When is Lunar New Year in 2025? And why do people wear red as part of the celebrations? Answers to these questions and more as we say goodbye to the Dragon and enter the Year of the Snake.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a traditional Asian celebration that has been observed in for thousands of years. Every winter, Asian communities around the world ring in the Lunar New Year with carnivals, food, family gatherings, parades and more.

Asian communities across the globe observing Lunar New Year will be ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake in celebration of a festive period that is meant to unite families in the spirit of hope and optimism for the months ahead.

In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles

In many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.

Over 1 billion people celebrate the holiday, which marks the transition from cold winter to a season of renewal and ushers in one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

From lucky foods to traditional greetings, we answer your questions about Lunar New Year as we enter the Year of the Snake.

For skywatchers, the Lunar New Year lines up perfectly with the new moon. According to NASA, the new moon becomes official at 7:36 a.m. Wednesday when it passes between the Earth and the Sun.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29–Feb. 12 this year. Celebrate at one of these nearby events.