Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025: Top festivals and events around metro Atlanta

Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year per the lunar calendar. The holiday occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice each year. It’s celebrated widely in countries with significant Chinese populations, and there are lots of ways Atlantans can participate and learn with events throughout the city this year.

Lunar New Year celebration - Gwinnett Public Library

Come and learn about the traditions and costumes the Lunar New Year brings and how it’s celebrated around the world. The program is open to all ages and will commence at the blue tables next to the copy center.

Location: Gwinnett Public Library - Mountain Park branch; Website: events.gwinnettpl.org; Date: Jan. 23; Time: 4-5 p.m.; Admission: Free

Lunar New Year at the Aurora Theater

The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company is prepared to welcome the Lunar New Year with vibrant performances at the Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Experience Chinese dance and music presented with tradition in mind. Attendees may even have a chance to participate in the show.

Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center; Website: auroratheatre.com; Date: Jan. 25; Time: 11:30 a.m.; Admission: $7

Stone Mountain Lunar New Year Festival

Celebrate the start of the year of the snake in the presence of the world’s biggest mound of exposed granite. Stone Mountain Park will host its third Lunar New Year Festival, paying tribute to Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese traditions as they relate to the lunar calendar. Expect a spectacular light and drone show, cultural crafts, live entertainment and a parade!

Location: Stone Mountain Park; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Date: Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 8-9; Time: 4-9 p.m.; Admission: $19.99

LNY at Doc Chey’s

Doc Chey’s Noodle House in Virginia-Highland brings back its Lunar New Year celebration for the 19th year. Try the Lucky Sampler - dumplings for wealth, shrimp rolls for happiness and peanut noodles for longevity. Proceeds benefit Giving Kitchen. And win fortune cookie prizes like hats, t-shirts and even Atlanta United tickets! Be aware, this is a cashless establishment.

Location: Doc Chey’s Noodle House; Website: doccheys.com; Date: Jan. 28-30; Time: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Admission: Free

Shen Yun

Shen Yun performances highlight wisdom, goodness and faith in a world before communism. East-West live orchestra sounds meet traditional Chinese dance for a breathtaking performance.

Location: Cobb Energy Enter; Website: cobbenergycentre.com; Date: Jan. 31-Feb. 2; Times: Friday - 7:30 p.m., Saturday - 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday - 2 p.m.; Admission: $85-$315

Johns Creek celebration

The city of Johns Creek ushers in the Lunar New Year with a dedicated yearly celebration. Come on out to the Atlanta Athletic Club Fields for great food and cultural performances. This family-friendly event is designed to highlight cultural diversity, so load up your household and prepare to learn and have fun!

Location: Atlanta Athletic Club Fields; Website: johnscreekga.gov; Date: Feb. 1; Time: noon to 4 p.m.; Admission: Free

LNY at Gritters Library

Ring in the Lunar New Year with a themed storytime at Gritters Library in Marietta. Experience greetings and songs, crafts, a photo booth and baby-friendly music. This is an all-age family-friendly program and a chance to learn about cultures from around the world!

Location: Gritters Library; Website: cobbcounty.org; Date: Feb. 1; Time: 3-4 p.m.; Admission: Free

Decatur Pan-Asian Lunar New Year Festival

The city of Decatur will host its Pan-Asian Lunar New Year Festival for the fourth time this year. Experience traditional food, a marketplace and performances, including a lion dance by the Sang Anh Duong Lion & Dragon Dance Team. Proceeds will benefit Asian American Voices for Education.

Location: Ebster Courtyard at Beacon Municipal Center; Website: decaturlny.com; Date: Feb. 2; Time: 1-5 p.m.; Admission: Adults - $10, children - free