The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the new year based on the lunar calendar. Often called the Spring Festival, the new year is celebrated all across Asia. This is the Year of the Snake; festivities begin January 29, 2025, and last for 15 days.
In the Seattle area, many neighborhoods and organizations celebrate with food, religious ceremonies, cultural dances and fireworks. Take note of dates: Many come before January 29, 2025 and throughout the month of February. Here are some family-friendly events around the Seattle area:
Lunar New Year activities:
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Museum of Flight
Date/Time: January 2-29, 2025. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every weekday
Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila, WA 98108
Cost: Museum admission, $18-$26 per person. Buy tickets here.
Join the Museum of Flight in the Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center as they prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year every weekday from January 2, 2025, to January 29, 2025. Bring the whole family and learn about Lunar New Year traditions and stories of Asian and Asian American people who have contributed to aviation and aerospace. This family-friendly event will offer the opportunity to create your own paper lanterns, kites, and fortune tellers and share your New Year wishes with the community.
Celebrate Tet at the Little Saigon Creative
Date/Time: January 17-19, 2025. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Friday), 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Sat), 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Little Saigon Creative, 1227 S Weller St Suite A, Seattle, WA 98144
Cost: Prices vary for each event. Friday Music night (01/17) suggested donation of $10, Tet market is free, and bánh tét workshop is $35.
Experience Tết and Vietnamese culture in the heart of Seattle’s Vietnamese community during the multi-day festival for all ages. Celebrate Tet with festivities, including a music night (Fri, Jan 17; suggested donation $10), Lunar New Year Market, and a Bánh Tét Workshop (Sun, Jan 19; $35) at Little Saigon Creative this year to celebrate the year of the snake. Stay tuned for event updates through their Facebook Page. During the Lunar New Year Market (Sat, Jan 18; free), you can expect cultural performances, including a lion dance, a Tet Market, paper flower workshops with Pink and Posey, and a book signing with Quynh.
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Wing Luke Museum, 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104
Cost: Museum admission for event. The lion dance is free to watch. Reserve your spot here.
Watch a lion dance and partake in family activities. The lion dance is free and open to the public. For those with sensitive hearing, bring headphones or ask for earplugs at guest reception upon arrival. To skip the long lines to enter the museum, purchase tickets in advance. This will be a day full of festive art activities for the family, community booths, storytime, and more! You will be joined by Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association for the special Lion Dance celebration with additional outdoor information booths. The morning Lion Dance Celebration is free and open to the public!
Lunar New Year Celebration at Eastside Community Center
Date/Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404
Cost: Free
This Lunar New Year celebration will include a lion dance, lucky money giving, an Ao dai fashion show, a martial arts performance, and traditional Vietnamese food. There will be a variety of performances as well at this family-friendly event for all ages.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Kirkland Urban
Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake at Kirkland Urban at this free, family-friendly event. Families will experience three lion dance performances by the Mak Fai Dragon & Lion Dance Association, a Vietnamese fan dance and watch a live caligraphy artist craft Lunar New Year symbols. Create your own lanterns, play interactive games (Jianzi, Chinese Chess and more!) and take photos at the themed photo booth with dragon masks, and red envelopes. The event will have food-tasting stations with traditional treats like dumplings, rice cakes, and tangerines, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Photo courtesy of the Bellevue Collection.
The Bellevue Collection
Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA, 98004
Cost: Free
Celebrate The Year of the Snake at The Bellevue Collection! Visit Bellevue Square on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. for a Lunar New Year celebration with live traditional and contemporary cultural performances including a Chinese Lion and Dragon Parade, martial arts, music, dance and complimentary activities such as arts and crafts for all to participate in. Beginning Jan. 13, guests can visit Bellevue Square’s Center Court to enjoy red and gold décor, hanging dragons and an interactive screen that explores traditions from Chinese New Year, Tết and Korean New Year.
