Food and festivities, and for some – red envelopes full of cash – will be on offer in cities across Australia and the world.

Here’s what you need to know about the Lunar New Year, and where you can celebrate it.

What is the Lunar New Year?

Also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year celebrates the start of the Chinese lunisolar calendar for another year.

The new year is marked with holidays in China and much of eastern Asia, including Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia – with celebrations also held in other countries across the world.

Each year corresponds with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. This year is the year of the snake, while 2024 was the year of the dragon and 2026 will be the year of the horse.

Lunar New Year is also known as Chinese New Year, but in recent years the name has been changed to acknowledge the fact that it isn’t just China that celebrates the new year at that time, but dozens of countries.

This year, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29.

The date of the Lunar New Year changes every year. Next year, it will be on February 17.

Who celebrates Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people every year.

Lunar New Year in China is marked with a week-long holiday, as millions of people travel to their hometowns to share meals, fireworks and, of course, the red pockets full of cash.

Asian communities around the world, including in Australia, like to celebrate the tradition with festivities, markets, and food.

What Lunar New Year celebrations are on in Australia?

Events are planned across Australia for Lunar New Year celebrations, varying from city to city. You can check in with your local council to see what’s happening near you, but here are some of the festivities in the major cities.

The City of Sydney claims it is one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in the world outside of Asia.

Highlights will include the Haymarket Street Festival and the yearly Dragon Boat Festival.

Lion Dances – costumed performances where dancers leap across pillars suspended in the air – will also be on show.

Burwood in Sydney’s Inner West will have a Lunar New Year Street Party on Friday, January 31, and events throughout the following week.

Melbourne’s Chinatown will also host festive traditions, vibrant displays and cultural experiences.

On January 30, the public can see a Lion Dance at 10am, starting from Mary Martin Bookshop in String Bean Alley.

From February 2, the city will host a Lunar New Year Festival between Lonsdale and Bourke Streets, and Little Bourke Street from Swanston Street to Exhibition Street.

Brisbane will host a Lunar New Year Festival with free live entertainment, music, and cultural markets.

What is the Lunar New Year 2025 animal?

In many cultures, each year in the calendar is associated with an animal on the zodiac.

This year is the year of the snake. Here are some of the upcoming lunar years.

2025 – Year of the snake

2028 – Year of the monkey

2029 – Year of the rooster

What traditions and food are associated with Lunar New Year?

Some Lunar New Year traditions include cleaning the house ahead of guests arriving, shopping for gifts, and decorating your home with festive colours.

In some countries, kids are given red envelopes (also called red pockets) full of money by their older relatives.

The Lunar New Year Day is celebrated with fireworks, a reunion dinner with all members of the family, and visits to family and friends.

Some of the traditions are more superstitious in nature: some people avoid washing their hair on Lunar New Year’s Day, and others also avoid the number four, because the Chinese word for four sounds similar to the word for death.