LIST: Places to ring in the 2025 Chinese New Year
Every year, when the lanterns light up the night sky and the rhythmic beat of drums fills the air, Filipino-Chinese communities across the Philippines come together to celebrate one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year—Chinese New Year.
This vibrant holiday, rooted in centuries-old traditions, is a time to honor ancestors and family and usher in a new year filled with prosperity, luck, and happiness.
In the Philippines, where Chinese heritage is intertwined with the local culture, the celebrations are nothing short of spectacular.
Whether you're looking for grand parades, intimate family gatherings, or cultural performances, here's a look at some of the best places in the Philippines to ring in the Chinese New Year.
Binondo, Manila
Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, transforms into a living, breathing canvas of red and gold during Chinese New Year.
Located in the heart of Manila, this historic district is the epicenter of Filipino-Chinese culture and the place to be for a truly immersive experience. Imagine vibrant parades with lion and dragon dances weaving through the bustling streets, the air filled with the crackle of firecrackers, and the aroma of Chinese delicacies wafting from the numerous restaurants and food stalls.
A walk along Ongpin Street will reveal the charm of old-world Chinatown, with shops selling lucky charms, traditional teas, and handcrafted lanterns. Local eateries serve mouthwatering Chinese dishes such as dumplings, pancit, and tikoy, the sticky rice cake that symbolizes unity and good fortune.
Canton Road at Shangri-La at The Fort
Located in BGC, Canton Road at Shangri-La at the Fort takes the Chinese New Year experience to new heights with an unforgettable combination of opulence, tradition, and exceptional food.
This contemporary Asian restaurant has nine private dining rooms where guests can exclusively hold lunch or dinner. They also have offerings dubbed "Blessings in Bloom," which guests can enjoy from Jan. 9 to Jan. 29, featuring its special treats, including Prosperity Box, a single layer nian gao (P2,888), Double Happiness, a double layer nian gao (P3,988), Xin Nian Kua Le hamper (P6,888) and Gong Xi Fa Cai hamper (P8,888).
Hotel Lucky Chinatown
Nestled in the heart of Binondo, this stylish and modern hotel offers a unique fusion of luxury and tradition, making it the perfect spot to celebrate the most anticipated holiday in the Chinese calendar.
As soon as you enter the lobby of Hotel Lucky Chinatown, you are greeted by a festive atmosphere that blends the hotel's contemporary design with elements of traditional Chinese décor. Red lanterns, intricate gold accents, and auspicious symbols adorn the space, setting the mood for the celebrations.
On Jan. 29, this hotel will celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with festive activities, including a lion dance at 10 a.m. and a Feng Shui Talk with Master Johnson Chua at 11:30 a.m.
The hotel's on-site restaurants also offer sumptuous banquets and festive dining experiences like its "Flavors of Binondo," good for 5 to 6 people and costs P5,988. It has three sets of meals that pay homage to the time-honored flavors of Cantonese cuisine.
Moreover, the hotel offers an exclusive Festivity Package priced at P2,388 per adult and P1,194 per child (4-12 years old). The package includes a buffet lunch at Café de Chinatown, Feng Shui Talk with Master Johnson Chua, and free access to the Chinatown Museum.
City of Dreams Manila
City of Dreams Manila offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a festive escape filled with exciting events, exquisite dining, and captivating performances.
Here, you can enjoy a vibrant lion dance, eye-dotting ceremony, Gods of Fortune to welcome prosperity, Hong Bao Giveaway, seasonal CNY dining offers, and festive CNY DreamPlay for kids and kids at heart.
Araneta City
Known as a premier shopping, entertainment, and business district, Araneta City has become a lively, colorful destination for the Filipino-Chinese community and visitors alike to come together and celebrate the Lunar New Year in style.
Called "Strike for Success," the entertainment hub offers various CNY-related fun activities from Jan. 23-29. These include a Chinese Acrobat at Quantum Skyview, Upper Ground B, Gateway Mall 2, a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at the Activity Area in Gateway Mall 1, a Chinese New Year Prosperity Bazaar at the Activity Area of Ali Mall, and a "Zodiac Runway" Costume Contest at the Activity Area in Farmers Plaza.
Visitors also get to experience a Horoscope photo exhibit, tarot card reading, lion and dragon performance, and Feng Shui consultation.
Chinatown Museum
For those seeking to truly immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of the Filipino-Chinese community, the Chinatown Museum in Binondo, Manila, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for celebrating Chinese New Year.
As the country's first and only museum dedicated to Filipino-Chinese heritage, it provides the perfect setting to explore the unique customs, art, and culture of the holiday.
Guests can learn about the history of traditions like the art of giving ang pao (red envelopes filled with money), the lighting of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, and the symbolism of certain foods such as tikoy (sweet rice cake) and their significance to the new year.
Museum operations are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket rates are P100 (students), P120 (Seniors/PWD), and P150 (Adult).
