The Lunar New Year usually starts sometime between late January and mid-February. This year, the festivities begin on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. In mainland China, official celebrations last for seven days as a public holiday.

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

Wednesday marks a new Lunar Year for millions across the globe - with 2025 representing the Year of the Wood Snake.

Big Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations took place in Chinatown on Wednesday. FOX 5 NY's Meredith Gorman takes us to the 27th annual firecracker ceremony and cultural festival.

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.