2025 - Year of the Snake
Celebrate Lunar New Year, a festival that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and includes religious ceremonies, family gatherings, traditional dances, fireworks and more.
2025 Events and Activities:
FREE San Diego Tết Festival. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, celebrating spring’s arrival. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. NTC Park, Liberty Station. www.sdtet.com
FREE San Lunar New Year Festival. The festival will include folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances and firecrackers, and plenty of family fun activities for the kids. Jan. 24–26. Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 4455 Wightman St. www.sdlunarnewyearfestival.com
FREE Chinese New Year Fair. Join The House of China at Balboa Park for a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese heritage through this annual event that brings together people of all backgrounds. Feb. 15-16, 11 am-5 pm. 2191 Pan American Rd., Balboa Park. https://chinesenewyearfair.com
FREE 42nd Annual Chinese New Year Fair. Third Ave. and J St., San Diego. Featuring traditional and cultural performances, Asian food and cultural displays, lantern parade, children's crafts and more. Feb. 8-9, 10 am-5 pm. https://chinesenewyearfairesandiego.godaddysites.com/
Lunar New Year at SeaWorld. Celebrate the Year of the Green Snake with us as we honor Lunar New Year over two festive weekends. More details to come. Select dates, Feb. 1-9. SeaWorld San Diego. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com/san-diego/events
Lunar New Year Dumpling Party. Jan. 25, 1:30-4:30 pm. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Taiwanese American Professionals San Diego! It will be a cozy and fun afternoon of dumpling making (including a vegan friendly option), games and raffle prizes (including bucket hats and a Made in Taiwan cookbook). Register at www.tap-sd.org. Early bird tickets end Jan. 17! Taiwanese American Community Center, 7838 Wilkerson Ct.
Just for Fun
Celebrate by making Chinese food at home. Here are delicious recipes for chicken lettuce wraps and fried rice.
2025 is The Year of the Snake. Get instructions for a dragon puppet and discover picture books that honor Lunar New Year HERE.
Learn how to make a festive lion lantern for Chinese New Year!
Other Traditions
Firecrackers and fireworks are a traditional and important part of any New Year’s festival in China. The loud sounds of firecrackers are believed to scare away bad spirits, ensuring prosperity and good luck in the New Year. Similarly, the colorful lion and dragon dances are believed to frighten away the ferocious monster “Nian,” bringing peace and protection in the coming year.
Families and restaurants prepare a special menu to bring good fortune in the New Year. Fish signifies abundance, and chicken represents happiness and a long marriage. Sweets such as sesame balls and tangerines are served to bring prosperity. Making dumplings is a traditional New Year’s activity and these scrumptious treats symbolize wealth and good fortune.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy New Year!
Updated: January 2025
