Bellagio Conservatory Rings in the Year of the Horse with New Display

^{Upon leaving the Bellagio Casino, you’ll be greeted by the great Caishen, God of Wealth in the East Bed of the Conservatory. (Photo: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com)}

LAS VEGAS — Out with the old and in with the new: Bellagio is galloping into Lunar New Year with a bold new display at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens celebrating 2026’s Year of the Horse. While January is usually just a winter themed month, Bellagio once again leans fully into celebrating Asian culture. It’s also a nice reminder that Strip resorts often design experiences for a global audience, not just American holidays.

The installation at the casino-resort debuted on January 10 and runs through February 28, transforming the Conservatory into a cultural showcase with dramatic reds, golds, and yellows. It’s also noticeable that Las Vegas welcomes many more Asian guests to town for Lunar New Year celebrations.

A Walk Through Bellagio’s Lunar New Year Display

Bellagio’s floral installation transforms five times a year for Lunar New Year, spring, summer, fall and winter. Each display is designed by Ed Libby and Bellagio’s 120-person Horticulture team. Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, with the first day falling on the new moon on February 17 this year. Not surprisingly, the Conservatory has a noticeable uptick in Asian visitors during this period.

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^{Images show the North Bed, East Bed, West Bed, and South Bed of Bellagio’s Lunar New Year Conservatory display. (Photos: images 1-3 by Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com. Image 4  courtesy of Vegas Navigator via Facebook)}

Last time we featured the casino’s 14,000 square foot floral display, I made the mistake of coming to see the display around the same time during Thanksgiving week. This time around was much calmer, ideal for anyone who wants to take photos without battling crowds. While I’ve said before that 3 a.m. might be the best time to experience a quieter Conservatory, weekday visits offer a daytime that’s just as rewarding.

“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 designer Ed Libby. “We hope it inspires guests to celebrate the excitement of the season and embrace the good fortune the new year brings.” 

Symbolism drives every part of this installation – fitting for the occasion. The West Bed makes for an impressive centerpiece of the display with the towering golden horses commanding the attention of passersby. It’s complimented by a waterfall and pagoda, guarded by two Fu dogs. The firework light installations on the ceiling are surely a scene to look at after dark.

The North Bed features a giant child named Ajla, created from thousands of preserved roses and seeds. Next to it, petals spell out “Gung Hay Fat Choy” in Cantonese, a Lunar New Year greeting meaning “wishing you prosperity.” Cherry blossoms and yellow mimosa trees help to fill out the space, while animated Lunar New Year visuals play behind portions of the display.

The East Bed features Caishen, the God of Wealth, surrounded by gold coins and a money tree. The massive statue is positioned facing the main entrance path from the hotel lobby, so it’s the first thing most guests see — and easily the most photogenic moment of the walkthrough.

The South Bed features pandas made entirely from flowers alongside frolicking children and a real koi pond. It’s also where guests will find The Garden Table this time around, one of the most unique ways to experience the Conservatory from the inside.

The Garden Table Returns, No Dining Pop-up

The Garden Table has returned for Lunar New Year, though its setup feels more open and accessible than last season’s gingerbread cottage. This year, the table is a tea pavilion that sits near the panda display, perfect if you don't mind a giant floral panda staring you down throughout your meal. If you’re willing to shell out $118.88 per person for lunch or $158.88 per person for dinner, you can enjoy a menu curated by Noodles, Bellagio’s premier Pan-Asian restaurant. Even the pricing is a clever nod to Lunar New Year symbolism, with eights representing luck and prosperity. 

Reservations are required and can only be made online. But compared to during the holidays, you can book these just a few days out and have success in getting a reservation. 

Last season’s Conservatory featured the Peppermint Express, offering hot cocoa and other holiday treats. This iteration skips casual grab-and-go options, which feels like a missed opportunity. It would be nice to escape from the casino floor to sip on some traditional teas or small Asian cookies while enjoying the visual appeal of the display. Despite the lack of casual food options, the experience still delivers,

The entire walkthrough is lightly scented with incense burning in a corner of the East Bed, which is much softer than Bellagio’s winter holiday fragrance. While The Giardini Store sells a candle version of the Conservatory’s signature scent, it doesn’t quite compare to walking through thousands of fresh flowers. The shop itself has shifted to sell more holistic offerings in line with the new theme, including crystal trees, Buddha and Brahman statues, sound-healing bowls, and tuning forks.

The Bellagio Conservatory has always been free to access, and is open to the public 24 hours a day. It's a wonderful attraction that draws people to the resort whether they're a Bellagio guest or not.

Pro tip: One of the best vantage points of the floral display is the balcony level accessible from the spa elevator, which offers an elevated view of the entire display. 

More Lunar New Year Celebrations Across MGM Resorts

Beyond the Bellagio Conservatory, MGM Resorts always goes out of their way to commemorate Lunar New Year across the Bellagio property and other resorts. If you’re staying at the Bellagio during this time, you’ll notice incorporated floral arrangements and traditional symbolism throughout front desk and concierge areas throughout the resort.

Bellagio’s own restaurants including Jasmine, Noodles, and The Garden Table will all be offering seasonal dishes and menus for Lunar New Year. Several other Asian restaurants across MGM Resorts also have special dishes, for guests to indulge in delicious food and desserts in spirit of the New Year:

• ARIA: Blossom 
• The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas: China Poblano, Red Plate 
• Mandalay Bay: The Noodle Shop 
• MGM Grand: Joël Robuchon, Morimoto, Grand Wok Noodle Bar 
• Park MGM: La La Noodle 

At ARIA Resort and Casino nearby, guests can catch a traditional lion and dragon dance on Friday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the main valet area. The performance will be led by Yau Kung Moon, one of the world’s most respected martial arts and lion dance organizations.