Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Nashville

It’s time to say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and say hello to the Year of the Dragon. Usher in the Lunar New Year with special festivities and enjoy authentic Asian-inspired restaurants all around Nashville and nearby areas. 

Special Lunar New Year Events and Festivities in Nashville

Chinese New Year Celebration at Centennial Park

Located at Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park, join the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) for their special Chinese New Year of the Dragon Celebration. Having drawn over 1,000 attendees last year, the festival looks to welcome even more guests to a discovery and celebration of Chinese culture. CAAN encourages attendees to wear dragon outfits or any red clothing to add to the fun. The event is on Feb. 10 and will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring - Murfreesboro

Kick off the festivities with a special, free family-friendly event on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and join in the fun at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Enjoy as your children learn, experience, and participate in the traditions of the Lunar New Year with stories, crafts, demonstrations and more.  

Lunar New Year at PROOF

Join the W Nashville Hotel at the PROOF Rooftop Bar for a free Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February24th from 7pm - midnight. Experience the captivating artistry of Lion Dancer performances at 8pm and 10pm and witness the vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and graceful movements symbolizing luck and prosperity. Order a signature cocktail like the Dragon's Blossom or Lychee Thai Basil Spritz and you'll receive a special red envelope with a surprise giveaway inside that could get you a complimentary stay at W Nashville. Proceeds from the Lunar New Year signature cocktails will benefit API Middle TN, a local non-profit which celebrates the API community. Visit the event page to learn more about this special celebration.

Lunar New Year with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn

Taking place Wednesday, February 7 at 7:30pm at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, join Associate Conductor Nathan Aspinall and hear the featured arrangements of traditional melodies and original music from various notable Chinese composers. Special guest Ma Xiaohui who performed with Yo-Yo Ma on the award winning soundtrack of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will be the featured soloist. Plus, Jen-Jen Lin of the CAAN will be showcasing original choreography. In addition to the beautiful concert, spaces all around the Schermerhorn will be filled with festive music, activities, and displays. Tickets for this event are available on the Nashville Symphony website. 

Chinese New Year Celebration at Plaza Mariachi

Join Plaza Mariachi in partnership with the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville at their vibrant Chinese New Year of the Dragon Celebration on Saturday, February 17th. A free event open to all ages, it will take place at Plaza Mariachi Music City and starts with arts and crafts for families. Chinese naming, Kungfu, and Taichi workshops will also be featured, along with paper lantern building and an exciting performance of a dragon dance, lion dance, and Taichi sword demonstration. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Chinese culture through the array of festivities at this wonderful cultural celebration.  

Authentic Asian-Inspired Restaurants in Nashville

Mama Yang and Daughter

Known widely throughout Nashville as serving the best dumplings and made-from-scratch bobas in town, Mama Yang and Daughter’s is sure to please your pallet. You can find Mama Yang and her daughter Grace serving up the best Taiwanese grub on Saturdays from 10:00am-noon at Richland Park Farmers Market. From the beloved dumplings like Mama’s original pork and chicken & mushroom to freshly made bobas, their menu is filled with delightful options. If you’re a fan, you even have the chance to purchase Mama Yang’s frozen dumplings you can cook at home by following the provided instructions from the chef herself. And to celebrate 2024’s Lunar New Year, Mama Yang and Daughter will be at Richland Park Farmers Market on Feb. 10, so join them for delicious food and a festive commemoration of the Year of the Dragon.  

Xiao Bao Nashville

When in Nashville be sure to check out Xiao Bao, a top Asian fusion spot located in East Nashville combining a cozy retro diner ambiance with incredibly tasty dishes. A true foodie’s paradise, this restaurant serves a wide variety of hand cooked meals, from the beef fat fries with comeback sauce, dumplings, seared hand-pulled noodles, pork bao, and the much-loved crab rice, everything on their menu tastes unique yet authentic. Xiao Bao is hosting a special Year of the Dragon Dinner featuring guest Chef Jonathan Wu on February 11. Space is limited, so be sure to check out their website to purchase your ticket ahead of time. Quick tip: the food at Xiao Bao is best enjoyed family style, so it’s recommended you order several of their best dishes to share.

Harriet's Rooftop

Located atop the beautiful and luxurious 1Hotel Nashville, Harriet’s Rooftop overlooks the streets and skyline of Downtown Nashville. This unique, elevated nightlife setting is home to a bar which serves a collection of bespoke libations as well as a kitchen which uses fine seasonal ingredients to craft delicious Asian fusion and regionally inspired dishes. From specialty rolls to hot noodles, and sashimi and nigiri sushi, Harriet’s has an extensive menu full of tasty options just waiting to be savored while enjoying one the best views in town. 

Noko Nashville

Nestled in East Nashville, be sure to check out Noko, an Asian-inspired restaurant which puts a wood-fired spin on traditional dishes. Classic comfort food meals like the Wagyu Brisket and Smoked Gochujang Hot Wings are transformed with elevated twists. Noko also has a seasonally-inspired beverage menu which features non-alcoholic mocktails and a diverse cocktail menu which blends wonderfully with the dishes. Great for intimate date nights or larger group parties, this upscale Asian fusion restaurant will impress with its delicious fare and lovely ambiance.

Sunda New Asian Nashville

Inspired by authentic flavors of Southeast Asia, Sunda Nashville looks to blend the cultural food influences from Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China and more into one completely distinctive and modern menu. Try popular dishes like the Japanese Fried Chicken, Ube Waffles, Steak & Egg, Pork Belly Steamed Buns, and Crispy Brussel Sprouts. Sunda also has some wonderful desserts like their signature Sunda Sundae and Molten Chocolate Cake. Quick tip: Sunda offers sushi classes where you’ll receive an overview and tutorial of the food and have the chance to roll your own. 

Korea House Nashville

A staple of authentic Korean food in Nashville, Korea House is a small family-owned spot where you will be treated to some of the best Korean delicacies. Voted Nashville’s best Korean restaurant in 2023 by the Nashville Scene, you’ll enjoy dishes like galbi (pan fried marinated beef ribs), naengmyun (Korean cold noodle), kimchi fried rice, and soonduboo chigae (spicy tofu stew). With a homey meets hole-in-the-wall ambiance, Korea House is the place to go to taste the diverse flavors of Korean culture in Nashville.