The bubbly’s been popped, the confetti swept up, so why are we still talking about New Year’s?
That’s because the Lunar New Year begins January 29, 2025. It’s the year’s main event in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and any place with a sizeable Asian diaspora — like Seattle.
In 2023, Rep. My-Linh Thai, D-Bellevue, introduced a measure establishing Lunar New Year as a legislatively recognized holiday in Washington state. “This legislation is a powerful testament to the fortitude and invaluable contributions of the Asian American community,” Thai, a Vietnamese refugee, told Seattle’s Child.
Mak Fai lion dance on Seattle waterfront. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
A global celebration
For the billions of people who celebrate the Lunar New Year globally, this holiday is so important it’s basically equivalent to Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter rolled into one. Unlike watching the ball drop in Times Square, the Lunar New Year celebration goes on for 15 whole days. Its hallmarks are family gatherings and tons of food, with an emphasis on good fortune and prosperity. Every kid’s favorite part of the holiday is receiving red envelopes stuffed with cash.
The holiday’s start date moves around, typically falling in late January or early February, because it’s tied to the new moon.
2025 is the Year of the Snake, the sixth position in the Chinese Zodiac. The snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent.
Homemade dumplings for Lunar New Year. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
Three easy ways to celebrate
- Even if you didn’t grow up with Lunar New Year traditions, you can participate simply by wearing something red, the color of luck.
- Deep clean the house to get the new year off to a fresh start.
- Families feast on dishes symbolizing abundance: whole fish, oranges, sticky rice cake, and dumplings. Our recs: MìLà is a Bellevue-based food counter that also does mail orders; the frozen dumplings at Trader Joe’s aren’t bad in a pinch.
Dragun puppet. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
Make a dragon puppet
Here’s a cute Year of the Dragon craft appropriate for preschool and up. You’ll need a paper lunch bag, construction paper, scissors, markers, and a glue stick.
- Cut out shapes for the dragon’s eyes, nose, mouth, and whiskers from construction paper. We went with the classic Lunar New Year color scheme, red and yellow.
- Glue dragon parts onto the paper bag.
- Use markers to draw scales on the dragon’s body.
- Cut a fringe along the bottom of the bag.
Your dragon is ready to play!
Mak Fai lion dance at Asian Art Museum. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
Local events to check out
These community events are open to the public — everyone is welcome.
Weather protected with ample free parking:
Date/Time: TBD for 2025
Location: Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004
Cost: Free
Bell Square is the top choice when the weather isn’t so great. Look for non-stop live cultural performances at the center court. You’ll want to put kids on your shoulders for the best viewpoint. There are wonderful kids’ crafts at the adjacent tables, and you’ll need to bring your patience for the long lines.
Most family-friendly:
Date/Time: January 25-26, 2025. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: Free event
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.
Most beautiful setting:
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.
Hing Hay park in Seattle’s CID. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel
Most authentic:
Seattle’s Chinatown International District
Date/Time: TBD for 2025 (check website for updates closer to date)
Location: Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Cost: Free
There will be vendor booths along South King Street, a food walk, and performances in Hing Hay Park. The neighborhood’s atmosphere and energy here feel most like the celebrations in Asia.
If you don’t want to drive far, let them come to you:
Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon and Lion Dance Association,
Date/Time: Various dates and times,
Location: Various performance locations
Cost: Free
Mak Fai is super busy this time of year, bringing lion dances to a whole slew of venues across the greater Seattle area. Check out their Instagram or Facebook for a list of public performances.
Read more:
Holiday events guide for the whole family
The Definitive Guide to Inside Activities With Kids: Seattle
