With the Lunar New Year commencing on Wednesday, January 29, Houston-area restaurants, bars, and businesses are gearing up for days of epic celebrations and festivities. Each year corresponds to one of twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac, with this year celebrating the Year of the Snake. Festivities include majestic red and gold decor spotlighting the serpent, high-energy lion dance performances, and the gathering of friends and family over traditional new year cuisine. Countless events and happenings are planned around town, with all welcomed and encouraged to participate in the auspicious occasion. Here are some of the best ways to ring in the 2025 Lunar New Year in Houston.
Galleria Houston
Asia Society is celebrating Lunar New Year with a lion dance performance in the Luxury Wing of the Galleria at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 1; and in the Nordstrom Wing from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 2; Saturday, February 8; and Sunday, February 9.
Phat Eatery
Phat Eatery is hosting a Malaysian New Year’s feast ($88), with seatings offered at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 2 in Katy; and at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 2 in the Woodlands. Guests will be treated to performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon dance troop and a family-style meal with a traditional Malaysian Yu Sheng “Prosperity Toss”. Reservations are required.
Kim Son
Kim Son will usher in the Year of the Snake with lion dance performances at its Downtown and Asiatown locations. The schedule includes performances at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 29; 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31; noon and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1; and 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 2 in Asiatown. Downtown visitors may visit the Jefferson Street locale for performances at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31; 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1; and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 2.
Mala
All five Mala locations will be open on on Tuesday, January 28 in celebration of the Lunar New Year, with lion dance performances scheduled for the Montrose location at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 25; Katy at noon, and Heights at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 26; Asiatown at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 1; and Sugar Land at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 2.
Stomping Grounds
Lunar New Year celebrations commence at Stomping Grounds in Garden Oaks from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29. The evening will feature a traditional lion dance, free appetizers from Pho Fix, fortune cookies, and red envelopes containing gifts. For those who want to stick around for a meal, Himari will be offering $25 bento boxes for dine-in guests.
Common Bond
In collaboration with Lee’s Golden Dragon dance troop, Common Bond has debuted a Lunar New Year entremet ($7), made with almond sponge cake, espresso milk chocolate cremeux, and dark chocolate almond whipped ganache, available through February 12 at all locations. Common Bond’s Heights Bistro & Bakery location will also play host two separate celebrations, featuring a photo op with Lee’s Golden Dragon at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, and a lion dance performance at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8.
The Post Oak Hotel
The Post Oak Hotel will host a Lunar New Year celebration in its luxe lobby at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29. Hotel guests and visitors are welcome to enjoy a lion dance and performances by Soaring Phoenix during the festivities.
Hidden Omakase
All guests dining at Hidden Omakase on Wednesday, January 29 will be gifted a red envelope in honor of Lunar New Year. The envelopes contain a lucky bracelet and a gift card redeemable for lunch, newly offered at Hidden from Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dessert Gallery
Dessert Gallery is offering hand-decorated cookies ($7) reflecting the vibrant images and hues of Lunar New Year. Cookies are available to purchase at each bakery location through Saturday, February 8.
Moon Rabbit
Moon Rabbit will kick off its Lunar New Year celebrations with a lion dance beginning at the restaurant at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 26.
Duck ‘N’ Bao
In celebration of Lunar New Year, Duck ‘N’ Bao is offering a lobster platter ($30) on special with the purchase of an entree, from Wednesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 2. The dish includes two lobster tails, served salt-and-pepper style or stir-fried, and is presented family-style.
Trill Burgers
From Sunday, January 26 to Sunday, February 2, Trill Burgers in Montrose is showcasing its new Indomie chopped cheese sandwich, a collaboration between Trill and instant noodle brand, Indomie, that was inspired by co-owner Andy Nguyen and chef Michael Pham’s heritage. The sandwich packs a punch of flavor, combining fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, ground beef, and American cheese, with pan-fried Indomie noodles, sauteed bean sprouts, crispy garlic oil, and Sriracha aioli on an Amoroso roll. Diners can purchase the sandwich a la carte, or enjoy it as a combo with Trill fries and a complimentary pack of Indomie instant noodles, and commemorate the occasion with an Indomie-themed tee available for purchase.
Meo Bar
Meo Bar is hosting its Lunar New Year celebration from 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, February 1. The evening will include a performance by the Seven Star Dragon lion dance troop at 6:30 p.m. and a special menu featuring dishes like roasted quail and Viet coffee affogato, plus beverage specials made in collaboration with Central Vietnam Coffee, Sapporo Beer, Tito’s Vodka, and 8th Wonder Brewery.
Kazzan Ramen & Bar
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, Kazzan Ramen & Bar will host a Lunar New Year celebration, treating all dine-in guests to red envelopes containing a surprise gift.
Norigami
Norigami is hosting a lion dance performance with music by the Boys of Summer at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 30. In addition to enjoying the live entertainment, guests can partake in drink specials and enjoy 25% off on food all day.
Post Houston
The Post is ringing in the Year of the Snake with a entire day of celebration. The free event on Sunday, January 26 is open to guests of all ages and will begin with a free yoga class at 11 a.m. in the X Atrium; followed by an Asian pop-up market with food vendors and cultural activities from noon to 9 p.m. at the North Docks; and lion dance performances throughout the space from 1 p.m. to 6: 30 p.m.