The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, as it officially begins on January 29th, 2025, and ends with the Lantern Festival on February 12th. 2025. Whether you’re already a fan of this vibrant festival or just curious about the traditions, West Palm Beach offers the perfect setting to celebrate. From colorful lanterns to delicious food, there’s no shortage of ways to join the festivities and make lasting memories. Let’s explore what this special time of year is all about and how you can get in on the fun right here in West Palm Beach!
So, What Exactly is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar. This year, we’re celebrating the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, mystery, and transformation.
The festival is filled with age-old customs meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. From lanterns to traditional dances and delicious food, Lunar New Year celebrations are rich in meaning and full of exciting traditions that are as fun as they are beautiful.
3 Fun Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Palm Beach
1. Lunar New Year at the Norton Museum of Art
For a dose of culture and creativity, head over to the Norton Museum of Art for their Lunar New Year Community Day. The museum is hosting a variety of family-friendly activities, including Chinese lantern-making, lion and dragon dances, and a special spotlight tour of their Chinese art collection. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of art and tradition while celebrating the Year of the Snake!
- When: February 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Norton Museum of Art
2. Take an Asian-Inspired Cooking Class + Enjoy Local Asian Cuisine
Ready to spice up your celebration? Take a cooking class at Sur La Table in West Palm Beach, where you can master the art of Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings and noodles. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the flavors of Lunar New Year. If you are not one for cooking, head over to one of the area’s favorite Asian eateries. The perfect way to celebrate the season could be indulging in incredible food!
- Sur La Table Lunar New Year Cooking Class: January 29, 2025, at 4:00 pm at CityPlace
- A Few Recommended Asian Restaurants: Sushi Jo, Echo, Joy Noodles, Malakor Thai Cafe, Kabuki
Sur La Table Cooking Class
Try a cooking class.
- (561) 473-3346
- 700 S Rosemary Ave suite 116
- 👍 Worth Doing It
3. Make a Lantern + Attend the Lantern Festival
What better way to celebrate the Year of the Snake than by creating your very own lantern? Join the Lantern-Making Workshop in West Palm Beach and get hands-on with local artists to craft a lantern that will be featured at the Lantern Festival on February 15, 2025. It’s a fun and creative way to connect with the community while learning about the cultural significance of this age-old tradition. The festival itself will be a feast for the senses, with vibrant lantern displays, traditional dances, martial arts demos, and more!
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the WPB GreenMarket & Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm outside City Hall (407 Clematis Street)
- Lantern Festival: Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at CityZen Garden (400 Datura Street)
Let’s Celebrate Together!
Whether you’re crafting your own lantern, enjoying delicious food, or taking in the beauty of local art, West Palm Beach is the perfect place to welcome the Year of the Snake. Get out there and make some memories this Lunar New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Wishing you prosperity and happiness in 2025!)
