Lunar New Year · Chinese New Year, Tet and Seollal
Ring In the New Year With Red, Gold and a Signature Scent
These Lunar New Year party ideas bring red, gold and a little fragrance to one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Guests blend a perfume or mix a lip color, and everyone leaves with something lucky to keep.
Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean families all celebrate, along with many other communities. Mongolian and Tibetan families also mark a new year, though they calculate its date separately. Because the holiday follows the lunar calendar, it shifts each year between late January and mid February. In 2027, Chinese New Year and Tet fall on February 6, and Korean Seollal on February 7. Find more traditions on our cultural celebrations page.
One Holiday, Many Traditions
In many Chinese families, the holiday is called the Spring Festival. Before it starts, homes get a deep cleaning to sweep out the old year. Then, on New Year's Eve, the family gathers for the reunion dinner, often the most important meal of the year. Then elders hand children a red envelope (a gift of money, called hongbao or lai see), and these gifts carry wishes for luck. Finally, about two weeks later, the Lantern Festival closes the season.
In Vietnam, the new year is Tet (short for Tet Nguyen Dan). Many families begin by honoring their ancestors at the home altar. After that, children receive li xi, lucky money in red envelopes. Also, many homes fill with peach blossoms, yellow apricot blossoms called hoa mai, and small kumquat trees.
In Korea, meanwhile, the new year is Seollal. Then many families wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and perform sebae, a deep bow to their elders. In return, children receive sebaetdon (new year money) and warm wishes. Afterward, a bowl of tteokguk (rice cake soup) is said to add a year to your age. Of course, every family blends these customs in its own way.
Three Lunar New Year Party Ideas With Meaning
These Lunar New Year party ideas borrow from symbols families already love. Your own traditions always come first.
A red and gold bar
Clients usually dress our tables to match their theme. So red runners, gold accents and a few blossom branches turn the bar into a red and gold party centerpiece.
Blends inspired by blossoms
Plum, peach and apricot blossoms herald spring, and mandarins and kumquats stand for good fortune. So we suggest a floral or fresh base, then let guests make it their own.
A keepsake beside the red envelope
Elders still give the lucky money. However, a small labeled bottle makes a sweet extra for teens. Custom labels are a paid add-on, ordered at booking.
Lunar New Year Party Ideas From Our Bars
Mix two or three bars for a family party, because the best Lunar New Year party ideas suit your crowd. Choose them for a family party, a banquet or an office celebration. Each one adapts to your colors and your crowd.
Custom Perfume Bar
At our perfume bar, guests blend an eau de parfum from absolutes, CO2 extracts and essential oils. Signage can suggest fresh and floral blends inspired by spring blossoms.
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Luxury Lip Lab
The Lip Lab suits teens and adults alike, and younger kids can enjoy the Kids tier. Red shades feel right for the season.
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Skincare Bar
A skincare bar offers a fresh start for the new year. Guests make custom skincare, made fresh for your event.
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Luxury Candy Bar
Our candy carts look beautiful in red and gold. Tell us your dietary guidelines, and we will talk through what we can source.
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Digital Photo Booth
The Digital Photo Booth catches families in their new year outfits. Then guests download photos on their phones, and you receive the gallery link.
Learn moreDetails for a Lunar New Year Party
The season is short and busy, so a little planning goes a long way. These are the details we confirm early.
A busy few weeks
Parties cluster between the new year and the Lantern Festival. Because weekends fill quickly, book as soon as you pick a date.
Reunion dinner stays private
Many families keep the reunion dinner just for family. So our bars usually join a later party, a weekend gathering or a Lunar New Year office party.
Kids, teens and elders
Multigenerational parties need simple steps and a few chairs. That's why we suggest pairing a perfume bar with a Lip Lab Kids tier.
Venues and setup
We set up in homes, banquet halls, offices and community centers, if your venue allows outside vendors. Our team arrives one hour early.
Pricing Lunar New Year Party Ideas
Adult perfume bars start at $500, and each event gets its own quote rather than a per-head price. Kids and teen parties start at $475. We reply to inquiries within 2 business days.
See every number on our pricing page.
Two studios
Studios in Mokena Now and Chicago Soon
In January 2027, just ahead of the new year, our Mokena studio opens at 19060 Everett Blvd, Suite 107. The party room hosts up to 40 guests. Plus, a kitchen lets you bring dumplings, rice cakes or any family favorite.
Once it opens, friends can also walk in or book a time to make perfume or lip color. Next, a second studio is planned for Chicago, opening in late 2028. For banquets and office parties, we bring the bars to you.
Your New Year Party in Four Easy Steps
Choose a date
First, pick your weekend in the new year season, then send the guest count and venue.
Select the bars
Next, we suggest a mix for your crowd, plus custom labels if you want them.
We set the scene
Our team arrives one hour early with linens. Bring your own tables, or rent ours at $30 each.
Enjoy, then we pack
Guests blend and mix while you host. Afterward, we pack up and leave the room clean.
Lunar New Year Party Ideas: Questions
When is Lunar New Year in 2027?
In 2027, Chinese New Year and Tet fall on February 6, and Korean Seollal on February 7. Many families celebrate for days afterward, so parties often land on the following weekends.
Do you do Tet and Seollal parties too?
Yes. We plan around Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and other new year customs, and we ask how your family celebrates. Then we tailor our Lunar New Year party ideas to fit.
Can you come to our office party?
Yes. A Signature perfume bar moves 85 to 100 guests an hour, which suits a busy workplace event.
Will you join the reunion dinner?
Usually not. Many families keep that meal private, so we set up for a party before or after it instead.
Can kids take part?
Yes. The Lip Lab Kids tier suits younger guests, and kids and teen parties start at $475.
Can you match red and gold?
Bring red or gold runners and florals, and we will build the bar around them.
Is the perfume alcohol-based?
Yes. Every bottle is an eau de parfum made with perfumer's alcohol, and attars (an alcohol-free perfume oil) are available on request.
Do you travel outside Chicagoland?
Yes. We have teams in Milwaukee and Indianapolis too.
More cultural celebrations
Founded by Cheryl Gleason, a trained perfumer and cosmetic and skincare formulator, and the creative force behind every Glitters & Grace bar.
Start the New Year With a Scent of Your Own
Send us your date and your guest list. We will reply within 2 business days, and we wish your family a lucky, joyful year.