Replicating a parade's extravagant sights and colors at home is nearly impossible unless one is driving a car through the Andy Warhol collection in the garage. Submerge yourself in a kaleidoscopic experience with today's GrouponLive deal to watch the Chinese New Year Parade at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. For $39, you get two general-admission tickets for bandstand viewing, plus two complimentary T-shirts, on Saturday, February 11, at 5:15 p.m. (up to an $80 value). Groupon customers are asked to arrive and claim their wristband beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby. The bleachers will open for seating at 4:30 p.m. and public transportation is encouraged.
The Hilton San Francisco Financial District, located just one block from Chinatown, transforms its grounds into prime parade-viewing real estate during the annual Chinese New Year Parade. This February, the three-hour celebration ushers in the Year of the Dragon, which is recognized throughout Chinese culture as a symbol of dominance and ambition. Attendees can snag seats in the bandstand just outside the hotel, where they'll witness the parade reach its culmination with a flurry of spellbinding colors, extravagant floats, and elaborate costumes. Marching bands and fleet-footed dancers infuse the lively celebration with a healthy dose of music and impressive athleticism while guests rejoice in such New Year traditions as reconciling differences and wishing peace for everyone. Additionally, children 4 years of age and younger get in for free upon stating their birthday or proving they are capable of taming an actual fire-breathing dragon.