Alicia Putri
Jan 13, 2026
Lunar New Year is a time of return, renewal, and togetherness, where traditions are passed from one generation to the next. At Vasa Hotel Surabaya, this meaningful spirit is brought to life through Vasa Lunar Celebration, The Fire Horse Gala, a refined lifestyle experience that blends cultural heritage, artistic performance, and culinary indulgence into one elegant evening.
The Fire Horse Gala, a refined lifestyle experience that blends cultural heritage
Taking place at the Vasa Grand Ballroom on 16 February 2025, the celebration presents a contemporary interpretation of Lunar New Year while staying rooted in tradition. The atmosphere is designed to feel unhurried and intimate, encouraging guests to linger, reconnect, and share meaningful moments in a setting defined by modern elegance and warmth.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology, the gala reflects values of courage, momentum, and transformation. Beyond its astrological meaning, the Fire Horse represents warmth and the energy of togetherness, capturing the essence of gathering around one table to welcome new beginnings. Through this theme, Vasa Hotel Surabaya reimagines Lunar New Year as a moment of reunion, where conversations flow naturally and memories are created effortlessly.
The celebration officially begins with an intimate Lunar gathering held at the lobby of Vasa Hotel Surabaya on Friday, 9 January 2026, from 14.00 to 17.00 WIB. This opening moment brings together key opinion leaders and media partners, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse festivities. The afternoon opens with a traditional Yee Sang ceremony led by Chef Lim Kim Loong, symbolising prosperity, unity, and good wishes for the year ahead. Guests are then invited to write their personal hopes and place them on the Wishes Tree, creating a thoughtful installation filled with reflection and intention. The experience continues at Xiang Fu Hai Chinese Restaurant, where guests enjoy a curated luncheon featuring dim sum, ginseng soup, and giant prawn, offering a graceful introduction to the main Lunar New Year celebration.
As evening falls, the Fire Horse Gala unfolds through a carefully curated series of performances that transform the ballroom into a living narrative. The night opens with a theatrical performance by Stage 9, setting an evocative tone that guides guests into the celebration. A Yee Sang Parade follows, symbolising prosperity and togetherness, before the vibrant energy of Lion Dance and Traditional Chinese Dance fills the room with colour and rhythm. The artistry continues with the dramatic performance of Bian Lian, complemented by a magician performance and the unique presence of a Two Face Singer, adding a contemporary layer to the evening. Traditional sounds from the gucheng bring moments of calm before the celebration transitions into a live band performance, maintaining a warm and festive atmosphere. The evening reaches its highlight with a special guest performance by Helen Huang, delivering a memorable close to the night.
At the heart of the Fire Horse Gala is a meaningful culinary journey presented through an eight course Chinese set menu curated by Chef Lim Kim Loong, Executive Chef of Xiang Fu Hai Chinese Restaurant. Each dish is created with premium ingredients and inspired by the philosophy of abundance and fortune. The dining experience begins with chilled bird’s nest with rock sugar, paired with a Musang King durian mochi puff that adds a touch of indulgence. Fragrant lotus leaf glutinous rice with Chinese sausage follows, evoking heritage and comfort. The flavours deepen with braised F8 abalone before transitioning to Szechuan roasted duck, offering a bold and aromatic contrast. The journey concludes with Buddha Soup, or Fo Tiao Qiang, a dish closely associated with prosperity and celebration, bringing the essence of the evening together in a rich and comforting finish.
Designed as a family-focused occasion, Vasa Lunar Celebration, The Fire Horse Gala invites guests to celebrate Lunar New Year in an atmosphere that feels both elegant and personal. The gala dinner experience is available from IDR 1,488,000++ per person, inclusive of the eight course set menu and a full evening of curated performances. Guests who make reservations before 25 January 2026 will receive an exclusive early booking benefit of 15 percent, allowing families and loved ones to gather and celebrate the season with added value.
“At Vasa Hotel Surabaya, our service is always delivered with a personal touch. Every experience is thoughtfully designed with comfort and care, allowing our guests to truly feel at home. Through The Fire Horse Gala, we aim to present a celebration that brings together entertainment and a culinary journey, creating a warm and meaningful moment for families to enjoy together,” said Eko Setiawan Winarto, General Manager of Vasa Hotel Surabaya.