Chinese New Year Parades 2025: Date, Time, and Locations

The Chinese New Year Parade 2025 will celebrate the Year of the Snake on various dates across major cities. In Hong Kong, it’s on Jan 29. In London, it’s on February 2; Chicago’s on February 9; San Francisco’s on February 15; and New York City’s on February 16.

London’s Chinese New Year Parade 2025

London’s Chinese New Year celebration is one of the largest outside Asia, attracting thousands of revelers to the city center. The parade, organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community in the UK.

Date and Time

The Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. However, London’s parade will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The parade is set to start at 10:15 AM and is expected to finish around noon. Following the parade, festivities will continue until approximately 5:30 PM.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the corner of Trafalgar Square, near Charing Cross station. It will then proceed up Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue, concluding at the bottom of Wardour Street. After the main parade, a lion dance typically weaves through Chinatown, covering areas such as Gerrard Street, Macclesfield Street, Wardour Street, Leicester Street, Leicester Place, and Lisle Street.

Best Viewing Spots

For those looking to get the best view of the parade, consider these tips:

1. Avoid the busiest areas near Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations.
2. Walk further along the parade route for thinner crowds and better visibility.
3. The Family Zone at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue, where Chinatown meets Soho, is ideal for those with children.
4. This area is also convenient for watching the lion dances that follow the main parade in Chinatown.

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant display of Chinese culture, including:

• Dragon and flying lion dances
• Martial arts demonstrations
• Firecrackers
• A Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony
• Street food stalls
• Special feasts at Chinatown’s restaurants
• Arts and crafts stalls
• Family games
• Zodiac displays

San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade 2025

San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is renowned as one of the world’s top ten parades and the largest celebration of its kind outside Asia. The event has a rich history dating back to the 1860s and has grown into a major cultural phenomenon.

Date and Time

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:15 PM and typically lasts until around 8:00 PM.

Parade Route

The parade will start at Second and Market Streets. From there, it will:

1. Wind its way around Union Square
2. Pass through Chinatown
3. Conclude at Kearny Street and Columbus Avenue

The total distance of the parade route is approximately 1.3 miles.

Viewing Options

Spectators have several options for watching the parade:

1. Free standing room along the parade route (behind barricades)
2. Ticketed bleacher seats (prices start at $45 for 2025)

• Section A1 (Covered by a canopy, closest to Chinatown): $65
• Sections B and C: $45 each
• Section E3 (includes a gift bag, closest to Union Square): $75

What to Expect

The San Francisco parade is a spectacular event featuring:

• Nearly 100 participating groups
• Floats decorated with the year’s zodiac theme (Year of the Snake for 2025)
• Traditional lion and dragon dances
• Marching bands
• Stilt walkers
• Chinese acrobats
• Firecrackers (to be confirmed for 2025)

Additional Events

The parade is part of a larger Chinese New Year Festival in San Francisco, running from January 25 to March 2, 2025. Other events include:

• Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (typically held the day before the parade)
• Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair
• Community Street Fair

New York City’s Lunar New Year Parade 2025

New York City’s Lunar New Year Parade is a vibrant celebration that takes place in Manhattan’s Chinatown, drawing large crowds and showcasing the city’s rich Chinese cultural heritage.

Date and Time

The 27th Annual Lunar New Year Parade & Festival in New York City is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025. The parade will start at 1:00 PM.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at Mott and Canal Streets on Chatham Square. It will then:

1. Proceed through East Broadway
2. End near Sara D. Roosevelt Park

Festival and Booths

In addition to the parade, there will be festival booths and activities:

• Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Location: Bayard Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to a colorful and lively celebration featuring:

• Lion dancers
• Floats
• Marching bands
• Cultural performances
• Traditional Chinese music
• Local community groups and organizations

Additional Events

New York’s Lunar New Year celebrations extend beyond the main parade:

1. Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival

• Date: January 29, 2025 (First day of Lunar New Year)
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Location: Sara D. Roosevelt Park at Chrystie and Grand Streets

2. Various cultural events and exhibitions throughout Chinatown and other parts of the city

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade 2025

The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with Cathay as the title sponsor, will take place on January 29, 2025, the first day of the Year of the Snake. This spectacular event kicks off the Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong.

Date and Time

The parade will be held on January 29, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM. Pre-parade performances will start at 6:00 PM.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui and proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, ending at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.

Performances and Participants

• 55 total performances, including floats, local, global, and pre-parade acts
• 14 countries and regions represented, including Hong Kong
• 16 performing groups from Mainland China and overseas
• 12 local Hong Kong performing groups
• 18 local groups for pre-parade performances

Floats

Nine floats will be featured, many showcasing Hong Kong’s icons and attractions, including:

• Giant pandas with Hong Kong-style milk tea
• Floats inspired by the city’s skyline and the snake motif
• Floats promoting Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year culture

Ticket Information

Tickets will go on sale from 8:00 AM on January 11, 2025 (Saturday) at the HKTB’s Kowloon Visitor Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Prices are HK$480, $450, and $300, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Extended Celebrations

• Float displays and selected performances will be held at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square in Tai Po from January 30 to February 13, 2025
• Additional performances at various locations around the city on January 30 and 31, 2025

Chicago’s Chinese New Year Parade 2025

Chicago will celebrate the Year of the Snake with its annual Lunar New Year parade on Sunday, February 9, 2025, nearly two weeks after the official start of the Chinese New Year on January 29.

Date and Time

The parade is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM.

Parade Route

The procession will start at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue, moving north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand located at Cermak and Wentworth.

