Chinese New Years Display at Bellagio Las Vegas

Bellagio kicked off the 2009 Las Vegas Chinese New Years celebrations by unveiling a magificent "Year of the Ox" exhibit in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 

The gorgeous exhibit will be on display through February 28, 2009.  If you've ever seen one of the Bellagio Conservatory's displays, you'll likely agree that seeing their exhibits in person is awe-inspiring. 

I'm always amazed by the displays -- they are soo incredible to see in person (pictures don't quite do the displays justice), so I encourage you to check out the new "Year of the Ox" exhibit in person.   

The new "Year of the Ox" display features tens of thousands of plants artistically crafted into a scenic Chinese New Years panorama. 

A15-foot-long ox comprised of more than 10,000 living plants forms the centerpiece of the exhibit.  Nearby, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune will stand amidst golden lucky coins (shown in photo above).  And we can't forget the exhibit's adorable pandas, which are made of more than 9,000 living plants.   (See photo of the pandas below)

In keeping with the spirit of the New Year's, the exhibit's designers elected to use the ancient practice of Feng Shui to guide the arrangement..  Feng Shui is ancient art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy.

More Pictures of Bellagio's Chinese New Years Display:

(click on photo to see larger version)

More Chinese New Year Events at Las Vegas Resorts

Many of the best Las Vegas hotels and casinos will provide festive entertainment and gourmet Chinese food to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 

Chinese New Year's Food and Restaurant Highlights

In honor of the Chinese New Year, a number of Las Vegas restaurants are preparing special menus.  From Jan. 23-27, Pearl at MGM Grand will feature special dim sum lunch items from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Grand Wok, also at MGM Grand, has created a special menu for guests to enjoy Jan. 23-31.  Fin, located inside The Mirage, will feature a special "Happy Chinese New Year" menu with traditional Chinese dishes, while both Shanghai Lilly and Noodle Shop at Mandalay Bay will offer special menus featuring traditional Chinese entrees and dim sum items. Wolfgang Puck's Chinois, located inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, will offer a five-course meal featuring traditional foods that symbolize prosperity, togetherness and luck.  Priced at $55 per person, the menu is available for one week only beginning Jan. 26.  The all-new Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace and Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas, the only Chinese restaurant in North America honored with a prestigious Michelin Star, are also great locations to celebrate the New Year.

Traditional Chinese Lion Dance Performances

Many hotels on the Vegas Strip ave schedulled performances of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance.  Here's a quick list of the main Lion Dance performances:

*    MGM Grand - Lion Dance in Porte Cochere on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.
*    Bellagio - Lion Dance in Port Cochere on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
*    Mandalay Bay - Lion Dance in Porte Cochere on Monday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m.
*    The Mirage - Lion Dance at Main Valet on Monday, Jan. 26 at 6:00 p.m.
*    Las Vegas Hilton - Lion Dance in the main lobby on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m.
*    The Venetian - Lion Dance, firecrackers and eye painting in Porte Cochere on Saturday, Jan. 24
at 3p.m. and Monday Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
 

Chinese New Year Concert and Party on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009 at the Green Valley Ranch

The Green Valley Ranch is planning its Second Annual Chinese New Year Concert and Party on Sunday, Jan. 25 inside Ovation.  This year's festivities includes singing, acrobatics, magic shows, Chinese folk dance, martial arts, kung fu, musical performances and much more.  Tickets may be obtained through LVCVA, Music and Arts of Las Vegas or Nevada National Bank. 

Chinese New Years Festival on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Chinatown Plaza

To further celebrate the Chinese New Year, head on over to the Chinatown Plaza (the official Asian Pacific American Cultural Center for Las Vegas) on Sunday, February 8th to take part in the annual Chinese New Years festival.

The all-day event will feature performances by Chinese acrobats, dancers and drummers, as well as additional entertainment by Chinese artists and a Chinese Fortune teller.  And of course there will be an impressive selection of Chinese food and merchandise by vendors.

The festival's entertainment will take place between 11 am and 4 pm, with a crowd of 5,000 people expected.  Be sure to get to te fesitval early to grab a prime viewing spot.

Entry fees to the festival are minimal -- only $3.00 for adults and $1 for Children ages 6-12 -- making this a fun thing to do without breaking the bank. 

Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza is located at 4255 Spring Mountain Road in Las Vegas.  More info on the festival can be found on the Chinatown Plaza website.