New Year’s Eve 4721 is the year of the rabbit. In Asia, Sunday, January 22nd is the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, ending the Year of the Tiger.
Celebrated in China for thousands of years, the Chinese New Year a.k.a. Lunar New Year holiday is based on a complicated calendar that uses both the lunar (cycles of the Moon) and solar (Earth’s annual orbit around the Sun) to calculate dates. It’s also connected to the orbit of Jupiter. In fact, the traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year are rooted in the astronomical origins of the holiday. Chinese Lunar New Year lasts for two weeks between a New Moon and the next full Moon.
So in 2023 it begins on Sunday, 22 January 2023, and ends with a lantern festival on Sunday, February 5, the date of the rising of the full “Snow Moon.”
The Chinese New Year 2023 animal is the Rabbit. Each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac (literally “circle of animals”), which is based on the Moon and has a 12 year cycle. So does the planet Jupiter, which takes about 12 years to orbit the Sun.
AUSTIN
OMG Squee
Tex-Asian bakery OMG Squee is offering two Lunar New Year macaron boxes, available after it returns from its vacation. There’s the gold box which includes eight macarons such as the Gold Money Bunny in black sesame cream and the Squee White Rabbit with a White Rabbit candy ganache; and the pink box with six of the eight macarons available.
Paper + Craft Pantry
Stationery store Paper + Craft Pantry and illustrator Kathy Phan and are hosting its second Lunar New Year event with food from vendors such as Cookie Wookie Kitchen, Banh Babes, and Cookie Counter alongside a retail market, a lion dance performance, and activities for children. VIP tickets grant early entry and a goody bag.
Chinese Restaurant #1
The Chinese restaurant’s Chinese New Year festivities include appetizers, cocktails, a photo booth, and lion dancers, all benefiting Austin Pets Alive. The restaurant will also offer Lunar New Year dishes on the regular menu, including dim sum on Sunday.
DALLAS
Mac and Cream Bakeshop
An Asian owned pop-up bakery that specializes in catering dainty French macarons. Lunar New Year treats, including a gift box, are available to pre-order. They feature traditional seasonal baked goodies with a twist — glazed matcha mooncake shaped cookies, almond cookies, cinnamon black sesame palmiers, LNY character macarons, and brisket banh tet, which is a sticky rice roll filled with brisket, wrapped in banana leaves. Schedule a pickup in McKinney, Garland, Grapevine and other locations is on the Mac and Cream website.
Asian Markets
From January 13 through 15th, one of the largest Asian markets in Texas will have a full on celebration with lion dances every two hours, live music from local Asian performers, fireworks and food. Check the website for a full list of restaurants. Parking and event entrance is free.
Tasty Egg Roll
This restaurant in Plano is known for its weekend Malaysian specialties and American Chinese staples. This Lunar New Year, the pineapple tart is available to purchase as a Southeast Asian Chinese treat.
HOUSTON
Asia Society Event Center
Dance to the beat of traditional lion dancers as they perform outside on our festival lawn. Learn about Lunar New Year traditions around the world through all-ages crafts, activities, and performances. A limited quantity of red envelopes will also be given to children.
This event is FREE and open to the public; RSVPs are requested for planning purposes. Food and drink will be available for sale. Music and dance performances by Huaxing Arts Group Houston are ticketed.
