The Lunar New Year 2025 is set to be vibrant and culturally rich as the Year of the Snake is celebrated with events and culinary delights across various venues. This year's festivities promise to be exceptional, from traditional Chinese restaurants showcasing unique menus to the enchanting atmosphere of Disneyland.
Starting with Hong Kong, numerous restaurants are preparing mouth-watering dishes to welcome the Year of the Snake. Among them is Hong Kong Cuisine 1983, which is offering special menus inspired by Hakka traditions until February 12. Diners can enjoy dishes such as Stewed Pork Knuckle with Fermented Red Bean Curd and Lo Hei with Fresh Salmon, bringing classic Hakka flavors to the forefront of the celebrations.
Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant is also joining the Lunar New Year celebration by presenting three distinct 10-course menus. Their offerings, available until February 13, include Chiu Chow specialties and traditional favorites, with highlights like Chiu Chow Salty Chicken and Pig's Trotters. Patrons can indulge in culinary delights from the Pak Loh Set, showcasing luxurious ingredients like abalone and giant grouper.
Another highly anticipated venue is Mott 32, which will be serving its impressive Chinese New Year menu from January 29 to February 12. Their signature Lobster and Abalone Lo Hei Salad symbolizes abundance and good fortune, making it a must-try. Other standout dishes include Braised Yellow Croaker Fish with Shanghainese Rice Cake, elevifying the experience with rich flavors.
China Tang has also crafted special culinary offerings, featuring Poon Choi filled with myriad ingredients such as abalone and local pudding varieties like Turnip Pudding with Local Sun-dried Meat. Diners are encouraged to place early orders by January 10 to enjoy discounts on their festive sets. Meanwhile, Chilli Fagara adds some spice to the occasion with mala-style dishes available through February 12, featuring spicy options like Fresh Iberico Pork Lettuce Wrap and Whole Prawns in Tangy Chilli Sauce.
Sweet treats are also part of the celebrations. Jade Garden promises both savory and sweet puddings, including the traditional Chinese New Year Pudding with Ginger and innovative creations such as Roasted Duck and Taro Pudding, currently available until January 24 for promotional discounts.
The festivities will continue at The Chinese Library, which will host an eight-course tasting dinner menu highlighting classic Lunar New Year delicacies from January 28 to February 13. Their daytime brunch offerings will coincide with special bubbly packages, ensuring celebrations extend throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year at Disneyland California Adventure, running from mid-January through mid-February, brings together multicultural festivities inspired by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions. This year’s event combines fun with tradition, offering opportunities for character meet-and-greets with beloved figures like Mulan and the youthful duo Meilin Lee and Ming Lee from the movie Turning Red. Guests can enjoy the new attire donned by Mickey and Minnie, reflecting traditional Korean fashion.
Six food marketplaces throughout Disneyland will serve various Asian-inspired cuisines, alongside iconic items like the Strawberry Milk Tea macaron and BBQ Pork Bun. A Sip and Savor Pass will allow visitors to sample multiple dishes throughout the day, enhancing the festival experience.
For families visiting Disneyland, special activities are planned, including craft-making and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations. An area known as the Lunar New Year Wishes Wall will adorn the park, welcoming guests to share their hopes for the upcoming year.
Entertainment does not take a backseat during the festivities. Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession will provide exciting visual festivities, and the renowned World of Color show will feature a pre-show celebration highlighting the theme of coming home for the Lunar New Year.
Adding to the cultural richness of the Lunar New Year, renowned cognac producer Hennessy has partnered with talented fashion designer Qiu Shuting to create limited edition bottle designs. Hennessy’s classic carafes have been transformed with vibrant red, floral patterns, and delicate snake-scale motifs, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary design. CEO Laurent Boillot remarked, “Hennessy has a long-lasting connection with Chinese culture, grounded in 164 years of shared history.”
These celebrations reflect the importance of the Lunar New Year and aim to preserve and promote cultural traditions. With fabulous food, unique experiences, and the connections formed through shared histories, the Year of the Snake is poised to be memorable for families and communities alike.