Snakes, Fortune & Festivities: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Style at these Casino Resorts
Graton Resort & Casino
Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, CA, is ushering in the Year of the Snake with an exciting lineup of events, performances and special promotions. The festivities begin with a traditional Eye-Dotting Ceremony and vibrant Lion Dances on Friday, Jan. 31. Guests can also enjoy appearances from the God of Fortune, who will distribute special giveaways to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
The entertainment continues with a Northern California exclusive performance by legendary Chinese superstar Richie Jen on Friday, Feb. 7. Known for his soulful and powerful vocals, Richie will perform timeless classics and modern favorites.
Additionally, on Saturday, Jan. 25, world-renowned Hong Kong singer Francis Yip will take the stage to deliver iconic renditions of hits like “Shanghai Beach,” promising an unforgettable show.
Graton is also proudly sponsoring the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade & Festival on Saturday, Feb. 15 & Sunday, Feb.16. Attendees can stop by the Graton booth at the street festival for a chance to win prizes such as free slot play, stylish cups and lucky keychains. Plus, the casino will showcase a dazzling float in the parade, adorned with glittering gold coins and lucky playing cards, honoring the Year of the Snake.
For even more chances to win, guests can participate in the $800,000 Lucky Red Envelope Giveaway, happening every Saturday in January, with chances to win up to $28,888 in cash every hour. Additionally, 50 winners each week will receive $500 in free slot play.
For more information, visit www.gratonresortcasino.com.
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower in Las Vegas, NV, is gearing up for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration to honor the Year of the Snake starting on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Guests will enjoy a variety of special experiences, from delectable dining offerings at CHĪ Asian Kitchen to exciting entertainment and a thrilling slot tournament. CHĪ Asian Kitchen will debut exclusive Lunar New Year dishes, including the SHÉ PÍ cocktail ($17), crafted with Patron El Cielo Tequila, yuzu, ginger, honey and coconut clarification. Specialty items like duck noodle soup and tri-color dumplings ($45) and Gochujang-glazed pork belly with blistered asparagus kimchi fried rice ($22) will also be available to indulge in this festive season.
The Lohan School of Shaolin will perform a traditional lion dance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations. The energetic performance, which symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, will mesmerize guests as the dancers, in elaborate lion costumes, move through the casino to the beat of drums, filling the space with vibrant energy and tradition.
For those looking to try their luck, The STRAT is hosting a $25,000 “Year of the Snake Slot Tournament” from Thursday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Feb. 1. True Rewards members can enter with a $50 buy-in and compete for a share of the $25,000 prize pool, with the first-place winner receiving $6,000 in slot play. Participants can take part in three rounds, with $50 hot seat winners announced during each round.
More information is available at www.TheSTRAT.com.
Live! Casino Hotel Maryland, Hanover, MD
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland invites guests to usher in the Year of the Snake with a vibrant array of traditional festivities that honor Asian culture. This year’s celebration is imbued with the symbolism of the Snake—longevity, wisdom, transformation, and fortune—creating a rich tapestry of joy and reflection for the Lunar New Year.
Casino Floor Décor
The celebration begins with dazzling casino floor decorations that capture the essence of the Year of the Snake. Serpentine displays symbolize introspection and transformation, while red lanterns, Chinese knots, and gold coins promise good fortune for the year ahead. The vibrant installations invite guests to revel in the beauty of tradition as they embrace the start of a new zodiac cycle.
Lunar New Year Menu
Guests are invited to dine at Luk Fu, where a limited-time Lunar New Year menu features dishes believed to bring prosperity and luck. From the zesty Lobster Tom Yum Soup to the delicate Steamed Silver Seaperch and the flavorful Sauteed Mixed Seafood, each dish offers a culinary journey inspired by the rich traditions of the holiday.
Lion Dance Performance
A highlight of the Lunar New Year festivities is the mesmerizing Lion Dance Performance, which heralds happiness, wealth, and longevity. The dancers will bring an exhilarating energy as they parade across the casino floor, stopping at various locations to bestow good luck upon the property and its guests.
Exclusive Promotions
The Year of the Snake also brings a variety of exciting promotions:
- Hermès Drawing: Enter for a chance to win a luxurious Hermès® bag and accessories collection, along with Free Play prizes of up to $2,000.
- $18,888 Progressive Baccarat Drawing: Every Monday, 12 lucky winners will share in the prize pool, which grows weekly until claimed.
- $25,000 Monthly Baccarat Tournament: Compete for the grand prize of $8,888 in cash, awarded each month.
Join the Celebration
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland’s Lunar New Year festivities promise a memorable celebration for all. From stunning décor and authentic cuisine to traditional performances and exciting prizes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as they welcome a year filled with fortune and opportunity.
