Venetian and Palazzo Ring in Chinese New Year with Celebratory Events Today

LAS VEGAS (January 15, 2015) - To commemorate Chinese New Year 2015, The Venetian and The Palazzo are celebrating the Year of the Goat in a number of extravagant ways. Through March 8, guests will be greeted with opulent art and décor, restaurant offerings, and incentive cards. A ceremonial lion dance will officially kick off Chinese New Year 2015 today, Feb. 19, at 3:00 p.m.

EYE CEREMONY AND LION DANCE KICK OFF ON FEB. 19

A highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations, the lion dance, is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year. On Thursday, Feb. 19, at 3:00 p.m., a ceremonial lion dance will begin with an eye ceremony at The Venetian porte cochere. The dance will wind its way through The Venetian lobby and casino before stopping inThe Palazzo Waterfall Atrium, then finding its way through The Palazzo casino, lobby, and ending at The Palazzo porte cochere. This exciting event features firecrackers, and a parade of dancers and drummers dressed in authentic clothing.

THE PALAZZO'S WATERFALL ATRIUM FEATURES MASSIVE ART INSTALLATION

To commemorate the Year of the Goat, the resort's floral and horticulture department worked with a team of artisans and consulted with a Feng Shui master to produce the massive Chinese New Year art installation. Because the Year of the Goat also celebrates sheep and ram, the art display features three unique, hand-sculpted, life-size rams, each created by a Las Vegas artisan, and eight sheep adorned with fleece of fresh carnations.

"Chinese New Year is a special event to our guests. Constructing and designing something that is authentic was important," said Dana Beatty, director of floral and horticulture for The Venetian and The Palazzo. "We worked with a Feng Shui master to ensure our installation brings luck to the resort and our visitors."

Fifty-eight traditional I Ching coins, representing fortune and wealth, sit among the mountain of the main art installation. Guests will also find I Ching coins around the Lalique statues of The Palazzo lobby. The Chinese symbols on the coins read, "may your happiness be according to your wishes," and the reverse of the coin reads, "live as long as the tortoise and the crane." According to custom, it is suggested that guests walk clockwise around the feature display three times to bring blessings of heaven, earth, and mankind upon them, Beatty said.

Eight bamboo trees and 28 tangerine trees are part of the 2,400 plants and flowers that are used in the installation, which also includes:

· Phalaenopsis orchids

· Cymbidium orchids

· Kalanchoe

· Hyacinth

· Suspended from the Atrium ceilings are six-feet-tall hand-loomed brocade silk and jade gold and red lanterns, which provide wishes for life to always be bright.

GET MOVING WITH HONG KONG'S TOP SELLING ARTIST G.E.M. (???)

TANG Tsz-Kei, better known by her stage name G.E.M. (short for "Get Everybody Moving"), is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, and actress. To celebrate Chinese New Year, G.E.M. will be performing in The Venetian Ballroom on Feb. 21, 2015. The unique name symbolizes her dream of inspiring people through her voice and music. G.E.M. is a best-selling female artist in Hong Kong and is widely famous among Chinese audiences around the world. As a pop artist G.E.M.'s music has a wide spectrum of influences from soul, R&B, classical to rock. TANG Tsz-Kei plays not only piano but also drums and guitar.

Representing Hong Kong, G.E.M was one of seven contestants to compete in the popular Chinese talent show, "I Am a Singer." Every week more than 200 million viewers tuned in and G.E.M.'s performances were highly anticipated. She gained millions of followers on social media and has been touring the world since.

Tickets can be purchased online, at any Venetian or Palazzo Box office, or by calling 866-641-7469.

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH A FEAST FIT FOR AN EMPEROR

Chef Simon To of The Palazzo's Zine Noodles Dim Sum has created a special limited-time menu to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Guests will find a variety of authentic dishes on the special menu including Chef Simon's Crispy Chicken; Firecracker Manila Clams, infused with Chinese white wine, fish paste, and spicy roasted pepper; and Winner's Daily Soup, which is a must-have for all casino players.

The Palazzo's Fusion Bar will offer the Peach Blossom cocktail. The Peach Blossom cocktail, served in a martini glass, mixes peach vodka, peach and lemon puree and a ginger-flavored liqueur. It is garnished with bamboo speared candied ginger. The Peach Blossom cocktail is only available at The Fusion Bar in The Palazzo throughout Chinese New Year.