Lunar New Year 2025 – Celebrate the Year of the Dragon

Ready for a fresh start? 2025 brings the Year of the Dragon, the most energetic sign in the Chinese zodiac. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a city‑wide parade, or a quick weekend getaway, this guide gives you the basics you need to make the holiday count.

Key Traditions & Must‑Do Activities

The first thing most people do is clean the house. Sweeping away bad luck lets the new year in without any unwanted baggage. After that, put up red decorations – lanterns, couplets, and paper cut‑outs – because red is believed to chase away bad spirits.

Food is the heart of the celebration. Classic dishes like dumplings, fish, and niangao (sweet rice cake) each carry a wish: wealth, abundance, and a sweet year ahead. If you’re cooking at home, try making dumplings together; it’s a fun way to bond and you’ll end up with a tasty symbol of prosperity.

Don’t forget the red envelope (hongbao). Hand a crisp, red packet filled with money to kids, unmarried adults, or anyone you want to wish good luck. The amount should be an even number – 8 is especially lucky because it sounds like the word for “prosper”.

Most cities host lantern festivals, dragon dances, and fireworks displays. In the UK, places like Chinatown in London and Manchester put on spectacular parades that draw huge crowds. Arrive early, claim a good spot, and soak up the music, costumes, and the roar of firecrackers – they’re meant to scare off evil spirits.

LNY 2025 Motorsport Deals & Events

If speed is your thing, you’ll love how the motorsport calendar lines up with the holiday. Several major races fall within the LNY period, and many promoters roll out special “Year of the Dragon” packages.

For instance, the Asian Le Mans Series hosts a round in Shanghai just a week after the first day of Lunar New Year. Ticket bundles include a traditional red envelope giveaway, dragon‑themed merchandise, and a backstage tour of the paddock. Early‑bird prices drop up to 30% if you book before January 15.

In Europe, the Monaco Grand Prix often runs in late May, but some boutique racing clubs offer a “LNY Experience” that lets you watch a pre‑season test in Monaco’s streets while enjoying a private Chinese New Year banquet on the harbor.

Don’t overlook virtual events. Racing simulators are running themed challenges where you can race a dragon‑painted car and win exclusive in‑game rewards. These contests are free to join and often come with discount codes for real‑world merchandise.

Travel deals are also popping up. Airlines and hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore bundle flight + stay packages with race tickets, giving you a hassle‑free way to combine family celebrations with a high‑octane weekend.

When you book, look for promo codes that mention “DRAGON2025” or “LNYRACE”. They usually unlock extra miles, complimentary upgrades, or a free red envelope full of vouchers.

Finally, keep safety in mind. Crowds can get huge, so plan your transport ahead, wear masks if the weather is chilly, and keep personal items secure. Most venues now have contact‑less entry and mobile ticketing, which makes the whole experience smoother.

Whether you’re gathered around a steaming dumpling pot or cheering from the grandstand, Lunar New Year 2025 is the perfect excuse to try something new, treat yourself, and start the year with a burst of good luck. Grab a deal, join a parade, and let the Dragon’s energy carry you into an exciting year ahead.