Highlights
- The Lunar New Year celebration, traditional to East Asian countries, will be celebrated in Atlanta in full glam.
- Events will be hosted at various venues throughout the days of the festival, starting from January 29.
- Celebrations include lantern lighting, dance and music performances, and other cultural activities.
Atlanta will celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025 with an incredible display of East Asian culture and traditions. Starting on January 29, this year’s celebrations will welcome the new year based on lunar calendars. Across the next few days, various locations in Atlanta and the surrounding metro Atlanta area will have events to celebrate the festival.
This year’s Lunar Year is called the “Year of the Snake.” Specifically, this new year marks the arrival of the Wood Snake. It is a rare and significant animal and element in the Chinese zodiac that occurs once every 60 years. Snakes are symbols of wisdom, elegance and mystery in Chinese culture. The wood element symbolizes growth, creativity and expansion.
Atlanta’s Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations
Billions of people in China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year. Atlanta will also join the celebration through various events happening in and around the city.
Stone Mountain Park’s Third Annual Lunar New Year Festival
The Stone Mountain Park has announced that it will be celebrating the Lunar New Year Festival in full glam this year, just like the past two years. Commemorating the festival, there will be a special Lunar New Year Drone and Light Show on the largest screen in the world. There shall also be a vibrant lighted parade, cultural craft activities, live entertainment, and other cultural festivities.
The tickets for the event are currently available. Visitors wishing to attend the Lunar New Year Ticket and go on the Skyride at the park can get the tickets at $24.99. If they wish just to attend the festival, the tickets will be $19.99. Those interested can check the official page for more information and ticket booking.
The Lunar New Year Festival Hours will be from 4 PM to 9 PM on the last weekend of January and the first two weekends of February. Located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the park welcomes visitors to the celebration.
Watch the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company at the Aurora Theatre
To ring in the year of the snake, the Aurora Theatre will stage a vibrant performance of traditional Chinese music and dance. The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company will perform at Metro Waterproofing Main Stage on January 25. Presented by the Aurora Children’s Playhouse, the audience may even be able to participate in the show.
The show will commence at 11:30 AM on January 25 and last 40 to 55 minutes. Tickets are being sold online for $7. Those interested can check the details and buy the tickets through the official page.
Fortune Run to The Lunar New Year
The Annual Lunar New Year Run will happen in Atlanta on February 1, 7:30 AM to 11 AM EST. Participants can choose the distance for the Lunar New Year Fortune Run 2025 between 5K/10K or 13.1K Half marathon. The event brings together the community as they embrace the spirit of renewal and celebrate new beginnings.
Registration for the event will commence at 3 PM EST on January 29 and end at 11 AM on February 1. Ticket prices vary between $30 and $49 depending on the choice of race type. Participants may choose to attend the race in person or virtually. There is also an option for a 1 Mile Family Fun Run. The event will be open to attendees of all paces and ages. However, only limited spots will be available per wave, so early registration is encouraged.
Watch the Lion Dance at the Decatur Lunar New Year Celebration
The Decatur Lunar New Year Celebration will feature the Lion Sang Anh Duong Lion and Dragon Dance Team. The event includes passports, food, a marketplace, and performances, and it will be open from 1 PM to 5 PM on February 5. The dance is scheduled for 3 PM.
Tickets for the celebration are now available. They are $10 per adult and free for children. The proceeds from the event will benefit Asian American Voices for Education.
Visit the Decked Up Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station will be decorated with the Lunar New Year, with lanterns, colors, and lights marking the celebrations. From January 21 to February 16, a lantern show will be at the top of every hour between 5 PM and 9 PM.
Visitors will witness the Chinese symbol of good fortune, the “fire” breathing dragon emerging from a cloud of fog near Atlantic Green. The station will be decked up with red lanterns that illuminate the area for the special lantern show. The tradition of lighting lanterns celebrates the reunion of loved ones.
Complete the Celebrations with Dumplings and More
Head to any of the many Asian restaurants in and around Atlanta to savor the amazing Asian cuisine during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Indeed, the celebration will not be complete without dumplings, noodles, sweets and more.
Atlanta has many options for East Asian cuisine restaurants. Trader Vic’s, Ruby Chow’s and Hopstix are a few of the great options. Chinese restaurants like Northern China Eatery, La Mei Zi, Lanzhou Ramen, and more serve amazing dishes.
Atlanta will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with great energy as it brings together the community in celebration of the East Asian festival. The celebrations will be grand for both people belonging to the culture and for new people learning about another culture.
