Here's when the Chinese New Year starts in 2025, how long it lasts, where the Lunar New Year is celebrated and your guide to the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar based on the moon's cycles. Celebrations begin with the first new moon and last 15 days, ending on the first full moon.

While the New Year begins as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, the Chinese Lunar New Year comes a few weeks later. In 2025, the new moon on Jan. 29 marks a fresh beginning for those who celebrate — and it signifies the formal switch from the year of the dragon to the snake’s year-long reign.

The Lunar New Year hits on Jan. 29 and so begins the year of the snake.

The end of January is fast approaching – which means Lunar New Year (sometimes referred to as Chinese New Year) is just around the corner. While all the party prep is underway, there’s one thing left to tick off the to-do list: your look for the evening.

Best Chinese New Year gifts to celebrate with in 2025 - The incoming Year of the Snake kicks off on January 29