Contrary to what many believe, New Year celebrations were not over at the strike of midnight on December 31st. The Lunar New Year is one of the most recognized holidays in Asia and Asian communities worldwide. The two-week celebration marks the beginning of the lunar calendar while honoring the upcoming spring season.
In 2025 the Lunar New Year falls on January 29. It's the year of the snake, the Chinese zodiac sign that symbolizes wisdom and transformation. Traditionally, this is a time to embrace new beginnings while surrounded by community and good food.
Here are the best ways to celebrate in Austin, from Lunar New Year festivals to food specials for the luckiest year ahead.
Food
Oseyo x Lao'd Bar
Saturday January 25, and Wednesday, January 29
Oseyo and Lao’d Bar are joining forces for the Lunar New Year with an exciting walk-in-only pop-up. On Saturday, they’ll have a street-style menu featuring Korean and Laotian dishes, plus new tiki cocktails and craft soju flights. Patrons can also snag a limited edition Raw Paw and Oseyo LNY tote bag. On Wednesday, Oseyo celebrates again with more food and drink specials, plus an intention-setting ceremony for the Lunar New Year.
Special Lunar New Year Party at WuChow
Sunday, January 26
WuChow’s Lunar New Year Party has all the good food for a good cause. The event is free to attend with a suggested donation supporting New Hope Animal Rescue. There will be a lion dance performance, appetizers, and special cocktails. Plus, the food specials feature pecking duck, snapper, and some vegan/vegetarian options. They'll be on the menu until February 2. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Lunar New Year Cooking Class
Wednesday, January 29
Central Market Cooking School is offering this Lunar New Year-themed class to learn all about the ingredients and techniques of dishes symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and longevity. The menu will include Northen-style dumplings, lo mein, braised fish, and dessert. Guests 21 and up can enjoy a glass of wine with their dinner. Tickets ($85) are available on Eventbrite.
RedFarm
January 29 to February 9
RedFarm will feature special dishes that symbolize longevity and prosperity. The special menu includes truffle chicken dumplings, prosperity-seared tuna, buddha delight, lobster with wide rice noodles, and much more. Guests can enjoy these specials during dinner service and weekend dim sum brunch. Reservations are available at redfarmnyc.com.
Activities
Lunar New Year Run
Saturday, February 1
The annual Lunar New Year Fortune Run hopes to bring together the community and honor the tradition of renewal. There are 5K,10K, and half-marathon routes. In addition to a t-shirt and medal, every runner will receive mini lanterns to celebrate at the finish line. Registration ($33-$41) is available on Eventbrite.
Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin
Sunday, February 2
Support the Austin AANHPI community at the family-friendly fourth annual Lunar New Year Festival. Guests can enjoy a pop-up market featuring more than 30 local Asian artisans, food and drinks, bilingual storytime, face painting, lion and dragon performances, and more. A portion of the event proceeds will go to Asian Family Support Services of Austin. Tickets ($45) are available on Eventbrite.
Lunar New Year Carnival at Xian Yun Temple
Sunday, February 2
North Austin Buddhist temple Xian Yun is celebrating tradition and renewal with a Lunar New Year carnival. Enjoy traditional lion dances and other performances, music, a pop-up market with souvenirs, and vegetarian food for sale. The event is free to attend, and food vouchers ($20) are available for purchase online at Xian Yun Temple’s website.
UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year
Tuesday, February 4
Umlauf Sculpture Garden promises an unforgettable evening at the After Dark: Lunar New Year event with art, culture, and specialty cocktails. Patrons can enjoy live gong meditation and music from Audio Telepathy, a glow-in-the-dark dragon and lion dance, plus other activities. The event is free for Umlauf members, and tickets ($12) available for purchase at umlaufsculpture.org
Lunar New Year Events at Austin Public Library
Various dates
The Austin Public Library has free and family-friendly Lunar New Year events throughout different branches. For more detailed information visit library.austintexas.gov
- Saturday, January 25: The Cepeda branch is celebrating with a Diabolo Chinese Yo-Yo show, while Southeast and Twin Oaks have Texas lion and dragon performances.
- Tuesday, February 4: Kids Create at the Milwood branch gives kids the chance to make and decorate their own paper snakes.
- Saturday, February 8: The Yarborough location celebrates with a Lunar New Year dance party.
Meanwhile Brewing Co.
Saturday, February 15
Meanwhile is bringing back its Lunar New Year celebration featuring a market with local Asian-American vendors, music from DJ Mike Swing, and a special beer collab with Kaiju Cut & Sew. The rice lager Lucky Leaves will be available in the Meanwhile taproom for a limited time. There are also LNY specials at their food trucks. This event is free to attend.
