Lunar New Year, is coming and it is a wonderful celebration. The spirit animal changes annually to one of twelve Chinese Zodiac symbols. This year, 2025, is the year of the snake - "A sign of hurdles in career and finances, but also a sign of optimism and adaptability" A vibrant tradition is the Dragon Dance and the Umbrella Dance. Sometimes we find New Jersey communities sharing this tradition live but we have not seen any Dragon Dance options for 2025, so we invite you to view this parade from Disneyland's celebration! Other traditions include Red Envelopes which contain monetary gifts. Money should be crisp new bills and denominations of 8 includes wishes for luck and prosperity.
Lunar New Year does not follow a traditional American calendar, so the date changes annually. This year it is January 29 - February 12. For the holiday, you can greet friends with Gung hay fat choy! which means "best wishes and happiness throughout the New Year"
Celebrations we have found around Morris County this year include:
Denville
Bubble in Paradise - January 18 from noon to 4pm. Limited quantities, free bubble tea and red envelopes
Red lanterns displayed on Broadway
Parsippany
January 30, 6pm Lake Hiawatha Branch Library: Hosts a party for ages 2 and up with stories, music, treats, and crafts
February 1, 11am-1pm: Parsippany Public Library includes Lion Dance, Origami Snake Folding, Crafts, a reading of "Tricky Chopsticks" (more details here)
Rockaway
Date TBD: Rockaway Townsquare Mall: Hosts a celebration with music, entertainment, and giveaways
PF Chang's: Red Envelopes to all guests from January 29 to February 18
Just outside of Morris County, in Summit, visit the Reeves -Reed Arboretum, Wednesday, January 29, 4-5pm. Registration required.
Additionally, on February 1, you can visit the Florham Park library from 11am to 2pm to celebrate. People of all ages are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake with crafts, demonstrations, snacks and more.
Check back often, we'll add more activities as they are released. Do you know something we didn't include? Please share with us here
To cold to go out? We've got you covered. Check out these Lunar New Year Activity Mats!
