Lunar New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days, starting on the new moon between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. The new year begins When is the Chinese New Year? The 2025 Chinese New Year is on January 29, 2025, and it's the year of Snake. The 2026 date will be on February 17, and it's the Year of the Sheep. What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of time. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the grandest festival in China, usually with a 8 days' holiday. As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, up to two weeks, and the climax arrives around the Lunar New Year's Eve. In 2025, the second new Moon will occur in China on Wednesday, January 29, marking the start of a new lunar year. (Note: Due to the difference in time zones, the new Moon may technically occur one calendar day earlier or later in the United States. See our Moon Phase Calendar for local times.) Why Are There Different New Years? Chinese New Year. This is without a doubt the biggest holiday in China and other Chinese speaking communities around the world. Officially, it is the first day of the first month of the year in the lunar calendar, but this often comprises a full holiday season lasting for an entire month. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. The seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 4, 2025) is said to be when the Chinese mother goddess, Nuwa, created humanity. Thus, it’s called renri/jan jat (the people’s birthday). Chinese New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. Starting on January 29, 2025 (Chinese New Year) and ending on February 16, 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Eve) the Year of the Wood Snake is a fascinating period in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to Chinese zodiac, starting from the 2025 Chinese New Year on Jan. 29th and lasting to 2026 Lunar New Year's Eve on Feb. 16. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year’s Eve: The Reunion Dinner. At the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations is the reunion dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which falls on January 28, 2025. A traditional reunion dinner has many dishes, including steamed or fried fish, rice cakes and balls, noodles and dumplings. Happy Lunar New Year! 2025 is the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake — more specifically, the wood snake. Just like any new year, this is a time for new beginnings and endless opportunities. The Traditionally, Chinese people believe that each zodiac sign has fated personality traits and each different zodiac year has a lot to do with personal horoscopes. Below is our Chinese zodiac calculator . If you were born between the Chinese Lunar New Year (the first day of the first Chinese lunar month which usually falls during 21 January and February 20 in Gregorian calendar) and Lichun (the Beginning of Spring which usually falls on February 4 or February 5 in Gregorian calendar), you may belong to the zodiac sign of the last year. New Year's Day: January 28* 除夕 : chú xì: Lunar New Year's Eve: January 29* 元旦 春节 : yuán dàn chūn jié: Lunar New Year's Day Spring Festival/Chinese New Year: February 12* 元宵节 : yuán xiāo jié: Lantern Festival (Lunar Month 1 Day 15) April 5* 清明节 : qīng míng jié: Qingming Festival Tomb Sweeping Day: May 1 Chinese New Year holds deep cultural importance and is rich with symbolism. This celebration marks new beginnings and is steeped in ancient traditions that continue to shape modern observances. Cultural Importance and Traditions. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Chinese New Year, the grandest festival for Chinese people, is celebrated for more than half a month.According to the oldest traditions, people follow a day-by-day schedule of Chinese New Year festivities from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, with specific things to do on certain days. Layue (simplified Chinese: 腊月; traditional Chinese: 臘月; pinyin: Làyuè) is a term often associated with Chinese New Year as it refers to the sacrifices held in honour of the gods in the twelfth lunisolar month, hence the cured meats of Chinese New Year are known as larou (simplified Chinese: 腊肉; traditional Chinese: 臘肉; pinyin
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