Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, officially falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, but celebrations for the Year of the Wood Snake are planned throughout late January and February on Oahu. According to Chinese astrology, the Wood Snake is associated with wisdom, growth and transformation—a perfect time to reflect on personal growth and embrace new opportunities.
Start the Year of the Snake on a high note by joining these vibrant festivities on Oahu. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Honolulu for the first time, Chinese New Year celebrations are a memorable way to experience the beauty and traditions of Chinese culture. Below, you'll find some of the biggest Year of the Snake celebrations happening across Oahu in the coming weeks.
Chinese New Year Celebrations at Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Friday, Jan. 24 | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii will kick off Chinese New Year festivities with an exciting lineup of cultural events and activities in Honolulu's historic Chinatown. This two-day event is packed with fun, food and festivities for the whole family. The event will feature more than 40 food, craft and cultural booths offering delicious eats, unique gifts and cultural treasures and free activities for keiki.
Live entertainment will include Chinese lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese dances, and performances by the Gee Yung Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association. All performances will take place on the Moongate Stage, located inside the Chinatown Cultural Plaza courtyard. Be sure to catch the 2025 Narcissus Queen and Court as they make special appearances throughout the celebration; they will be accompanied by nine different lion dance groups as they visit merchants throughout Chinatown, while popping firecrackers for good luck in the new year.
The celebrations at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the traditions and cultural richness of this auspicious holiday. Whether you’re sampling delicious food, admiring the artistry of lion dancers or shopping for festive goods, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate and connect with the community.
Tips for Enjoying the Celebration
- Arrive early: Parking in Chinatown can be challenging during large events, so plan ahead and arrive early.
- Bring cash: Many vendors may only accept cash for food and goods.
- Dress festively: Wear red to symbolize good fortune and ward off bad luck!
- Stay for the performances: The high-pole lion dance and cultural performances are highlights you won’t want to miss.
Chinatown Cultural Plaza, 100 N Beretania St, Honolulu
Chinese New Year at Market City
Saturday, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ring in the Year of the Snake with a bang at Market City shopping center Saturday, Jan. 25. This exciting celebration will feature taiko drummers, lion dancers, fire crackers and fortune cookies. Be on the lookout for lucky fortunes in the cookies to win a gift certificate to the center! The first 300 attendees will receive a Year of the Snake fan.
Market City, 2919 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Royal Hawaiian Center
Tuesday, Jan. 28 - Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
Visit the Royal Hawaiian Center Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. for a lion dance by Lung Kong Physical Culture Club in The Royal Grove. At 5:30 p.m., the dance will continue throughout the Center and participating stores/restaurants. Guests can pick up a Custom Royal Hawaiian Center red Lai See (a red envelope containing money as gift for the lion) from Helumoa Hale to feed the lion. The Center will also host the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association Acrobatic Lion Dance Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy a demonstration of traditional Chinese calligraphy by Ina Chang. Additionally, to celebrate Lunar New Year, Royal Hawaiian Center will offer a special gift-with-purchase promotion from January 28 to February 9, 2025. Visit royalhawaiiancenter.com for details.
Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu
Ala Moana Center Lunar New Year Celebration
Wednesday, Jan. 29 - Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Ala Moana Center is planning a host of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the end of January. The world’s largest open-air shopping center, located in Honolulu, is welcoming visitors with a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural performances to usher in the Year of the Snake from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. Highlights include: Lion dancing, pole jumping, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and more. The center’s lucky Wishing Wall will also be back, allowing shoppers to write a new year's wish. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, shoppers who spend $500 or more can receive a limited-edition Year of the Snake boat tote, bandana and Ala Moana Center gift card in a lai see, or red envelope. Visit alamoanacenter.com for details.
Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with the Asian Lion Dance Team
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 | 11 a.m. to noon
Enjoy a short introduction to Chinese Lion dancing with a live performance at Hawaii State Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii, there will be lions big and small, drumming and good cheer for the new year.
Hawaii State Library, 478 S King St., Honolulu
Kung Hei Fat Choi from all of us at Locations! Happy New Year!
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