NYC 2025 Lunar New Year Guide: Things to do, traditions and superstitions
NEW YORK - The Lunar New Year is here, marking vibrant celebrations and traditions as the Year of the Snake begins.
According to Chinese mythology, unlike the dragon, the snake represents calmness and introspection.
Skip to: Superstitions for the year of the snake
What is Lunar New Year?
Why you should care:

NEW YORK, USA - JAN. 29, 2025: The festivities of the Year of the Snake, Chinese New Year begins on January 29, in Chinatown, Manhattan, New York, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
Celebrated worldwide, particularly in Asian countries like China, the festival is a time for family reunions, feasts, and cultural traditions.
Are NYC schools closed on Lunar New Year?
All New York City schools will be closed on Lunar New Year.
The Legend of Nian

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 22: The Lunar New Year Firecrackers Festival kicked off the Year of the Rabbit in Chinatown of New York City. The festival took place at Sara Roosevelt Park on January 22, 2023. The celebration included parades, live music, fir
A key tradition of Lunar New Year is lighting firecrackers—from the legend of Nian, a fearsome beast that would terrorize villages every New Year’s Eve.
According to the tale, the color red could scare Nian away. Today, red dominates Lunar New Year decorations, including lanterns believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune.
Year of the snake
The Chinese zodiac transitions to the Year of the Snake in 2025, following the Year of the Dragon.
The zodiac cycles every 12 years, with each year representing a different animal.
The snake symbolizes calmness, wisdom, and introspection, contrasting the fiery and bold nature of the dragon.

NEW YORK, USA - JAN. 29, 2025: The festivities of the Year of the Snake, Chinese New Year begins on January 29, in Chinatown, Manhattan, New York, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Superstitions for the year of the snake
Dig deeper:
Those born in the Year of the Snake are encouraged to wear red throughout 2025 to ward off bad luck during their Ben Ming Nian (their zodiac year). Additionally, certain superstitions are followed to ensure good fortune during the Lunar New Year:
- Avoid cleaning until the fifth day: Sweeping, taking out the trash, or doing laundry could wash away your luck.
- Steer clear of sharp objects: Scissors and knives are believed to "cut" the flow of wealth and success, which is why many barbershops in China close during the holiday.
- Don’t break ceramics or glass: Breaking something is thought to shatter your connection to good fortune. If it happens, say "Sui Sui Ping An" to pray for peace and safety.
Things to do in NYC
New York City will host numerous parades, festivals, and events to honor the Lunar New Year. From cultural performances to traditional ceremonies, these festivities bring the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year to life.
Lunar New Year NYC events
Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade
Mott and Canal Streets, Chinatown
Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.
Lower Manhattan will come alive on February 16 as Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year Parade returns.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Street
Feb. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Bryant Park with a lively kung-fu demonstration presented by the New York Chinese Cultural Center.
Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival
Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie Street and Forsyth Street, Chinatown
Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Returning to Chinatown’s Sara D. Roosevelt Park for its 27th year, the Chinese New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival features thousands of firecrackers that are set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome in the Year of the Snake.