painting and calligraphy, egg carving, umbrella art painting, knot tying, Chinese lucky bag making and wood carving pen. Take Instagram-worthy pictures in front of a green-screen photo booth with backdrops of China and Dubai. See a Chinese parade, mask-changers, live musical performances and roaming characters from Chinese folklore. There will be a giant red wishing tree, mah-jong and Chinese checkers. Plus, from February 4-6, visit Dubai Aquarium, where divers will perform an underwater dragon dance at noon, 3pm and 6pm; and see the dragon dance on ice at 5pm at Dubai Ice Rink.
10am to 11pm, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, 800 38224 6255, www.thedubaimall.com
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Chinese New Year at Motiongate Dubai
Friday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 13
Master Po of Kung Fu Panda will lead the Chinese New Year celebrations at Motiongate Dubai with a parade. There will also be traditional Chinese dragon dances, a flash mob, decorations, meet and greets with characters, and Chinese delicacies to enjoy.
2pm to 7pm, from Dh175, Motiongate Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, www.motiongatedubai.com
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Chinese New Year at Legoland Dubai
Tuesday, February 5 to Saturday, February 16
Kids can take part in Lego-themed activities at Legoland Dubai this Chinese New Year. There is a mosaic-building experience in Miniland, a Wishing Wall on Factory Street, Chinese lantern decorations, and new Asian-inspired menu items in the restaurants such as hoisin chicken wings and fortune-cookie milkshakes, plus get a free fortune cookie with every meal.
10pm to 6pm, from Dh245, Legoland Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, www.legoland.ae
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