It’s no coincidence that The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one short block from the beginning of Chinatown on its south side. Though the luxury hotel is perched on top of Nob Hill, it’s just a few steps down to the colorful hub of San Francisco’s Chinese community, which seems to be in celebration mode year-round. But the neighborhood turns the volume up even higher for the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays of the year in Chinese culture. The Ritz-Carlton joins the party with several events from the end of January through the end of February, including a spectacular Lion Dance, a Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Parallel 37, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and a Dim Sum Presentation in the Club Lounge, accessible to guests who book rooms on the top two floors of the hotel along with club privileges. (Spoiler alert: It’s worth the splurge.)


I had intended to be there for the Lion Dance this year. One of the best aspects of this hotel is that it often offers complimentary access to some special events for guests who aren’t staying at the property (for example, the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony, which I wrote about in this column last year). For Lunar New Year, The Ritz-Carlton’s Lion Dance is open to all. Lions are considered good luck in Chinese tradition, and we here in the U.S. need as much luck as possible in 2025, the Year of the Snake. Alas, I had the flu when the date rolled around, so I’ll have to pin my hopes on next year.

The Lion Dance is an important traditional celebration that is intended to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. Lion Dances are held throughout Asia and the rest of the world in Chinese communities.

I did have the good fortune (almost-pun intended) to experience the Dim Sum presentation at the Club Lounge, which was a wonderful introduction to the holiday for guests unfamiliar with Chinese New Year. Dishes included pork and ginger dumplings, shrimp shumai, chicken potstickers, spicy broccolini, and crab rangoons. And, of course, tea — gunpowder tea, ginseng tea, and Zhen Zhen (a cooling tea that’s an excellent pairing with spicy foods).

The menu for the Lunar New Year Tea at Parallel 37 this year included shrimp toast, duck “larb,” matcha tea cake, traditional egg custard tarts, and lychee mousse, among other delights. There’s a wonderful Champagne list if you’re looking for a bottle, but tea really is the way to go here.


Whether you reserve a spot at the Lunar New Year Tea or attend the complimentary Lion Dance — or stay overnight at a Club Floor room and perhaps experience both, along with the Dim Sum presentation, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco celebrates Chinese New Year in its inimitable, long-beloved style, which is to say: Service is world-class. The Ritz-Carlton brand built its name on its legendary service, and it remains this property’s stronghold. For more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.