What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year based on the appearance of the first new moon, occurring in late January or early February. It’s also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.

Who celebrates Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is celebrated in many East Asian cultures including China, Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea. Because you can find these cultures everywhere, Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world.

2025 is the Year of the Snake. 2024 was the Year of the Dragon and 2026 will be the Year of the Horse.

How do you celebrate Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in myths and customs. The mythological beast Nian was said to attack villagers, but the villagers discovered it feared the color red, loud noises, and fire. That’s why many Chinese families decorate with red lanterns and celebrate with firecrackers. It’s also tradition to sweep their homes to get rid of bad luck and make way for good fortune in the coming year. Learn how one Hershey Company employee celebrates Lunar New Year traditions with her family .

Lunar New Year Celebration Ideas

Traditionally celebrated in East Asian cultures, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year when the first new moon arrives. This year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, occurs on January 29, 2025, and welcomes the Year of the Snake. Explore new and traditional ways to celebrate good fortune with your family and friends.

person holding a candy bar wrapped in a lunar new year candy bar wrapper

Celebrate a Sweet Lunar New Year

Wish your loved ones a year of good fortune by gifting them a customized treat that features festive Lunar New Year designs and colors.

Create This Craft

Cherry Blossom Cookies

Red in color and a nod to the cherry blossom trees of Asia, these tasty cookies are perfect for your Spring Festival.

Bake Cherry Blossom Cookies

Red Velvet Desserts

Families associate the color red with Lunar New Year, so bake something that looks and tastes like a celebration!

Find a Red Velvet Dessert Recipe

Paper Lanterns

Light up the winter night with handmade paper lanterns, perfect for decorating during Lunar New Year's Lantern Festival.

Make This Easy Family Craft

family photos from lunar new year celebrations

Lunar New Year Food & Family Traditions

Every holiday has rich sights and sounds that shape our memories. Hershey employee Tony is Vietnamese-American and recalls his special childhood moments of Lunar New Year, like roasted pork belly (thit heo quay), mung bean cakes in banana leaves (bánh tét) and even the sound of dice shaking in a bowl (bầu cua).

Discover Tony's Traditions

Lunar New Year Celebrations at HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD

Each year, HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction hosts vibrant family activities to welcome the Chinese New Year. Check out the fun from past celebrations and join us this year on January 18 & 25!

lunar new year celebration at hershey's chocolate world

Lunar New Year Events at Hershey

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD Attraction featuring a parade, activities, photo ops, limited-edition treats and more!

Join the Celebration

children performing at hersheys chocolate world for the lunar new year celebration

HERSHEY'S KISSES Rose Foils Milk Chocolate Meltaway Candy, 9 oz bag

HERSHEY'S KISSES Milk Chocolate with Almonds Candy, 10 oz bag

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HERSHEY'S NUGGETS SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet Chocolate with Almonds Candy, 10.1 oz pack

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ROLO® Creamy Caramels in Rich Chocolate Candy, 10.6 oz bag

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lunar New Year

: Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year based on the appearance of the first new moon, occurring in late January or early February. It’s also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.
: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
: Lunar New Year is celebrated in many East Asian cultures including China, Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea. Because you can find these cultures everywhere, Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world.
: 2025 is the Year of the Snake. 2024 was the Year of the Dragon and 2026 will be the Year of the Horse.
: Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in myths and customs. The mythological beast Nian was said to attack villagers, but the villagers discovered it feared the color red, loud noises, and fire. That’s why many Chinese families decorate with red lanterns and celebrate with firecrackers. It’s also tradition to sweep their homes to get rid of bad luck and make way for good fortune in the coming year. Learn how one Hershey Company employee celebrates Lunar New Year traditions with her family.

Hershey Asian & Pacific Islander Business Resource Group

The Hershey Company

Hershey Asian & Pacific Islander Business Resource Group

The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company's API BRG educates our workforce about their cultural heritage while elevating career opportunities for its members. At The Hershey Company, we are committed to increasing diverse employee representationparticularly at leadership levels by equitably selecting and developing diverse talent. Learn more about Careers at Hershey.

OCCASIONS

More Ways to Celebrate with Hershey

Hershey-Inspired Lunar New Year Activities

Cherry Blossom Cookies

Red Velvet Desserts

Lunar New Year Food & Family Traditions

Lunar New Year Celebrations at HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD

Fill Your Candy Dishes with Red & Gold

Frequently Asked Questions About Lunar New Year

The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company

More Ways to Celebrate with Hershey

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