Lunar New Year 2025 Atlanta
As Atlanta gears up to welcome the Lunar New Year 2025, the city’s diverse communities are preparing for a vibrant and exciting celebration. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year (春节 Chūn Jié), Vietnamese Tết, and Korean Seollal, is one of the most significant holidays in many Asian cultures.
In 2025, Lunar New Year falls on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake (蛇年, Shé Nián). With Atlanta’s thriving Asian-American community, there will be plenty of festivals, parades, cultural performances, and delicious food to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, traditional performances, or the best places to eat festive foods, this guide will help you celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in Atlanta!
1. What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a 15-day festival that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. It is celebrated across many Asian cultures, including China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, and 2025 is the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and intuition.
The holiday is traditionally celebrated with:
✅ Fireworks and lion/dragon dances to chase away bad luck.
✅ Family reunions with elaborate feasts.
✅ Red envelopes (红包 Hóngbāo) filled with money for good fortune.
✅ Temple visits to pray for prosperity.
Now, let’s explore how Atlanta will be celebrating the Lunar New Year in 2025!
2. Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in Atlanta
🏮 Atlanta Lunar New Year Festivals & Events
Atlanta hosts several Lunar New Year celebrations, from large public festivals to more intimate cultural performances. Here are some of the top events happening in 2025:
1. Lunar New Year Festival at the Atlanta History Center
📍 Atlanta History Center
📅 January 27-28, 2025
The Atlanta History Center will host a Lunar New Year Festival featuring:
🎊 Dragon & Lion Dances to bring good luck.
🎊 Martial arts demonstrations showcasing traditional kung fu and tai chi.
🎊 Tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops.
🎊 Asian food vendors selling dumplings, rice cakes, and other festive treats.
2. Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration
📍 Atlanta Chinatown Mall (Chamblee)
📅 January 29, 2025
Located in Chamblee, the Atlanta Chinatown Mall is a hub of Chinese culture and cuisine. Their annual Lunar New Year Celebration is a must-visit event featuring:
🏮 Traditional performances including lion and dragon dances.
🏮 Authentic Chinese cuisine from local restaurants.
🏮 Chinese calligraphy, arts, and crafts.
🏮 Firecracker displays to ward off bad luck.
3. Lunar New Year at Atlantic Station
📍 Atlantic Station
📅 February 1-2, 2025
One of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in Atlanta takes place at Atlantic Station with:
🎶 Live cultural performances, including K-Pop, traditional dance, and music.
🍜 Food trucks serving Asian street food.
🧧 Lucky red envelope giveaways.
4. Asian Cultural Festival at Buford Highway
📍 Buford Highway Plaza
📅 February 3, 2025
Buford Highway is known as Atlanta’s “International Corridor”, home to some of the best Asian restaurants and markets. Their Asian Cultural Festival is a multi-cultural celebration featuring:
🥢 Cooking demonstrations on making dumplings and rice cakes.
🎭 Traditional Chinese opera and Vietnamese dance performances.
🎆 Fireworks and a grand parade.
3. Best Places to Eat Lunar New Year Food in Atlanta
Food is an essential part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Here are some of the best places in Atlanta to enjoy traditional Lunar New Year dishes:
🥟 Gu’s Dumplings (Krog Street Market) – Famous for handmade dumplings and Sichuan noodles.
🍜 LanZhou Ramen (Duluth) – Enjoy hand-pulled noodles for longevity.
🐟 Canton House (Chamblee) – A top spot for dim sum, Peking duck, and whole fish (symbolizing prosperity).
🍚 Pho Dai Loi (Buford Highway) – The best place for Vietnamese Tết dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake).
🥢 Hsu’s Gourmet (Downtown) – Classic Chinese New Year banquet-style dishes.
4. Lunar New Year Traditions to Follow in 2025
Want to celebrate at home? Here are some traditions to bring luck in the Year of the Snake:
🎆 Watch Fireworks & Lion Dances – These drive away bad luck and bring good fortune.
🧧 Give Red Envelopes (Hóngbāo) – It’s tradition to give red envelopes filled with money to children and younger family members.
🏮 Decorate with Red & Gold – Red symbolizes happiness, and gold represents wealth.
🥢 Eat Lucky Foods – Dumplings for wealth, fish for prosperity, and noodles for longevity.
👘 Wear New Clothes – Wearing new red outfits symbolizes a fresh start.
🙏 Visit a Temple – Many Asian communities in Atlanta visit temples to pray for good luck in the new year.
5. Welcoming Lunar New Year 2025 in Atlanta
Lunar New Year 2025 in Atlanta promises to be an exciting and culturally rich celebration. Whether you’re enjoying lion dances at Chinatown Mall, feasting on dumplings at Buford Highway, or learning about Asian traditions at the Atlanta History Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, may this year bring you wisdom, success, and happiness.
🎊 Happy Lunar New Year 2025! 新年快乐 (Xīnnián Kuàilè)! 🐍🏮
