Lunar New Year, which heralds the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar, is the most important annual holiday in China and several other Asian nations, including Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea. It's traditionally celebrated with family reunions, food festivals, decorating with red paper and distributing red envelopes with money tucked inside for good luck, traditional dance performances and lantern festivals.  

While Sarasota doesn't offer a cornucopia of Lunar New Year events like other big cities (yet), there are festivities taking place here. We'll keep this list updated as we learn about more. It's the year of the dragon, a symbol of strength, power, good health, fortune and wisdom—all things we're glad to celebrate. Here's to a happy 2024.

Sarasota Sister Cities' Lunar New Year Celebration

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10

Did you know that one of Sarasota's sister cities is Xiamen, China? Sarasota Sister Cities will celebrate Lunar New Year with an event that includes cultural performances of traditional music and dance, plus Asian snacks. Admission is free; RSVP here. 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Sarasota Vietnamese Festival at Tu Viện Hạnh Phúc (the Happy Monastery) 

1-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11

Tết, the Vietnamese new year, falls on Saturday, Feb. 10. Tu Viện Hạnh Phúc—also known as the Happy Monastery—will host a huge celebration at its Lockwood Ridge campus the following day. Festivities include a traditional Tết ceremony, the ceremonial raising of the Tết pole to symbolize the start of the new year, fireworks, a vegetarian food festival, music, a fashion show featuring traditional Vietnamese clothing, games, art displays and more. Admission is free. 4101 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota

Lunar New Year Night Market at UTC

6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15

The monthly UTC Night Market will celebrate the year of the dragon with local vendors, live music, drinks and special performances, including a dragon dance at 6:30 p.m. and a lion dance at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Green at UTC, 125 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota