Celebrate the Chinese New Year

In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins on Jan. 29. Major celebrations occur from Jan. 29 through Feb. 12. People born in a Year of the Snake are considered naturally strategic, excellent problem solvers and skilled communicators. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes wisdom and transformations and offers opportunities for personal growth and change. Learn more at chinesenewyear.net.

Check out these ways to celebrate.

Table of Contents

Head to an Event

Lunar New Year Celebration at Aurora Theatre

Join the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company with traditional Chinese music and dance as they guide you through the holiday. Jan. 25.

Lunar New Year Festival at Stone Mountain Park

This Asian-inspired festival pays tribute to the culture and New Year traditions of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and other countries with a special Drone and Light Show, a lighted parade and more. Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2, 8-9.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Doc Chey’s

Head to a Doc Chey’s location for the chance to win a special prize in celebration of the New Year. Jan. 28-30.

Shen Yun at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

View the vibrant, exciting and profound classical Chinese culture with this performance. Jan. 31-Feb. 2.

Lunar New Year at Atlanta Athletic Club Fields

Explore cultural diversity in the community with a Taste of Asia and performances. Feb. 1.

Decatur Lunar New Year at Beacon Municipal Center

Celebrate the diverse customs of Vietnam, South Korea, China, Thailand, Japan and the Philippines with food, a marketplace and performances. Feb. 2.

Lunar New Year at Atlantic Station

Celebrate with a nightly mesmerizing light show at the top of each hour. Through Feb. 16.

Source: Wes Radez/chineseamericanfamily.com

Make a Good Luck Character Banner

Decorate for the Chinese New Year and introduce your kids to Chinese calligraphy with this craft. The fu character means “good luck” or “blessings.”

Start with a red sheet of construction paper in the shape of a diamond. Draw a light pencil line down the center of your paper to keep your characters properly spaced. Using a paintbrush and black paint, start the first character with a short downward stroke in the shape of a comma. The second stroke looks like a number 7. Draw a vertical line underneath the second stroke and in line with the first character. The final stroke is another comma shape starting from the juncture at the center of the character. Start the second character with a short horizontal stroke. Draw a rectangular box underneath. Draw a larger rectangle with only left, top and right sides. Put a horizontal bar in the middle of the larger rectangle. Draw a downward stroke through the middle, pulling the brush to the left and back to the right to create the bottom of the rectangle. Source: Wes Radez/chineseamericanfamily.com

Give Dim Sum a Try

Dim sum means “touch the heart” and is a Chinese meal of small plates including steamed and fried buns, dumplings, rolls and more served with tea and enjoyed with family and friends.

Order Takeout

Enjoy Chinese culture by getting delicious food you can taste at home. Call or check websites for delivery or takeout options.

Practice Origami

In the past, paperfolding traditions arose in Europe, China and Japan separately. Origami is the art of paper folding, and although it’s often associated with Japanese culture, the term has become inclusive for all paper folding practices. To celebrate the New Year and the year of the tiger, fold paper lanterns, tiger figurines, red envelopes, gift boxes and more. Find step-by-step instructions and projects at origami.guide, origami-resource-center.com, origamitree.com and paperkawaii.com.