This year, Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, kicks off January 29 and ends February 12. The event marks the start of the year based on moon-phased calendars and is also associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac; 2025 is the Year of the Snake. To help you celebrate, we’ve rounded up 5 events filled with Chinese traditions, cuisine, and festivities.
MGM National Harbor “Year of the Snake” Conservatory Display and Traditional Festivities
January 10–March 30
National Harbor is kicking off the Lunar New Year in a big way. The conservatory decorations honor the event with a 28-foot-long snake and a 30-foot-tall bonsai tree. Guests can celebrate at a traditional lion and dragon dance at 6 p.m. on January 26 that starts in the casino valet and continues throughout the property. MGM’s trademark Pan-Asian restaurant, Ginger, will also offer special Lunar New Year special menu items such as crispy fried crab claws, golden egg yolk lobster and more. MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland
La Vang Lunar New Year Festival 2025
January 18 and 19, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Dulles Expo Center welcomes the Year of the Snake with fashions shows, musical and dance performances, tasty food vendors, and a marketplace full of traditional gifts and souvenirs. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, $5–$10, children under 12 free
ACSC’s 16th Annual Chinese New Year Festival
January 25, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Asian Community Services Center, this indoor festival shares Chinese values and traditions with younger generations through live performance by musicians, dancers, and mixed martial artists. Other activities include a dragon parade, cultural crafts, exhibits, food, and prizes. Luther Jackson Middle School: 3020 Gallows Rd., Falls Church, $2–$5
Lunar New Year & Anime Party
January 25, 1 p.m.–6 p.m.; K-pop Party 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Shipgarten will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with family-friendly activities and amenities such as facepainting, giveaways, a photo booth with accessories, a bouncy house, and music. Starting at 8 p.m., the restaurant’s K-pop party features DJ EPX, specialty cocktails, beer from China, Japan, and Korea, and special menu items. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free
2025 Lunar New Year Celebration in Old Town Alexandria
January 25, noon–4 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria’s third annual festival features live performances, raffles, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and a style contest for the best cultural garments. 277 S. Washington St., Alexandria, free, pre-registration required
Feature image courtesy MGM National Harbor