Microsoft Asian Spring Festival Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, January 25. 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road Redmond, WA 98052
Cost: General admission is $18, an Individual ticket (Gala/AFTN) is $35-$59, Family Ticket (Gala/AFTN) $25-$42. Buy tickets here.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Microsoft Asian Spring Festival Gala. They will be hosting a full day of Spring Festival Celebrations at Redmond Overlake Christian Church. The event consists of an afternoon festival fair featuring a wide range of games and prizes, a bite of China with traditional chinese cuisine, large immersive live role-playing games and an afternoon performance. Starting at 6 p.m., the festival’s Gala evening show takes place and features a diverse array of performances, including traditional singing and dancing, modern comedy sketches, and many performances.
Seattle Center Tết in Seattle
Date/Time: January 25-26, 2025. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free event
Tết in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year will take place this year at the Seattle Center, in Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion. The festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series. It is free and open to the public. For the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, there will be food vendors, live performances, lion dances, art exhibits, hands-on kids activities, the works! In addition, there will be a health fair with free screenings and services. Seattle Center is so kid-friendly that Tết in Seattle makes a great day for the entire family.
Photo credit: Metro Parks Tacoma
Lunar New Year Celebration at Jefferson Community Center
Date/Time: Friday, January 31, 2025. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Jefferson Community Center at this free family event! 2025 is the Year of the Snake, and you will celebrate with engaging activities, arts and crafts, and tasty food.
Lunar New Year Fun at the Vashon Library
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070
Cost: Free
Ages: Ages 3 and older with adult.
Join illustrator Michelle Jing Chan at the Vashon Island Library as she reads Lunar New Year, a Celebration of Family and Fun. Afterward, families and kids will make a dancing dragon puppet to bring the celebration home with them.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112
Cost: Programming is free with suggested museum admission
Enjoy storytimes, drop-in art activities, a lion dance, and more family-friendly activities.Be warned that the Fuller Garden Court will be packed. Tickets to the lion dance will be distributed at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lunar New Year at Westfield Southcenter
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188
Cost: Free event
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 at Westfield Southcenter! An event for all ages, ring in the Year of the Snake with a vibrant celebration filled with tradition, culture, and fun for the whole family! From dazzling lion dances to cultural performances and interactive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Lunar New Year at CWU Sammamish
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Central Washington University Sammamish, 120 228th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA 98074
Cost: Free
The talented international community of Sammamish will be featured with activities centered around Asian culture and ceremonial traditions to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Experience performances, music, dance, visual arts by Victorious Dance Company and Mak Fai Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Expect food trucks and various interactive booths for kids at this free and family-friendly event to celebrate the Year of the Snake. This years Lion Dance will take place at 2:10 p.m.
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Village – Kirkland
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. at 1 p.m.
Location: Cinemark Totem Lake Kirkland, 12600 120th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Year of the Snake and enjoy a lion dance performance by Mak Fai, martial arts demonstrations, craft stations, cultural activities, and many family-friendly activities. This is a great opportunity for kids to participate in hands-on activities and crafts that reflect the traditions of the Lunar New Year and offer educational experiences for all ages. The event will have a spinning wheel with opportunities to win prizes from local shops and restaurants in the village. Not only will there be performances and activities, but there will also be a variety of dining options, including Umigawa Sushi, Kati Vegan Thai, Silverlake Ramen, Seoul Meat Co, and Bok a Bok Fried Chicken.
A traditional dance performed at the Lunar New Year celebration in Tacoma.
Lunar New Year at Kirkland Community Center
Date/Time: Saturday, February, 2025. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033
Cost: Free
The free, public celebration at Peter Kirk Community Center, and will feature lion dance performances, traditional Vietnamese dances, a lantern display, and cultural food and crafts. You will get to learn about the Lunar New Year and how it is traditionally celebrated.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Renton Highlands
Date/Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Renton Highlands Library, 2801 NE 10th St, Renton, WA 98056
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with performances, crafts and giveaways at the Renton Highlands Library. This family friendly event will present performances by Hua Yin Dance Performing Arts Group (2:15 p.m.), NW Korean Art Center (2:40 p.m.), and the Karmic Rose Dance Team (3:05 p.m.).
