Lunar New Year celebration at the Bellevue Collection

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). Festivities include a virtual presentation of a lion dance, performances, crafts and more.

The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle. Each year is associated with one of 12 animal symbols in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals of his kingdom to enter a race through the countryside. The first 12 to finish the long race would each rule over one year every 12 years. The 12 animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit (or cat in Vietnam), dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia. Different countries celebrate in their own way according to national and cultural customs. In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tet. Preparations may begin one or more days before the first day of the Lunar New Year and may continue for several days. Some traditions include cleaning and decorating the home, buying new clothes, exchanging small gifts or cards, paying respect to ancestors, and eating special foods. 

Lunar New Year of the Tiger – iStock by Getty Images photo by Oleksandr Pupko

2022 Year of the Tiger

Chinese Lunar New Year occurs about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, somewhere between January 20 and February 10.

• 2022 is the year of the Tiger. The first day of the Lunar New Year is Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Other Tiger years include 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034. 

“Gung Hay Fat Choy” is a common Cantonese phrase for Lunar New Year that wishes the receiver prosperity. Although it’s not strictly a “happy new year” phrase the same sentiment is the same!

Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA), The Overseas Community Affairs Council, and Republic of China (Taiwan). The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It is celebrated by many Asian communities including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. 

• This year’s 15-day-long celebration at the Bellevue Collection has activities from January 19 – February 6, 2022.
• Tune in virtually for a presentation of a lion dance, performances, crafts and more.
• Visit Bellevue Square in person to see an array of décor including costumes, cultural artifacts, and calligraphy. For more information, scroll down for a list of activities.

The Bellevue Collection Lunar New Year Umbrella – Chance Merchant Endless Reflection Photography

Bellevue Collection activities Jan 19 – Feb 6

The Bellevue Collection will ring in 2022 Lunar New Year with the following programming and activities:

• Gift with Purchase: January 19-23, spend $500 at any Bellevue Collection store or restaurant and receive a $50 Bellevue Collection gift card when you bring your same-day receipt to Guest Services at Bellevue Square Center Court. 
• Watch a Lion Dance: January 24, tune in to bellevuecollection.com/lunarnewyear for a virtual presentation of a lion dance, performances and more.
• Lucky Lunar Scratch Cards: January 24 – February 6, visitors can guarantee their luck by picking up a free scratch card from Guest Services at Bellevue Square Center Court. Anyone who scratches will receive a special dining offer from participating restaurants or a chance to win an $80 Bellevue Collection gift card. Participants must be 18 or older and no purchase is necessary.
• Kids activities: January 24 – February 6, visitors with kiddos can pick up a Red Envelope and Craft Kit to build a lantern at home. Pickup from Guest Services at Bellevue Square Center Court. Download Year of the Tiger coloring sheet from Wing Luke Museum.
• More info: Lunar New Year – The Bellevue Collection

But wait, there’s more! Participating restaurants at the Bellevue Collections also celebrate Lunar New Year. From festive décor such as lanterns, dragons and colorful lights to traditional dishes and specialties, The Bellevue Collection is happy to host guests as they celebrate the Year of the Tiger. Find a list of participating restaurants below.

Banh chung (sticky rice cake), traditional Vietnamese food for Lunar New Year – DepositPhotos.com

Participating Bellevue Collection restaurants celebrate Lunar New Year

The following restaurants in Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square are participating in 2022 Year of the Tiger.

• Chamei Matcha (Bellevue Square First Floor)
• Mi Tea (Bellevue Square First Floor)
• Me + Crepe (Bellevue Square Second Floor)
• Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper (Bellevue Square Second Floor)
• Japonessa Sushi Cocina (Lincoln Square First Floor)
• Wild Ginger (Lincoln Square First Floor)
• Baron’s Sino Kitchen & Bar (Lincoln Square Second Floor)
• Din Tai Fung (Lincoln Square Second Floor)

More info: Your Guide toLunar New Year Eats at The Bellevue Collection

The Bellevue Collection Chinese Traditional Costumes – Culture Center of TECO in Seattle & Hwa Shang Chinese Opera Club – Chance Merchant Endless Reflection Photography

Lunar New Year events in the Puget Sound region

(If nothing is listed below, there are no upcoming Lunar New Year events in our calendar. Lunar New Year occurs somewhere between the last ten days of January and the first twenty days of February. We usually update Lunar New Year events in early January for the current year.)