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Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, 農曆新年, 中國新年 in traditional Chinese or 农历新年, 中国新年 in simplified Chinese, begins a new year for the traditional lunar calendar by marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For many years this holiday has been celebrated with the annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade in D.C.'s historic Chinatown neighborhood, bringing together business leaders, local organizations and community members. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, specifically the Wood Snake. The snake symbolizes wisdom and transformation and wood snakes are inspired and motivated to pursue personal growth and conquer challenges.

Upcoming Events

Dragon and Cow

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Woodridge Library

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 4 p.m., Woodridge Library

Kids, ages 6-12, will enjoy making paper lanterns at Woodridge Library to celebrate the Lunar New Year!


Lunar New Year Craft:L Paint a wooden snake in celebration of the year of the snake

Paint a Wooden Snake

Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 p.m., Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Library

Celebrate the Year of the Snake by painting your own wooden snake!


Chinese New Year Lantern Festival

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m., Cleveland Park Library

Make your own lantern to light a path for the dance of the dragon! Then relax and enjoy a Chinese drone fireworks show!


A Tet Celebration Fashion & Food February 15 from 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Fashion and Food: A Tết Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Join the Library and Vietnam Society for a special afternoon of food and fashion celebrating Tết, the Lunar New Year with Monique Truong, Thai Nguyen, Kevin Tien, and Anita Mannur.

Mai’s Áo Dài: Children's Picture Book Reading and Activity - 1 – 2 p.m.

Kicking off this afternoon is a reading and activity with celebrity fashion designer Thai Nguyen and bestselling author Monique Truong for their newly-released book Mai’s Áo Dài! Written for readers of all backgrounds, this uplifting and affirming book is about embracing your heritage and the traditions that tie generations together. Attend this event to meet Thai and Monique and get your books signed!

Time with Thai: An Áo Dài Artistic Journey - 2 – 3 p.m.

Thai Nguyen will give us an exclusive look into his artistic craft as live models showcase his exquisite áo dài designs from North, Central, and South Vietnam. For those who have always wondered how to get accurately measured for a custom áo dài, you don’t want to miss this live in-person demo and follow-along activity!

The Evolution of Vietnamese Cuisine and Tết Traditions - 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Moderated by Professor Anita Mannur from American University, this panel will explore the traditions and evolution of Vietnamese cuisine and the importance of food for building community in the Vietnamese diaspora. James Beard finalists Kevin Tien and Monique Truong will discuss how culinary aspirations are intrinsically tied to their own experiences and reflected in their work. Join us after the panel for a book signing and conversation with Monique, as well as a sampling of delicious Vietnamese foods eaten during Tết! 

Cookbooks for Your Celebration