Chinese New Year Day - 2025 Year of the Snake
Chinese New Year is not just one day but over 30 days of festivities and activities, which have their own calendar. The preparation begins on the first of the Lunar Calendar and the celebration lasts until the 15th of the first month.
In 2025, Chinese New Year begins on January 29th and ends on February 12th with the Lantern Festival.
Laba Festival (Jan. 7, 2025): Old Chinese New Year Calendar Start
Traditionally, the start of the Chinese New Year calendar is 'The Laba Festival' (腊八节 Làbājié), which occurs about three weeks before Chinese New Year's Day and is celebrated separately. Religious activities and preparations for Lunar New Year would begin on this day. Now it is seldom celebrated, apart from in very rural communities.
The Traditional Chinese New Year Calendar: Key Dates
Each day of the 16-day-long festival has a name, and usually an assigned purpose or meaning. Below is a table of all the important dates and their meanings. Keep in mind that different regions and minorities may celebrate the days on different dates, or have different names or practices for certain days.
Jan. 28th 12th month, 30th day
New Year's Eve 除夕 (Chúxì)
The most important celebration, includes the family reunion dinner, and staying up until midnight.
Jan 29th 1st month, 1st day
New Year's Day 初一 (Chūyī)
A day for visiting/greeting family and relatives, giving presents, and visiting ancestors' graves.