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.

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

You may have thought that New Year’s was only celebrated on January 1, but you couldn’t be more wrong. In other cultures, New Year’s actually doesn’t take place until much later. It’s referred to as Lunar New Year and is one of the most important Asian holidays of each year. Related: 6 Lunar New Year Traditions for the Year of the Snake

Much of the world, and people in Western New York, celebrates Lunar New Year, which is Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Lunar New Year starts this week, marking an important holiday in China and other Asian communities. Lunar New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days, starting on the new moon between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.

Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in Asian societies of the world that were within dynastic China's sphere of influence, or have large Chinese populations. It's why South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore celebrate, but Japan does not. The day before the first new moon of the year is like Thanksgiving.

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

The Lunar New Year also is an important occasion for spending time with family and to pay respects to ancestors and older family members. Families will come together to practice c