Times Square ball drops and midnight kisses reliably usher in the New Year on the same date every year. But for billions of people around the world who celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known It falls on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar." While the new year technically begins at midnight, the real celebrations start a week earlier with the Little New Year. The festivities stretch all the way to the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. While the new year technically begins at midnight, the real celebrations start a week earlier with the Little New Year. which falls on the fifteenth day and marks the end of the Chinese New 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 A timeline to show you top traditions and activities Chinese people do to celebrate Chinese New Year, including preparations, decorations, and celebration activities on Chinese New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year Day. For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, Learn about other top New Year's celebrations around the world.) Before midnight on New Year’s Day, hair salons are abuzz with "Zi" is a reference to the first and eleventh hour (branch) of Dizhi - midnight on the Western clock. Hence, consuming a Chinese dumpling at midnight indicates wishing for a good and prosperous year. In some places, ancestors are honored before the New Year's Eve feast, while in others the ceremony is conducted at midnight on New Year's Eve. In some regions, offerings are made to the ancestors at home, while in others, people visit their ancestors' graves and make offerings. Also called the Spring Festival (春节 Chūnjié), the Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of the Chinese year based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar and officially ends 15 days later with the Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuánxiāo jié). 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. Chinese New Year, also known as 春节 Chūnjié, (Spring Festival) is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. This ancient holiday, steeped in history and cultural significance, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It is rich with symbols that embody various wishes and traditions, each carrying deep meanings and playing a significant role in the festivities. Below are some of the most prominent Chinese New Year symbols, along with their symbolism and how they are applied in everyday life during the celebrations. 13 Most Popular Chinese new year symbols Put up red decorations. Red is the color or symbol of good luck in Chinese culture and is often used for new year decorations. The number "8" also symbolizes good luck and wealth, since the Chinese character for eight rhymes with fortune or wealth. Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Lunar New Year’s Eve, is the day before the Chinese New Year. The holiday falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar . Evolving over a long period of time, it is considered a reunion day for every ethnic Chinese family . The lunisolar Chinese calendar determines the date of Lunar New Year. The calendar is also used in countries that have been influenced by, or have relations with, China – such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, though occasionally the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to using a meridian based on a different capital city in a different time zone or different Kickstart your Chinese New Year celebration at Stir Fry Express! Enjoy dishes like Chilli Paneer Gravy, Shanghai Noodles, Chilli Mushroom, Fried Rice Chicken, Dimsum, and Momo – the perfect spread for a tasty and memorable celebration! It falls on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar." While the new year technically begins at midnight, the real celebrations start a week earlier with the Little New Year. The festivities stretch all the way to the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Most of the traditions we see today have been passed down from the past. Read the top 15 Chinese New Year Traditional activities below: Chinese New Year traditions 1. House Cleaning. In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, Chinese families sweep the floors, wash clothes and other things, clean spiders' webs, and dredge ditches. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a major celebration in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and is celebrated with various customs, traditions, and festivities. Understanding Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.