Great Escape: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at The Bravern and Uwajimaya

Monday marks the new year on the Chinese calendar and you can have two opportunities to watch a traditional lion dance to celebrate the Year of the Dragon this weekend.

The Dragon is considered to be the most powerful of the twelve Chinese Zodiac symbols, and people born during a Dragon year are said to be ambitious, passionate and fearless. Past years of the dragon have been: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.

Whether you want to mark the Year of the Dragon or you've got a bit of cabin fever from our week of winter weather, you and your family can head out to  on Saturday and on Sunday to watch the traditional Lion Dances.

The Bravern

The traditional Lion Dance on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m., beginning outside of .

From Jan. 21 to 23, visitors can stop by The Bravern's concierge desk to pick up red envelopes, a Chinese New Year tradition.

According to the Bravern, each envelope contains a special gift from a shop or restaurant and our wishes for longevity, luck and prosperity in 2012. Vistors can also enter a drawing for a $500 gift card.

The Bravern is at 11111 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA. Check out .

Uwajimaya Bellevue

On Sunday, Jan. 22  at 2 p.m., the Seattle International Lion Dance Team, Ying Yung Tong Lion Dance Team and Master Tony Au's Martial Arts Team will perform the Lion Dance in front of the store. Shoppers who spend $25 or more will get a lucky red envelope with a special gift inside, while supplies last.

Uwajimaya Bellevue is at 699 120th Ave NE, Bellevue. Click here to check out .