Lunar New Year celebrations are bigger than ever! Find out where to experience the best parades, firework shows, and cultural traditions. The Lunar New Year is set to be a spectacular event, bringing together cultures, traditions, and festivities across the globe. This annual celebration, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is embraced by millions worldwide. As families reunite, streets light up, and traditions come to life, let’s explore some of the most vibrant places where you can experience the magic of Lunar New Year 2025.
How the World Celebrates Lunar New Year
1. Beijing, China – The Heart of Lunar Festivities

China is the birthplace of Lunar New Year celebrations, and nowhere does it grander than Beijing. The city erupts in color with mesmerizing dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and sky-brightening fireworks. The iconic Temple of Heaven hosts traditional performances, while the Forbidden City looks ethereal under the glow of festive lanterns. Families gather for a sumptuous reunion dinner featuring dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cakes to ensure prosperity in the coming year.
2. Hong Kong – A Dazzling Extravaganza

If you’re looking for one of the most electrifying Lunar New Year experiences, Hong Kong should be at the top of your list. The city’s Victoria Harbour becomes the stage for a dazzling fireworks show, reflecting bursts of red and gold across the water. The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort joins in with themed parades, and the famous Che Kung Temple fills with worshippers seeking blessings for the year ahead.
3. Singapore – A Fusion of Cultures

Singapore’s multicultural landscape makes Lunar New Year 2025 an unforgettable spectacle. Chinatown transforms into a vibrant wonderland of lantern displays, bustling markets, and cultural performances. The River Hongbao Festival on Marina Bay showcases giant handcrafted lanterns, thrilling carnival rides, and dazzling firework displays. Locals and tourists alike partake in the tradition of Lo Hei, tossing a prosperity salad for good fortune.
4. Taipei, Taiwan – Lantern Festival Extravaganza

Taiwan is known for extending the Lunar New Year 2025 celebrations well into the Lantern Festival. Taipei’s streets are adorned with intricate lanterns, each telling a unique story of the zodiac year. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a breathtaking highlight, where thousands of glowing lanterns float into the night sky, carrying wishes for happiness and success.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Tet Festival Festivities

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year 2025, known as Tet, is a deeply cherished holiday that fills the country with joy and tradition. Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with dazzling flower displays, lively dragon dances, and delicious Tet treats such as Banh Chung (sticky rice cake). Families clean their homes to welcome good luck, and children eagerly anticipate receiving red envelopes filled with lucky money.
6. Seoul, South Korea – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Seoul’s Lunar New Year celebrations, called Seollal, offer a beautiful mix of ancient customs and modern festivities. Families honor their ancestors through ancestral rites, wear traditional hanbok, and enjoy games like Yut Nori. Popular attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace host special cultural events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Korea’s rich heritage.
7. London, UK – The Largest Celebration Outside Asia

For those celebrating Lunar New Year in the West, London’s Chinatown is the ultimate destination. Trafalgar Square hosts a grand parade featuring lion and dragon dances, music performances, and martial arts demonstrations. The streets are lined with authentic Chinese cuisine, and the vibrant festivities extend to famous landmarks like Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue.
8. San Francisco, USA – A Historic Lunar Celebration

San Francisco boasts one of the oldest and largest Lunar New Year parades in the United States. The city’s Chinatown bursts with energy as firecrackers explode, illuminating the Golden Gate Bridge in festive hues. The legendary Golden Dragon Parade showcases a spectacular 268-foot-long dragon, carried by a team of over 100 performers, drawing crowds from across the country.
9. Sydney, Australia – A Multicultural Celebration

Sydney’s Lunar New Year festivities unite diverse communities in a grand cultural showcase. The Sydney Opera House is lit up in red, while Darling Harbour hosts extravagant firework displays. The city’s iconic Dragon Boat Races bring together fierce competitors, making for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A Grand Display of Heritage

Malaysia’s capital city takes Lunar New Year to dazzling heights with celebrations at Thean Hou Temple. The temple’s glowing lanterns, mesmerizing performances, and cultural showcases draw visitors from all over. Locals gather for open-house feasts, symbolizing unity and shared prosperity. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/lunar-new-year-2025-celebrations-across-10-u-s-cities-mark-the-year-of-the-snake-101738162445640.html
Top Cities to Celebrate Lunar New Year
City | Key Highlights |
Beijing | Temple fairs, fireworks, dumpling feasts |
Hong Kong | Victoria Harbour fireworks, Disneyland parades |
Singapore | Chinatown festivities, River Hongbao |
Taipei | Lantern Festival, Pingxi Sky Lanterns |
Ho Chi Minh | Tet flower displays, dragon dances |
Seoul | Traditional games, Gyeongbokgung Palace events |
London | Trafalgar Square parade, Chinatown feasts |
San Francisco | Golden Dragon Parade, Chinatown fireworks |
Sydney | Dragon Boat Races, Opera House lighting |
Kuala Lumpur | Thean Hou Temple lantern displays |
The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, joy, and cultural celebration. Whether you choose to experience the grand parades of San Francisco, the lantern-lit streets of Taipei, or the dazzling skyline of Hong Kong, this global festival offers something for everyone. Make plans to immerse yourself in the magic and start the year with unforgettable memories!
Which Lunar New Year tradition do you follow for good luck? Share your thoughts Comment Below!
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FAQs
1. What traditions are associated with this festival?
Traditions vary by country but commonly include family reunions, feasting, dragon dances, fireworks, and giving red envelopes for luck.
2. Which animal represents this year’s celebrations?
Each year is associated with a different zodiac animal. Check the zodiac calendar to see which one is celebrated this year.
3. How long do the celebrations typically last?
Most celebrations last for about 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
4. Can tourists participate in the celebrations?
Absolutely! Many countries welcome tourists to join public parades, temple fairs, and cultural performances.
5. What is the significance of red decorations?
Red symbolizes good luck and prosperity, which is why it’s prominently featured in decorations, clothing, and gifts.