A Bold New Year: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh

Year of the Snake

2025 has been off to a rousing start in Pittsburgh for the last month – but the new year festivities aren’t over just yet. Enter the Lunar New Year, a Chinese tradition that celebrates the turning over of the new year. You’ll be surprised at just how many ways you can celebrate the Year of the Snake in the ‘Burgh.

Pack your bags – let us take you on a mini-trip to China by way of Pittsburgh to learn more about this holiday.

Pictured |
Asian Lantern Festival
Credit |
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

🐍 When is the Lunar New Year?

Jan. 29, 2025

🐍 What’s with the snake? I thought 2025 in Pittsburgh was the year of the pierogi?

Here’s the deal on the snake: In Chinese culture, the calendar year is not dictated by constellations or the stars. Instead, the calendar is considered a lunisolar one which is based on the sun and moon placements.

Every year gets assigned an animal – and 2025 is the snake. Birth years also get assigned an animal from the zodiac. If you were born in 1989, 2001 or 2013 – we have a feeling this year is going to be a lucky one for you.

🐍 I’m ready to party. How is Pittsburgh celebrating the Lunar New Year?

We’re so glad you asked. If you’re ready to start this new year with a bang, we’ve got you covered.

Parlor Dim Sum

Jan 29.-Feb 8, 2025

This happening dim sum restaurant in Lawrenceville is going all out. Their celebration begins on Jan 29 with a Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner!

Shed the old, embrace the new! This Lunar New Year, our menu is inspired by the Year of the Snake—bold, deep flavors, and full of bite. From cocktails to dumplings and even desserts that look like art, we’ve worked to perfect this menu and cannot wait for you to explore it.

2025 OCA Lunar New Year Banquet

Feb. 15, 2025

New year, new ways to celebrate. Join OCA Pittsburgh (OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Pittsburgh) for a 10-course banquet that will leave you full, happy and ready to unleash your own inner dragon. Dinner takes place at Szechuan Spice and the event also includes cultural performances, a marketplace and raffle.

2025 Squirrel Hill Lunar New Year Parade

Feb. 16, 2025

Pittsburgh's Lunar New Year Parade will return in 2025! Organized by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, the parade will snake though the Squirrel Hill Business district starting at Phillips and Murray. thecelebrate this new tradition and join the fun.

Lunar New Year Celebration and Market

Feb 1-2, 2025

Join for a weekend-long celebration of the New Year here at Novo featuring two packed days of local vendors, performers, and food and drink specials from all of your Novo favorites.

🐍 How else can I honor Chinese culture in Pittsburgh?

Hungry? There’s no shortage of dumpling shops, noodle spots and more if you want to feed your soul this year. Plus, dumplings are said to symbolize wealth and prosperity, and noodles longevity. Just be sure not to bite or cut the noodles, slurp them up whole!

Looking for community? Considering volunteering with Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center or becoming a member of OCA Pittsburgh.

The year of the snake is sure to be bold. Enjoy a safe and happy lunar new year. 🐉

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Amber R.

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Amber R.

Multimedia Design & Production Manager

I'm VP's resident graphic designer. In my free time, I'm an avid brewery hopper, mom of one and lover of the outdoors. I'm always on the hunt for unique coffee shops in Pittsburgh, finding new trails to hike and exploring baby-friendly spots with my husband and daughter.

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