Dear Erin,

Lunar New Year is a vibrant and meaningful celebration for many Asian cultures, marking a time of renewal, tradition, and community. With Boston’s rich and diverse Asian community, there are countless ways to take part in the festivities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy traditional cuisine, experience cultural performances, or join in lively celebrations, this guide has everything you need to welcome the Year of the Snake in Boston. I look forward to celebrating with you!

Best,

The Year of the Snake

The Year of the Snake is a significant time in Chinese culture, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intelligent, resourceful, and strategic thinkers. The snake is often associated with mystery and elegance, as well as the ability to adapt and navigate challenges with grace. In Chinese mythology, the snake represents renewal and rebirth, shedding its skin as a sign of growth and transformation. This is why the Year of the Snake is considered a time for reflection, personal development, and seizing new opportunities.

The Lunar New Year is a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness, and sharing festive greetings is a wonderful way to spread the celebration with loved ones. Whether near or far, a heartfelt New Year’s wish can bring warmth and good fortune to those you cherish.

Here are some traditional Lunar New Year greetings in different languages:

• Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) – Wishing you prosperity
• Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Vietnamese) – Happy New Year
• Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo (Korean) – Wishing you lots of luck in the new year
• Selamat Tahun Baru Cina (Malay) – Happy Chinese New Year
• San Nin Faai Lok (Cantonese) – Happy New Year
• Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu (Japanese) – Happy New Year



No matter how you say it, a thoughtful Lunar New Year greeting is a meaningful way to honor the occasion and show your appreciation for friends, family, and colleagues. May this year bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to all!

Restaurant Choices in Chinatown and Beyond...

Must-Visit Chinese Restaurants and Bakeries in Boston



1. Hei La Moon – 83 Essex St, Chinatown - A dim sum hotspot offering delicious dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and classic Cantonese small plates.
2. Mountain House Boston – 89 Brighton Ave, Brighton - Specializing in Northern Chinese cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, hot pot, and spicy lamb skewers.
3. Pho Hoa Restaurant – 1370 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester - A great spot for Vietnamese-Chinese fusion cuisine, with standout dishes like pho and crispy egg noodles.
4. Yi Soon Bakery – Brighton Ave, Allston - A beloved bakery offering Chinese pastries like pineapple buns, egg tarts, and sponge cakes—perfect for a sweet Lunar New Year treat.
5. Mei Sum Bakery – 26 Beach St, Chinatown - A Chinatown gem for grab-and-go dim sum and traditional baked goods like BBQ pork buns and sesame balls.
6. Dumpling Cafe – 695 Washington St, Chinatown - A go-to for dumplings, scallion pancakes, and Taiwanese-style dishes like Three Cup Chicken.
7. Shabu-Zen – 16 Tyler St, Chinatown - A cozy hot pot destination with fresh ingredients and rich broths—perfect for group dining.
8. Bai Wei – 12 Tyler St, Chinatown - A hidden gem for Sichuan cuisine, serving flavorful dishes like Mapo Tofu and Spicy Fish Fillet.
9. May’s Cafe – 20 Tyler St, Chinatown - A cozy, underrated spot serving authentic homestyle Chinese dishes and comforting soups.
10. Gaga Seafood Restaurant – 25 Tyler St, Chinatown - A popular choice for seafood lovers, offering fresh lobster, crab, and Hong Kong-style roasted meats.

Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Boston's Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year Lion Dance Parade! The parade starts at Phillips Square at 11 am.

Gather with friends and family and join us for our annual Lunar New Year Cultural Village! Every year we love to celebrate the Lunar New Year with lion dances, performances, singing, and more. This event is FREE! 



The Cultural Village event is located at the China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116. The event will begin at 11AM to 3PM on February 9, 2025.

Here at The Greenway we’re so excited to celebrate Lunar New Year with our Chinatown neighbors! The Lunar New Year falls on January 29, 2025, but there will be a variety of events leading up to New Year’s Day, as well as community celebrations following. If you visit The Greenway over the next few weeks there are several family-friendly community events on the calendar to mark the Year of the Snake!



While exploring these free community events, don’t forget to take advantage of The Greenway’s public parks abutting Chinatown! Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park offers an interactive children’s playscape you can enjoy with friends and family. You can also pause between events at The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park near the Chinatown Gate at the intersection of John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road and Beach Street. We hope to see you there!

Ring in the Year of the Snake at the MFA! Stop by on the evening of Thursday January 30, and celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art from our collection.



Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia and around the world. This year, the holiday, which always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, marks the Year of the Snake, one of the 12 animals of the zodiac in many East Asian countries.

Pao Arts Center’s annual Lunar New Year celebration is back! Come by for an afternoon of art and interactive workshops. All ages are invited to join us for cultural activities as we usher in the year of the snake! Register to receive event updates and reminders.

CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI

Join VietAID in celebrating the Year of the Snake— a time to come together in community, culture, and connection. Experience the richness of Vietnamese tradition with cultural performances, good food, and engaging activities for all ages!

Saturday, February 8th from 10 AM - 1 PM at 42 Charles Street, Dorchester.