Mercer Island Lunar New Year Celebration
Date/Time: Sunday, February 2. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA98040
Cost: Free, must register. (link coming soon)
Join the 2025 Mercer Island Lunar New Year Celebration. Ring in the Lunar New Year at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center. Enjoy vibrant cultural performances, fun games, arts and crafts, and delicious food, while commemorating the Year of the Snake. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone and will also have a “Community Hour” where everyone is welcome to join in and share their talents.
Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival – Tacoma
Date/Time: Sunday, February 2, 2025. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Lincoln International District, 801 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA 98418
Cost: Free
Be part of the excitement as Lion Dancers wind their way through the Lincoln District, lighting firecrackers and ushering in good luck for the new year. Join in celebrating Lincoln District elders Oanh “Lee Lee” Lam & Lisa Mathusz who are the original organizers of this beloved event in 1992. There is free parking at Lincoln High School. This family friendly offers dining at Lincoln District restaurants, or from food trucks. Enjoy a drink in the beer garden and shop with local businesses in the district and at the Tacoma Sunday Market Pop-Up Marketplace.
Chinese Garden New Year Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, February 8. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Cost: Free admission; a $6 donation per person is also welcomed.
Come join the Seattle Chinese Garden in celebrating the Year of the Snake and the Lantern Festival. There will be Chinese music, games, kids’ crafts, and demonstrations.
Phinney Lunar New Year Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: PNA, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Cost: Free to enter, some activities cost
Enjoy the annual Phinneywood Lunar New Year Celebration! Enjoy free arts and crafts, paper lantern decorating ($5), LQ Lion Dancers, a bake sale, food trucks and a marketplace representing local Asian small businesses and makers. Due to popular demand, the Lion Dancers will be performing twice! Once at 2 pm and 3 pm, happening in the Brick Building Community Hall. In order to make activities happening in both buildings accessible to all, they will be operating a shuttle van between the buildings throughout the event.
Newcastle’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Date/Time: Sunday, February 9, 2025. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Risdon Middle School, 6928 116th Ave SE, Newcastle, WA 98056
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Newcastle’s Lunar New Year event. Enjoy live entertainment, arts & crafts, activities, and tasty food! This FREE community event is open to all ages. This celebration will feature special highlights, including Dragon and Lion Dances with a Kung Fu demonstration by Northwest Kung Fu and Fitness, as well as a Taiko Drumming performance by Inochi Taiko.
Photo credit: The Bellevue Collection
Asia Pacific New Year Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
Cost: Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year LIVE at the Tacoma Dome at this FREE family-friendly event featuring INDIA. Expect cultural arts, games, crafts, performances, demos, hands-on activities, food and retail booths, and kid-friendly activities. There will be tons of performances on the main stage and another stage featuring martial arts from different disciplines and different cultural groups, with some offering audience participation! The family-friendly event will have several hands-on demos where children and their families can create things, dress in different cultural attire, and plays games.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Chinatown International District
Date/Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Cost: Free
Celebrate CIDBIA’s annual Lunar New Year Celebration and shop vendor booths, and experience dance performances and music that will take place throughout the main stage. The celebration includes traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts, Japanese Taiko Drumming, and other cultural performances. Visitors are also able to participate in the Annual Food Walk and sample items from local businesses. The food walk does cost to participate in.
Shorelake Arts Lantern Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025. 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Spartan Recreation Center, 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
Cost: Free
Join the Shorelake Arts Lantern Festival at the Spartan Recreation Center in Shoreline to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Enjoy a Lion Dance, live music, Kung Fu demonstrations, hands-on art activities, food trucks, and more. This event is a vibrant gathering that showcases the lively arts and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year, featuring both traditional and contemporary Asian culture, cuisine, art, and music. Check their social media and website for more details on the event schedule closer to the date.
Read More:
How to celebrate Lunar New Year in Seattle
Find more fun in our Family Event Calendar
