The vibrant streets of San Francisco are set to come alive this weekend as the city gears up for its celebrated Chinese New Year Parade, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. This event, known as the largest Chinese New Year parade outside of Asia, is expected to draw thousands of spectators eager to witness its colorful displays and cultural festivities.
The parade kicks off on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT, with the route beginning at Second and Market Streets. Participants will weave through Union Square before concluding at Kearny Street and Columbus Ave. Notably, this year’s parade will also be broadcast live on ABC, allowing those unable to attend to join in the celebrations from the comfort of their homes.
For viewers, tuning in means not missing any of the action, as KGO-TV (channel 7) will start its live coverage at 6 p.m. ABC News will also stream the parade nationally, making it accessible to audiences beyond the Bay Area. This decision is particularly exciting, as previous years saw KTVU's coverage dominate—this year, it's ABC stepping up to spotlight the festivities.
The parade offers more than just floats; it showcases traditional lion dances, firecrackers, and the much-anticipated 288-foot long Golden Dragon, making it one of the few illuminated parades across North America. Many locals and visitors are eagerly anticipating the exhilarating performances, with various cultural groups participating, including schools, marching bands, and kung fu teams.
Among the participants are students from College Park Elementary School, who have dedicated six weeks of rehearsals to prepare for their debut. The excitement is palpable as they perform both drumming and dancing, with students like Charlotte Shanks sharing their feelings: “I’m kind of scared because I’ve never done it but I really wanted to do it this year.”
Meanwhile, Executive Chef Dustin Falcon of Niku Steakhouse notes the increased demand resulting from the festivities coinciding with Valentine’s Day. “Reservations are trending 22% higher than last year, which is great to see for the restaurant industry,” says Amy Wei, COO of OpenTable, underlining the boost to local businesses.
San Francisco is hosting numerous events this weekend, including the NBA All-Star Game, contributing to the influx of visitors. Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin proudly remarks, “You know, for those haters and 'gloom and doomers' – come check out San Francisco. It is just rocking and rolling and beautiful.”
With the added pressure of so many events, the city is prepared for crowds, offering free Muni transportation throughout the weekend, except for cable cars. This initiative is expected to ease travel woes for attendees moving between events.
The cultural impact of the celebrations is undeniable, with locals embodying the spirit of the Lunar New Year. Keira Chew, another elementary school participant, expressed her emotions succinctly: “It’s like gratitude for being in it and everybody who does it.”. The connection to heritage is powerful, as families come together to celebrate their traditions.
Despite potential rain forecasts, parent volunteer Dora Mok light-heartedly notes, “They say the rain is more fun, but I’m hoping it won’t rain.” The children's spirit, excitement, and dedication culminate on parade day, as they proudly parade their cultural identity before community members and visitors alike.
Overall, the Chinese New Year Parade signifies more than just colorful displays and performances; it highlights community spirit, business growth, and the celebration of cultural heritage throughout San Francisco. This weekend's experience promises to be unforgettable—a true endorsement of the city's vibrancy and resilience. Join the festivities weather you are there live or watching from afar as cultural richness shines through this historical event.