Walk through Chinatown right now, and you’ll see stacks of red envelopes blanketing shelves, markets with overflowing displays of ripe pomelos, and families dressed up for Lunar New Year celebrations. The year of the snake kicks off Wednesday, and the 15-day new year celebration will be marked across many cultures. The Year of the Snake arrives on Wednesday, January 29, and the San Francisco Bay Area is celebrating with events, pop-ups, and sweets meant to carry you through the holiday (and even for a few SAN FRANCISCO -- The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is based on cycles of the moon and falls on a different day every year. In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins on Jan. 29. The holiday honors the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar; that is, the date of the new moon appearing between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20.It correlates with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac and five elements. 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolizes wisdom and intuition. The Chinese New Year Parade has a long history in San Francisco. It’s been named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association and is the biggest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia. Over 100 units usually take part, with elaborate floats and costumes, firecrackers, and the newly crowned Miss About us. Chinese New Year Parade. Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association and USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice award, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night illuminated Parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia. A child poses with a dragon-shaped installation in preparation for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year at the Union Square in San Francisco, Jan. 28, 2024. The Chinese New Year celebration in San Francisco is one of the largest in the world. The main draw of this celebration, the Grand Parade, will be held on Saturday, February 15. In addition, you will find lots of fun events for the lunar new year from January through March. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Dragon dancers filled the streets during the 2023 Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. Justin Katigbak/Special to the Chronicle Lunar New Year is celebrated over 15 days, with dates based on Lunar New Year is celebrated and observed by numerous cultures in Asia and marks the beginning of a calendar year with months based on moon cycles. Lunar New Year in 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Lunar New Year customs begin days before the widely known celebrations of the new year. Chinese New Year in San Francisco New Year's traditions in China are thousands of years old, but across the Pacific, the holiday took on a life of its own. Citation Information Named one of the world’s top ten parades, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. It was started in the 1860s and takes place the weekend of the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair Looking for the best Lunar New Year events in San Francisco? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for Lunar New Year 2025. Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant and exciting holidays in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the largest celebrations outside of Asia. The Bay The San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is an annual event in San Francisco, California, United States.Held for approximately two weeks following the first day of the Chinese New Year, it combines elements of the Chinese Lantern Festival with a typical American parade. Chinese New Year 2025 in San Francisco is not just a testament to the city's rich multicultural tapestry, it's also a vivid illustration of how ancient customs seamlessly meld with contemporary festivities. One of the best parts about living in the vibrant and diverse City of San Francisco is learing about and sharing in different cultures. Chinese New Year Festival & Parade. Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night illuminated Parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia. Lunar New Year Celebration at the Children's Museum of San Jose San Jose . Saturday, February 1. Kick off the Year of the Snake at Purple Museum's annual Lunar New Year celebration bringing Chinese New Year Run: Participate in the Chinese New Year Run, a festive race through the streets of San Francisco, celebrating health, wellness, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year. Chinatown Night Market : Wander through the Chinatown Night Market, where you can browse stalls selling unique gifts, souvenirs, and traditional New Year’s Find events and inspiration to celebrate the Year of the Snake in San Francisco. From parks to beaches, shop and dine through “The Avenues.” Shop between 19th and 26th Ave to find everything you need to ring in Lunar New Year. Find shops along Taraval here. For the 2nd year, SF Art Week is Chinese New Year Festival & Parade. Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night illuminated Parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia.
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