MGM Resorts International gallops into the Year of the Horse

(PRESS RELEASE) -- MGM Resorts International is celebrating Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse, with a spectacular Bellagio Conservatory display, an exciting dragon and lion dance and delicious dining options.

The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing strength, vitality and freedom. Known for its spirited and energetic nature, the Horse represents movement and ambition within the 12-year cycle. Individuals born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be adventurous, independent and guided by confidence.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens welcomes the Year of the Horse and bold new beginnings with a dynamic Lunar New Year display. Open through February 28, the display commemorates the horse through symbolic elements, intricate craftsmanship and a rich color palette. Thoughtfully designed by Ed Libby in collaboration with Bellagio’s Horticulture team, the display invites guests to embrace the courage, opportunity and passionate spirit of the season.

“Our vision for this year’s display was to capture the bold, fearless and majestic spirit of the Horse while creating an immersive space that inspires optimism and renewal,” said Libby. “Designed as a vibrant gathering place, this installation ushers in the new year with energetic artistry, cultural enlightenment and time-honored tradition. We hope it inspires guests to celebrate the excitement of the season and embrace the good fortune the new year brings.”

West Bed: Honoring the Year of the Horse, three brilliant gold horses command the West Bed, representing ambition, strength and unstoppable momentum. Two Fu Dogs stand watch over the scene, known to ward off misfortune and symbolize wealth. A cascading waterfall and elegant jade pagoda anchor the display below, balancing the Horse’s dynamic spirit with confidence and grounding strength. Overhead, glowing firecrackers fill the Conservatory with joyful, luminous energy and festive charm.

North Bed: Making her Conservatory debut, Ajla the Cheerful Child, woven from thousands of preserved roses and seeds, welcomes guests to the garden while juggling golden coins, a symbol of good luck. At the center of the bed, floral petals spell “Gung Hay Fat Choy,” a traditional Cantonese Lunar New Year greeting meaning “wishing you prosperity,” transforming the space into a living wish for well-being. Glowing red and gold lanterns illuminate the display from above, as cherry blossom and yellow mimosa trees bloom below. The sensory experience is enhanced by animated fireworks and traditional music, along with the original holiday scent “Charisma,” featuring notes of white ginger and amber, available for purchase at The Giardini Store.

East Bed: Returning in grand fashion, Caishen, the revered God of Wealth, invites abundance and good fortune into the East Bed, surrounded by shimmering coins, gold ingots and a radiant money tree. Accents of jade and gold enrich the scene, representing balance, purity and success. Known as a benevolent deity who receives all with a genuine welcome, Caishen stands amid time-honored symbols of prosperity, each reflecting the abundant blessings he grants to those who seek his favor.
South Bed: Playful pandas and children frolic among towering bamboo groves in the South Bed while impressive gold dragons offer protection and wisdom. Glowing pink and red lanterns paired with cherry blossoms create a beautiful canopy above a tranquil koi pond below. At the heart of the bed, an enchanting tea pavilion hosts The Garden Table, offering a unique dining experience immersed in the garden.

The Garden Table: Guests can enjoy an epicurean journey at The Garden Table, a one-of-a-kind, immersive dining experience set within the iconic Conservatory. In celebration of Lunar New Year, The Garden Table is hosted in a marvelous tea pavilion, complemented by an exquisite meal from the culinary team at Bellagio’s beloved Pan-Asian restaurant, Noodles. Dining options include lunch at $118.88/person or dinner at $158.88/person.

Reservations are required. To book and find more information, call 702.693.7075 or go online.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is complimentary and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Aria Resort & Casino Dragon & Lion Dance
A vibrant dragon and lion dance will commemorate the Year of the Horse at ARIA on Friday, 20 February at 6:30 p.m. in the resort’s main valet. Yau Kung Moon will perform the dance in a traditional Southern Shaolin Kung Fu system – a collection of martial arts with more than 1,000 years of history – with a modern flair. Yau Kung Moon, which translates to “Style of Flexible Power,” is one of the world’s most respected martial arts and 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.

MGM Resorts Culinary Specialties
Lunar New Year Food and Beverage Specials

Guests can embrace the lively spirit of Lunar New Year by indulging in seasonal dishes and specialty prix fixe menus curated by the MGM Resorts culinary teams. Year of the Horse offerings can be found at the following restaurants.

- Bellagio: Jasmine; Noodles; The Garden Table
- ARIA: Blossom
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: China Poblano; Red Plate
- Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino: The Noodle Shop
- MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas: Joël Robuchon; Morimoto; Grand Wok Noodle Bar
- Park MGM: La La Noodle