Chinese New Year in Nashville 2025

Nashville has several occasions to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year Gala and Chinese New Year Celebrations feature traditional program with lion dancers, dragon parades, cultural workshops, Chinese food, martial arts, and drummers. Nashville Symphony annually holds a festive Lunar New Year concert. The Music City cherishes its diverse cultural heritage, making the events accessible for individuals of all backgrounds.

Lunar New Year with the Nashville Symphony (January 31, 2025)

Organized by the Nashville Symphony together with Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville and Asian & Pacific Islanders of Middle Tennessee (API), the Nashville Symphony concert invites visitors will enjoy performances by local and international composers with their award-winning soundtracks. In addition, Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville organizes an amazing choreography show.

This year, the lineup features soloist Susan Yang, who is set to perform the Yellow River Piano Concerto, and conductor Ming Luke. The concert is a true celebration of traditional music from all across Asia, with the highlights being Ravel’s Pagodas from Mother Goose Suite. Lastly, the area of Schermerhorn will feature festive activities and a lively bazaar with traditional workshops. Arrive at Schermerhorn Symphony Center by 7:30 pm (ticket prices start from $27).

Chinese New Year Gala (February 2, 2025)

Each winter, the Greater Nashville Chinese Association (GNCA) presents the Chinese New Year Gala at Belmont University. This event gathers friends and families from Nashville area to welcome the Lunar New Year with Chinese traditions and foods. With the Year of Snake around the corner, the gala serves as a prime opportunity to experience Chinese culture in all its colors and celebrate Chinese New Year in a close-knit circle of friends and family.

The Gala begins with a dinner, a selection of Chinese dishes. A couple of hours later, performances begin, featuring a wide range of traditional Chinese dances and demonstrations and the much-awaited "hongbao" (the red envelope giveaway). Among some of the shows, you'll have a chance to witness traditional singing, dancing, martial arts, skits, all themed around Chinese culture.

Hours & Tickets

The dinner portion of the gala usually spans from 4 to 5:30 pm, followed by performances from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets are required to attend the event. Parking is available at Johnson Garage.

Chinese New Year Celebration with CAAN (February 8, 2025)

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) traditionally hosts the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. The festive program includes the traditional Lion Dance, a puppet show, a yo-yo workshop, the making of the Dragon Crown, as well as food & drink isles. Other featured attractions you can experience at this vibrant celebration include calligraphy, a puppet show, Chinese naming, and traditional dances or songs.

This event is free and open to the public of all ages, but registration is encouraged to help organizers with the planning process. The festivities take place from 11 am until 3 pm. Everyone is encouraged to wear Chinese costumes or red clothes to celebrate Chinese New Year in style.