The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by millions worldwide. In 2025, the festivities begin on Wednesday, January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, elegance, and transformation.
Travel:
Lunar New Year is a time for reunions, with families gathering to celebrate and share blessings. Many travelers return to their hometowns, creating one of the largest annual migrations known as “Chunyun” in China. For tourists, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in vibrant traditions. Popular destinations like Beijing, Singapore, and Taipei light up with grand parades, dragon dances, and stunning fireworks displays. Rural villages, on the other hand, offer a more intimate glimpse into traditional customs, such as ancestor worship and lion dances in local squares.
If you would like to visit China and other Asian destinations, here are a few options for your consideration.
Gate 1 offers a 15-Day Amazing China (with 3-day cruise.) This cruise tour encompasses many of the most famous sites in the country: Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, a Panda Research facility, Xian Antiquities including the Terra Cotta warriors and much more. The tour is a small group tour with only 22 travelers. Many 2025 dates are sold out or have limited seating but 2026 is open with pricing starting at $3,49 w/o air and $4649 w/air.
Oceania’s Flash Sale ends on January 31st but the 14-day Graceful Pagodas from Seoul to Shanghai is a winning itinerary. Part of the sale includes a 15% savings and a $1,000 of shipboard credit all while visiting three amazing countries.
AmaWaterways has two Mekong itineraries with special 2025 pricing starting at $2,089 pp and many options for pre or post cruise extensions.
Viking Ocean Cruises has an expansive offering of 14 cruises with itineraries from China to a 79-day cruise that includes Australia, Asia and Alaska.
Are you a reader? If so, the memoir of two young women who visited China in 1986 just after the country opened to independent travel. It’s a funny and harrowing story with a fabulous title! “Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven” is a great read – just know your trip to China will be much easier!
Food:
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without feasting. Dishes are laden with symbolic meaning, from dumplings representing wealth to whole fish symbolizing abundance. In 2025, expect creative twists on classic recipes like spicy Sichuan noodles or festive pineapple tarts, with modern chefs blending tradition and innovation.
When I was about 25, I discovered a recipe that has been a crowd favorite ever since. It’s never not been a hit, and is so easy to make! Gather these simple ingredients which you can find at any grocery store or visit your local Asian market for a broader selection.
Sesame Noodles
Ingredients:
1- pound of linguini or other flat noodle – Cook noodles as directed – just al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Mix together: 1/4 cup of light soy sauce, 2 tbsp. sesame paste (I use peanut butter), 1 tbsp chili oil (less if you don’t like spicy), 2 tbsp. sesame oil, 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 2 tsp. minced ginger and 2 cloves crushed garlic. If you like the heat, add 1 tsp. of crushed Szechuan (or regular) chili pepper flakes. Blend sauce ingredients and pour over noodles. Garnish with strips of cucumber, roasted ham, shredded spinach, or crushed spinach.
Customs:
Key traditions include cleaning the home before the New Year to sweep away bad luck, wearing red for prosperity, and giving red envelopes (“hongbao”) filled with money as blessings. Communities host colorful temple fairs, where traditional crafts, performances, and lucky charms abound.
We wish that your year is filled with blessings especially good health and happiness.