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant display of Chinese culture, including:

• Traditional dragon and lion dancing teams
• Colorful floats
• Marching bands
• Various marching groups

Manchester’s Chinese New Year Celebration 2025

Manchester will ring in the Year of the Snake with a vibrant two-day celebration on Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, 2025. This festive event showcases the city’s rich cultural diversity and offers a range of activities for all to enjoy.

Dates and Times

The celebrations will take place over two days:

• Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Sunday, February 2, 2025

Key Attractions

Visitors can look forward to:

1. Thousands of red lanterns decorating the city
2. Live performances showcasing Chinese culture
3. Food stalls offering traditional and modern Chinese cuisine
4. A funfair for family entertainment
5. The city’s legendary Dragon Parade (Sunday, February 2)

Dragon Parade

The highlight of the festivities is Manchester’s famous Dragon Parade, scheduled for Sunday, February 2. This spectacular event features an illuminated night dragon dance finale, bringing a magical end to the celebrations.

What to Expect

The Chinese New Year celebration in Manchester promises a feast for the senses:

• Visual spectacle: The city will be adorned with thousands of red lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Cultural performances: Live shows will showcase traditional and contemporary Chinese arts.
• Culinary delights: Food stalls will offer a variety of Chinese delicacies.
• Family fun: A funfair will provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Los Angeles Chinese New Year Celebrations 2025

Los Angeles will celebrate the Year of the Snake with several events, showcasing the city’s rich cultural diversity and offering a range of activities for all to enjoy.

Chinese New Year Festival & Golden Dragon Parade

Date: February 8, 2025

Kick-Off Ceremony

• Location: Thien Hau Temple, Chinatown, downtown LA
• Highlights: Incense offerings, monks, New Year’s Eve dragon dancers

Golden Dragon Parade

• Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Starting Point: Intersection of Hill Street and Ord Street
• Duration: Approximately three hours
• Features:
• Intricately designed floats
• Lion and dragon dances
• Marching bands
• Performers in traditional attire
• Viewing: Free to watch, with paid prime seating available at the Grandstand
• Post-Parade: Vibrant street festival

Lunar New Year at the Port of Los Angeles

Date: January 25, 2025

• Location: Wilmington Waterfront Promenade
• Features:
• Folk dancers
• Asian gifts and crafts
• Food stalls
• Kickoff event with the City of Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department
• Admission: Free

Free CNY cards

Cultural Significance of the Year of the Snake

The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, which holds special significance in Chinese culture.

Symbolism of the Snake

In Chinese astrology, the snake symbolizes:

1. Wisdom
2. Intuition
3. Enigma
4. Intelligence
5. Elegance

People born in the Year of the Snake are often described as:

• Enigmatic
• Intuitive
• Wise
• Elegant
• Good with money
• Effective communicators

Lucky and Unlucky Aspects for the Year of the Snake

As with all zodiac signs, the Year of the Snake comes with its own set of lucky and unlucky elements:

Lucky:

• Numbers: 2, 8, 9
• Colors: Black, red, yellow
• Directions: Southeast, Northeast

Unlucky:

• Numbers: 1, 6, 7
• Colors: White, gold, brown

Preparing for Chinese New Year Celebrations

Whether you’re attending a parade or celebrating at home, there are several ways to prepare for and participate in Chinese New Year festivities.

Traditional Customs

1. Cleaning the house: It’s customary to clean thoroughly before the New Year to sweep away bad luck.
2. Decorating: Red decorations and lanterns are popular, symbolizing good fortune and joy.
3. Giving red envelopes: These contain money and are given to children and unmarried adults.
4. Family reunion dinner: This is typically held on New Year’s Eve and is considered the most important meal of the year.

What to Wear

When attending a Chinese New Year parade or celebration:

1. Wear red: It’s considered a lucky color.
2. Avoid black or white: These colors are associated with mourning.
3. Dress warmly: February can be chilly in many cities hosting parades.

Common Greetings

Learn a few traditional Chinese New Year greetings to use during the festivities:

• “Xīnnián kuàilè” (新年快乐) – Happy New Year
• “Gōngxǐ fācái” (恭喜发财) – Wishing you prosperity and wealth
• “Wàn shì rú yì” (万事如意) – May all your wishes come true

Impact of Chinese New Year on Global Business and Marketing

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has a significant impact on global business and marketing strategies, particularly for companies with ties to China or large Chinese populations.

Business Considerations

1. Manufacturing slowdowns: Many factories in China close for up to two weeks, affecting global supply chains.
2. Increased consumer spending: The holiday period sees a surge in spending on gifts, food, and travel.
3. Travel industry boom: Both domestic and international travel increase dramatically during this time.
4. Stock market effects: Chinese and some Asian markets typically close for the holiday, which can influence global markets.

Marketing Opportunities

Many businesses create special campaigns and promotions around Chinese New Year:

1. Limited edition products: Companies often release snake-themed items for 2025.
2. Cultural collaborations: Partnerships with Chinese artists or designers for unique offerings.
3. Digital red envelopes: Some companies offer digital versions of the traditional red envelopes through apps or social media.
4. Social media campaigns: Utilizing platforms popular in China like WeChat and Weibo for targeted marketing.
5. Localized advertising: Adapting global campaigns to include Chinese New Year themes and symbolism.

Best Practices for Marketing During Chinese New Year

When planning marketing campaigns for Chinese New Year:

1. Respect cultural sensitivities: Ensure all content is culturally appropriate and accurate.
2. Start early: Begin planning and executing campaigns well in advance of the holiday.
3. Emphasize family and togetherness: These themes resonate strongly during this period.
4. Incorporate traditional elements: Use symbols like the color red, lanterns, and the year’s zodiac animal.
5. Offer value: Create promotions that provide genuine value to consumers during a high-spending period.