The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a traditional Asian celebration that has been observed in for thousands of years. Every winter, Asian communities around the world ring in the Lunar New Year with carnivals, food, family gatherings, parades and more.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield.

Several countries mark their new year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar involving movement of the Sun and Moon.

Asian communities across the globe observing Lunar New Year will be ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake in celebration of a festive period that is meant to unite families in the spirit of hope and optimism for the months ahead.

Lunar New Year starts this week, marking an important holiday in China and other Asian communities. 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 Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 begins on January 29, celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake. This 15-day festival emphasizes family reunions, traditions, and ends with the Lantern Festival on February 13.

One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because the beast feared the color red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster.

When is Lunar New Year in 2025? And why do people wear red as part of the celebrations? Answers to these questions and more as we say goodbye to the Dragon and enter the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin Wednesday. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.

Over 1 billion people celebrate the holiday, which marks the transition from cold winter to a season of renewal and ushers in one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs.