Join Us for Lunar New Year Celebrations

Written by Marcia at Millbrae Library

Lunar New Year is upon us! Lunar New Year celebrates the start to a new annual lunar cycle and is commonly celebrated across nations in Asia and among Asian diasporic communities throughout the world. Want to know more about Lunar New Year? San Mateo County Libraries will be celebrating Lunar New Year with events all across our communities!

About Lunar New Year

In Korea, this holiday is known as “Seollal,” whereas in Vietnam, the holiday is referred to as "Tết." China celebrates the holiday as the Spring Festival “Chūnjié.” This year, Lunar New Year falls on January 29, 2025.

Each year, the Chinese lunisolar calendar is associated with an animal from the Chinese Zodiac and philosophical element. 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake. A common belief is that those born in the year of the snake hold the traits of intelligence, wit, mystery and wisdom. The wood element is representative of growth, flexibility and creativity.

Discover Lunar New Year Programs

Year of the Snake Storytime with Oliver Chin

Author Oliver Chin will introduce and read his newest children's picture book The Year of the Snake.  Oliver will introduce themes of the Lunar New Year as well as lead a brief drawing workshop.

Leung's White Crane Lion Dance

Celebrate Lunar New Year at the library with traditional lion dancing performed by Leung's White Crane. Their dynamic, high-energy lion dance is sure to be a memorable way to start the year.

Lunar New Year Spring Couplet Workshop

Join us for this fun-filled workshop where kids and grown-ups can unleash their creativity under the guidance of skilled local artist Zuzu Gong. Participants will learn the art of crafting traditional couplets, exploring calligraphy and decorative techniques to create beautiful, meaningful pieces that capture the essence of the holiday. Make sure to register in advance!

New Year, New Career: A Look Into Life as an Illustrator

Tết is a time of reflection and renewal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, a sign that represents rebirth, personal growth and deep thinking. Are you an artist looking to turn your passion into a career? A working professional excited to sharpen your skills? Join illustrator and writer Minnie Phan in an exciting workshop. Register to join in!

Lunar New Year Embroidery Doodling

Join us for a fun embroidery workshop for all skill levels! You will learn to stitch the Lucky Bouquet embroidery pattern to bring in the Lunar New Year. This is in collaboration with Tiffany Tzeng, a local Bay Area embroidery artist. Sign up to create your own!

Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra: Lunar New Year Concert

Come join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year as we present a joyful, live concert performed by the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra. The musicians will play classic folk pieces with unique Chinese instruments.