Some celebrations in honor of Lunar New Year are coming to Arlington and Falls Church next week.
Observed by many Asian communities on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the holiday signals the upcoming spring season and usher in the year of the snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar. From specialty menus to festivals, here are some of the cultural activities taking place in Arlington and Falls Church.
Special menus and deals
Lucky Danger is offering a $75 Lunar New Year feast for two with crab rangoon, oxtail lo mein, gai lan, red braised pork and a tapioca golden cake. Pickup in Pentagon City is from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. (1101 S. Joyce Street)
Chiko in Shirlington will offer daily specials on dishes like whole fried fish and longevity noodles from Jan. 29-Feb. 3. (4040 Campbell Avenue)
NUE: Elegantly Vietnamese in Falls Church is offering a limited-time menu and family meal set by executive chef Daniel Le, with dishes inspired by “good fortune, unity, and the transformative spirit of the snake.” (944 W. Broad Street)
Chasin’ Tails in Falls Church is offering a limited-time menu with longevity noodles, Australian king prawns and a signature Black Mamba cocktail. (944 W. Broad Street)
Roll the dice: Customers who spend $200 or more at NUE or Chasin’ Tails until Thursday, Feb. 13 can enter to play a Li Xi-inspired game of chance offering $25,000 total in grand prizes, including an all expenses-paid trip for two to Vietnam.
Events
Chinese New Year Festival in F.C.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The 16th annual Chinese New Year Festival will come with dragon and lion dances, a craft show, a parade, business booths and activities for kids. Hosted each year by the Vienna-based nonprofit, Asian Community Service Center, the event will take place at Luther Jackson Middle School.
3020 Gallows Road
Japanese New Year’s Festival at GMU
When: Sunday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Try out calligraphy, origami and Hyakunin Usshu Karuta, a traditional Japanese card game, at this community festival. The event will also feature Japanese street foods and activities for kids. Admission is $16 and tickets must be purchased online in advance by noon on Friday, Jan. 24.
3351 Fairfax Drive
Central Place Plaza in Rosslyn
When: Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 5-7 p.m.
The Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe will perform at this event hosted by the Rosslyn BID. Ceremonial tea will be provided by the McLean-based Asian American Chamber of Commerce, along with fortune cookies.
The BID will also hand out fortune cookies at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the same location.
1800 N. Lynn Street
Eden Center
When: Wednesday, Jan. 29, starting at noon
Eden Center in Falls Church will host a Vietnamese celebration for the Lunar New Year, also referred to as Tết, featuring lion dancing and family activities to the backdrop of over 100 local businesses and restaurants.
6763 Wilson Blvd
Upside on Moore
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
A free yoga class, a lion dance performance, raffles and an all-day happy hour are planned at this food hall above the Rosslyn Metro station. Vendors will serve a variety of Chinese fusion dishes, and the food hall has also teased a new restaurant to be revealed that weekend.
1700 N. Moore Street
CommuniKids Language Immersion School
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
This free event for kids includes dragon dancing, arts and crafts, martial arts demonstrations, stories and more. RSVP is required.
115 Hillwood Avenue
Long Branch Nature Center
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 from 3-4:30 p.m.
This family-friendly county event includes crafting, a visit with live animals and a hike. Registration is required at $9 per person.
625 S. Carlin Springs Road
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
When: Saturday, Feb. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.
Live entertainment, lion dances and a dragon parade are all part of the Pentagon City mall’s Lunar New Year celebration. This event is in partnership with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and will take place near the dining pavilion on the mall’s Metro level.
1100 S. Hayes Street
