Billions of Asians and people of Asian descent around the world come together annually for Lunar New Year. In 2025, the holiday starts on Jan. 29 and runs through Feb. 12. The Chinese Zodiac works in a 12-year cycle, making 2025 the Year of the Snake, which signifies wisdom, transformation and opportunities for personal growth and change. Here in Chicago, we have two predominantly Asian neighborhoods–Chinatown and Argyle St. in Uptown–with celebrations planned, and more events are happening throughout the city. Here’s where you can ring in the Year of the Snake in Chicago.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
The Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation is hosting a celebration of Lunar New Year on Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. up Chinatown main street of S. Wentworth Ave. The parade will include dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats and marching bands.
Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Uptown United will be continuing its 40+ year tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year. The parade will kick off on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. starting at the intersection of W. Argyle St. and N. Sheridan Rd. More than 20 community groups, institutions and performers will participate. In addition, discover family-friendly activities from local businesses between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Stop by the Concierge Services desk at Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont from Jan. 24 – Feb. 16 for a red envelope with offers and services from participating businesses. A kickoff event, with Chinese cultural games, dancing, kung fu and a children’s choir, takes place on Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in the Food Court.
Old Town School of Folk Music
As part of its World Music Wednesdays, Old Town School of Music in Lincoln Square is collaborating with Chinese Fine Arts Society for a Lunar New Year Celebration. Held on Jan. 22, the experience includes a variety of Asian arts such as traditional Chinese dance and a modern style of Chinese yo-yo. The event is free (although a $10 donation is suggested), but make reservations online or by calling the box office.
Chinese New Year Dumpling-Making Dinner
Located in Chinatown, Hing Kee Restaurant welcomes guests to its 20th anniversary dumpling-making dinner. Learn how to make one of the staples of Asian cuisine, with options for a variety of diets, and enjoy a traditional Chinese lion dance. Four slots–Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2– are available, all beginning at 3 p.m.
Field Museum Lunar New Year Storytime
Chicago’s beloved Field Museum invites families with 2-6 year olds for its weekly event PlayLab Play Date for an interactive Lunar New Year storytime. Guests from the Chicago Public Library will read stories to celebrate Lunar New Year and other related traditions. The event will take place on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. and is free to museum guests.
Navy Pier
Eight local Asian cultural institutions will turn the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier into a festive and family-friendly celebration for Lunar New Year. Part of the pier’s Global Connections series, the event takes place on Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. The afternoon promises to be vibrant, lively and entertaining for all ages.
Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Bidding farewell to the Year of the Dragon and welcoming in the Year of the Snake, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art in Bridgeport is hosting a Lunar New Year event on, Feb. 1 from 6-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, fortune-telling and performances from local musicians.
Year of the Snake Movie Screening
The Loop’s Chicago Cultural Center is presenting Successor, a Chinese comedy-drama about a successful couple who decide to raise their son in poverty to teach him the lessons needed to take over the family business. It will be shown at the Claudia Cassidy Theater on the second floor of the Cultural Center on Feb. 2 from 2-4:30 p.m.
Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Dinner
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual traditional Chinese New Year dinner on Feb. 3 at 5:30 at Phoenix in Chinatown. Tickets for the three-and-a-half hour feast are $150 per person.
Vietnamese Association of Illinois
Head to Uptown’s Furama on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. for the Vietnamese Association of Illinois’ Lunar New Year Celebration. The night will feature performances, raffles, family activities and, of course, food. Furama has been named by Time Out as one of the 16 best dim sum restaurants in America. General admission is $50 per person and admission for guests 65 and older is free.
