According to the Asian Zodiac, following a lunar calendar, 2025 is Year of the Snake, and the Wood Snake no less. As snakes shed their old skin and are figuratively reborn, the snake in the zodiac represents death and rebirth. Snakes are wise but shifty, while wood represents growth.
Around the Bay Area, many celebrate the Lunar New Year as a matter of course each year, including residents of Chinese or Vietnamese heritage. Others might not have Jan. 29 on their calendar but may be interested in learning more about the traditions around this non-Jan. 1 New Year (the date varies but it’s always the second new moon after the winter solstice), and the 12-year zodiac cycle of animals. Local libraries and cities are hosting events for all to enjoy.
Blessings in a Bottle: A Creative Lunar New Year Workshop
In a Lunar New Year-themed workshop, children will explore traditional Chinese culture. Ms. Cynthia will begin with an introduction to Lunar New Year customs and then showcase elements like the zodiac wheel, New Year foods, and various celebration activities. Through these, children will learn about red envelopes, lanterns, reunion dinners and other symbols of the New Year. This program is most suitable for kids ages 7-12; registration is required.
Saturday, Jan. 25
3:30 – 4:30pm
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
Castro Valley Library
510.667.7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv
Lunar New Year
The City of Milpitas will hold a special Lunar New Year event on Jan. 25. Enjoy cultural performances, food and kids’ crafts, along with the traditional lion and dragon dances and a firecracker finale.
Saturday, Jan. 25
6:00 – 8:30pm
Milpitas Civic Center Plaza
457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
www.milpitas.gov/658/Special-Events
Lunar New Year Crafts
For the 2025 Year of the Snake, San Lorenzo Library is holding a drop-in hour of themed crafts with materials provided by the library. This program is designed for kids, ages 3+ and their families (all children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).
Wednesday, Jan. 29
3 – 4pm
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
510.284.0640
aclibrary.org/locations/slz
Lunar New Year Parade
All ages are invited to march around Newark Civic Center and sing to celebrate Lunar New Year. Thanks to the parade organizer a few lion masks for the kids are available.
Saturday, Feb. 1
11:00 – 11:30am
Newark Civic Center
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
510.284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/nwk
Lunar New Year Performance
New Haven Unified School District students will present an afternoon of Lunar New Year performances in collaboration with Guy Emmanuel Mandarin Immersion Program. Performers include students from Floral Hat Dance, EML Dance Club (grades 1-2 and 3-5), Tri City Nightingales, Whirlwind Kung, Aiden Yang, Umbrella Dance, Blessing of Martial Power and James Logan Kungfu Club. No registration is required for the Feb. 1 event, but space is limited.
Saturday, Feb. 1
2 – 3pm
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
510.745-1464 ext. 6
aclibrary.org/locations/ucy
