Celebrate Lunar New Year in Texas

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Texas

(Image source: Official Texas Tourism Website)

As the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, you're likely already planning how to spend this unique Spring Festival. Texas offers a wealth of festive attractions for you to choose from. Not only does it possess an innate romantic charm, but also boasts a distinctive urban vibe.

The Houston Lunar New Year organization is dedicated to preserving the traditional customs of Chinese culture during the Spring Festival. Each year, they celebrate in their own unique way, with the Year of the Rat festivities taking place on February 1–2, 2020. This two-day event brings joy to people of all ages, from elders to children, during the annual local Lunar New Year celebration. In addition to representative cuisine from Chinese regions and family-friendly activities, the festival also features traditional lion and dragon dances, as well as Shaolin kung fu performances. Spending the traditional holiday abroad with loved ones and soaking in the festive atmosphere creates memories that last a lifetime.

For many years, the Dallas Crow Collection of Asian Art has presented stunning traditional programs to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. Each year, thousands of visitors from all over come to take part in Dallas’s largest Chinese New Year celebration. Classic Chinese performances such as lion and dragon dances, face-changing acts, and kung fu shows are all on display. There’s also a wonderful blend of traditional dance and folk music, acrobatics, and breathtaking Peking opera performances that bring the festive spirit to its peak. While enjoying these special holiday performances, you can also get hands-on with artistic activities. Face painting, calligraphy appreciation, kung fu classes, and fortune-telling are just some of the engaging traditional Chinese activities that showcase the richness of Chinese art.

(Image source: Official Texas Tourism Website)

After immersing yourself in Chinese cultural arts, learning about Texas history is also a must. Texas loves art, and it also has its own history and heritage. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is located in downtown Austin, the capital of Texas. It is a history museum dedicated to telling the story of Texas. Here, you can explore the state’s history and culture in detail through exhibits featuring clothing, tools, crafts, photographs, books, and more. The museum has three floors, each with its own theme. Through various historical artifacts and models, visitors are introduced to Texas’s independence, other major historical events, and cultural characteristics.

(Image source: Official Texas Tourism Website)

If you prefer not to be confined to indoor venues, then outdoor activities are an absolute must. During the Lunar New Year period, Texas experiences less rainfall and pleasant daytime temperatures—making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature at Hueco Tanks State Park. Located in western Texas, Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is one of the best rock climbing and bouldering destinations in the United States, having hosted numerous world-class climbing competitions. During its peak season from October to March, the park attracts thousands of visitors. Spanning 348 hectares, the park features relatively low rock cliffs that even allow for easy free climbing for seasoned climbers. In addition to the rocky areas, the park also includes basins and deserts, making it ideal for wilderness hiking. It also proudly preserves ancient Native American rock paintings dating from prehistoric times to the 19th century—truly precious treasures.