For more information, visit maryland.livecasinohotel.com/promotions/lunar-new-year-2025.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, Durant, OK
This Lunar New Year, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant invites you to join in the festivities as it honors the Year of the Snake with vibrant events and interactive experiences across Southeast Oklahoma and North Texas. From January 17-31, guests can embrace the transformative spirit of the snake through cultural showcases, entertainment, and exciting giveaways.
Asia Times Square – January 17-19
Kick off the Lunar New Year celebration at Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie, Texas, for an immersive experience. From January 17-19, guests can enjoy games like blackjack, baccarat, and craps while taking selfies with a stunning iridescent snake sculpture.
The festivities include an origami artist demonstration, where attendees can watch intricate creations come to life and take home their own origami kit. Treat your taste buds with Lunar New Year Green Charm tea, a refreshing blend of jasmine and lychee, and watch a tanghulu-making demonstration before savoring this sweet candied fruit snack.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will be on-site with giveaways and special promotions on January 17 from 5-9 p.m. and January 18-19 from 1-9 p.m.
Stonebriar Centre – January 24-26
From January 24-26, the impressive iridescent snake sculpture will move to Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, Texas. Guests can snap a photo with the dazzling display and receive an iridescent envelope offering prizes such as up to $168 in free play and 28% off a stay at the resort.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will be set up near Dick’s Sporting Goods to greet visitors:
- January 24: 5-8 p.m.
- January 25: 12-8 p.m.
- January 26: 12-6 p.m.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant – January 26-31
The festivities culminate at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant with six days of unique experiences and cultural events.
Exclusive Giveaways
The first 100 guests to sign up for the Choctaw Rewards Club during the celebration will receive a custom-designed sweatshirt created by award-winning Filipino American artist Jayson Atienza, renowned for his collaborations with iconic global brands.
Grand Theater Celebration – January 26
On January 26, from 4 p.m. to midnight, the Grand Theater comes alive with activities and entertainment:
- Origami Artist Demonstration: Watch skilled hands craft stunning paper art, and take home a kit to try it yourself.
- 3D Mural by Ash Chen: Experience a one-of-a-kind mural designed to immerse viewers in the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Cap the night off with a spectacular free concert celebrating the cultural heritage of Vietnam. The lineup features renowned performers, including My Linh, Nguyen Hung, Huong Lan, Thanh Ha, Khang Viet, Myra Tran, and more, in the three-time Academy of Country Music Award-winning Grand Theater.
Snake Sculpture and 3D Mural – January 27-31
From January 27-31, guests can continue the celebration from 3-9 p.m. each day by exploring the breathtaking 3D mural and snapping photos with the captivating snake sculpture.
Ilani, Ridgefield, WA
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Style at ilani with an unforgettable weekend of festivities, cash giveaways, and live entertainment. From thrilling cash prizes to the exhilarating Lion Dance and a sensational performance at Phúc Lộc Thọ, there’s no better place to ring in 2025 than at ilani.
$22,000 Red Envelope Hot Seats
Friday, January 31 | 6:00pm-10:00pm
Kick off the Lunar New Year with a chance to win your share of $22,000 in cash! Every 20 minutes from 6:00pm to 9:40pm, one lucky Forever Rewards member will walk away with $1,000 CASH. The excitement reaches its peak at 10:00pm, when one grand prize winner will take home a massive $10,000 CASH prize. Don’t miss this opportunity to start the new year with a little extra fortune in your pocket!
Lion Dance
Saturday, February 1 | 6:00pm
Experience the electrifying tradition of the Lion Dance, a centuries-old performance that symbolizes the awakening of good luck, prosperity, and joy. Watch as the vibrant Lions come to life, kicking off the Lunar New Year with energy and excitement.
Phúc Lộc Thọ at ilani
Saturday, February 1 | 9:00pm
End the night on a high note with a spectacular performance at Phúc Lộc Thọ, featuring the acclaimed Vietnamese singer Minh Tuyết. Known for her powerful voice and hit songs like Một Đời Em Đã Yêu and Anh Muốn Em Sống Sao, Minh Tuyết promises an evening of unforgettable music and celebration. Gather your friends and family, and get ready to dance the night away as we welcome 2025 with style and spirit.
Join the Celebration
ilani is proud to bring the community together for a Lunar New Year celebration that blends tradition, entertainment, and opportunity. Whether you’re chasing big cash prizes, marveling at the artistry of the Lion Dance, or singing along to your favorite hits, ilani has everything you need to make this Lunar New Year one to remember.
For more information, visit ilaniresort.com.
