Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

Communities across the world begin celebrating Lunar New Year on Jan. 29 — and 2025 marks 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.

Celebrations vary from culture to culture, but typically on the first day of Lunar New Year people visit the senior members of their extended family. One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.

Many people around the world are welcoming the new year with the start of the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities.

T he Chinese New Year is a major celebration not just in China, but all over the world. The marking of the lunar new year brings fireworks, parades, bright lights, and the excitem