MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL TO CELEBRATE
LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH DRAGON DANCES, FESTIVE DISPLAYS AND CULINARY SPECIALTIES
MGM Resorts International is celebrating Lunar New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger, with festive dragon and lion dances, spectacular displays and authentic cuisine at a variety of restaurants.
According to Chinese culture, the Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese Zodiac and symbolizes strength, passion, bravery and ambition. One of the most dynamic signs in the Chinese Zodiac, individuals born in the Year of the Tiger are known to be strong, powerful, brave and independent.
Dragon & Lion Dances
Dynamic and colorful dragon and lion dances will commemorate the Year of the Tiger at Bellagio, ARIA and MGM Grand:
- ARIA – Friday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the main porte cochère
- Bellagio – Saturday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. at the main porte cochère
- MGM Grand – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. at the main porte cochère
Yau Kung Moon will perform the Chinese dragon and lion dances at all three resorts in a traditional Southern Shaolin Kung Fu system with a modern flair. Southern Shaolin Kung Fu is a collection of martial arts with more than 1,000 years of history. Yau Kung Moon, which translates to “Style of Flexible Power,” is one of the world’s most respected martial arts, dragon and lion dance organizations. Known for its trademark gold uniforms and innovative routines, Yau Kung Moon has been recognized internationally for being the first U.S. team to compete in the 1990 Invitational World Lion Dance Festival in Malaysia.
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a festive Lunar New Year display open through March 5. Designed to bring prosperity and luck to all who visit, the “Eye of the Tiger” display takes guests into a world of legend and myth through a blend of Asian culture and Western ideology.
Complete with lotus flowers, gold coins, silk-lantern chandeliers and an 8,000-pound golden representation of the most auspicious character in the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger, this display is comprised of more than 5,700 plants.
A collaborative effort between designer Ed Libby and Bellagio’s horticulture team, the intricate creation is layered with meaningful moments honoring the Year of the Tiger. Each Lunar New Year, the team creates a serene environment guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy.
The Conservatory is complimentary and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ARIA
ARIA’s main lobby is adorned with celebratory décor to honor the Year of the Tiger. Three Chinese Deities, Fuk, Luk and Sau, greet guests upon check-in at ARIA’s front desk. The deities personify the important aspirations of mankind: happiness, wealth and longevity.
A 196-foot dragon hangs from the lobby’s ceiling, weaving its way around a spectacular money tree made up of 88 golden coins symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Cherry blossom clouds and lanterns surround the dragon with decorative twinkling LED cherry blossom trees below.
A majestic hand-sculpted solid chocolate Tiger weighing in at 225-pounds graces the ARIA Patisserie display window. The 5-foot by 3.5-foot Tiger was created by carving, modeling, airbrushing and tempering chocolate.
Throughout the resort, guests may encounter more than 50 spectacular floral arrangements, kumquat citrus trees with lucky money envelopes, a Tiger at the entrance to the Baccarat Lounge, festive décor at Din Tai Fung and a special Buddha garden at North Valet.
MGM Grand
MGM Grand will transform into a Lunar New Year celebration from January 28 – February 15 with vibrant displays of eye-catching floral décor and playful panda bears surrounding the front desk. The iconic lion will be encircled by bright florals, live plants, trees and red lanterns. The resort will be adorned with yellow and red flowers, money trees, and banners offering blessings of wealth and good fortune.
Culinary Specialties
Select MGM Resorts International restaurants are honoring the Year of the Tiger with festive menus and specials. Highlights include a Prix Fixe menu at Hakkasan at MGM Grand that features Wok-fry Wild Seabass, Xingfu Dim Sum Trio and Salt Crusted Fortune Baked Chicken. Other restaurants celebrating Lunar New Year include Jasmine at Bellagio with a traditional Dim Sum brunch, Lemongrass at ARIA will feature Hainanese Style Half Chicken, Blossom at ARIA will offer Fresh Abalone with Sea Cucumber and Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand will have Japanese Uni Sashimi on the menu. For complete menus click here.