Celebrating the 2025 Lunar New Year
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The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which corresponds with the phases of the moon. According to this lunar calendar, Lunar New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month.
In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29 and will be observed through Feb. 16, marking the Year of the Snake.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia and other countries. Lunar New Year goes by many names including, Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Chūnjié (in Mandarin), Seollal (in Korean) and Tết (Vietnamese).
On New Year’s Day, family members receive red envelopes with money that symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead. In addition, the holiday is celebrated with fireworks, lion dances, colorful lanterns and by eating what are considered auspicious foods like fish, dumplings, noodles, glutinous rice balls, spring rolls, rice cakes, rice cake soup and tangerines.
Year of the Wood Snake
2025 is the Year of the Snake, more specifically, the Wood Snake. People born in Snake years (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) are said to be known for their wisdom, intuition, friendliness and calmness—qualities that reflect Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton’s vision for the County built on culture, trust and empowerment.
Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be naturally strategic, excellent problem-solvers, and skilled communicators. They follow their curiosity, foster acceptance and belonging, build trust through communication and partnerships, and empower others by encouraging innovation and ensuring all voices are heard.
Upcoming Events (free to the public)
San Diego Tết Festival at Liberty Station
The festival will feature performances, competitions, lion dancing, a cultural village, food, a carnival, and more. It will take place at NTC Park in Liberty Station over three days: Friday, Jan. 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the festival and until 9 p.m. for the carnival.2025 San Diego Lunar New Year Festival at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park
The three-day festival will feature lion dances, arts and cultural exhibitions, fireworks, food vendors, and folk and traditional performances. The festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 25, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 26.San Diego Chinese New Year Fair
Experience live music, food, and fun activities for all ages in Downtown San Diego on Feb. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair
This event will feature Chinese food vendors, cultural performances, arts and crafts, calligraphy and lion dances. The fair is organized by the House of China located at the International Cottages Balboa Park. Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. 50 5 p.m.Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Poway Library
The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees invites the community to a Lunar New Year celebration at Poway Library. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with lion dancers, cultural performances, crafts and face painting. Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. Lion dancers will perform at 3 p.m.Celebrate Chinese New Year at Lakeside Library
Learn about the Lunar New Year from Riverview International Academy students with hands-on learning activities. Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Lunar New Year Storytime at Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library
Enjoy a bilingual storytime in both Mandarin and English, celebrating the Lunar New Year. There will be stories, songs, and movement activities followed by a craft. Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.Lunar New Year at Del Mar Library
Celebrate the new year at Del Mar Library, featuring the CK Lion Dancers. Please note this event will be very noisy. All ages welcome. Register to attend; space is limited to the first 80 sign-ups. Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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