If you are wondering if it's too late to wish someone Happy New Year, don't worry as the Lunar New Year is here! And, there are events taking place all over Dublin over the coming days to mark the occasion.
Dublin Lunar New Year 2025 has events for all the family as we celebrate the Year of the Snake. The celebrations will culminate on Sunday, 2 February with the festival's flagship event, a day of free festivities in Meeting House Square.
Everyone is invited to take part and the programme includes workshops, art exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, storytelling, comedy, games, tasty food experiences and so much more. For full details see dublinlunarnewyear.ie.
This festival is made possible by the support of Dublin City Council and includes events for the whole family to enjoy. The festival aims to celebrate, promote and deepen the understanding of the Asian-Irish relationship by presenting an annual festival of arts, culture and exchange that brings traditional and contemporary ideas together in an innovative and exciting way.
Communities that celebrate the Lunar New Year which include China, Vietnam, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
The Year of the Snake
The arrival of the Year of the Snake symbolises wisdom, transformation, and resilience. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, immortality, and healing.
People born in the Year of the Snake are mysterious, smart, wise, good at talking, determined, and caring. They value knowledge, work hard to achieve their goals, and are capable of strong relationships.
And, here are 10 things to know about the Year of the Snake.
Dublin Lunar New Year programme
The centre-piece of the programme will be a free day of festivities from 12pm – 6pm on Sunday, 2 February in Meeting House Square, which will be transformed by a vibrant all ages event that is not to be missed.
Experience incredible performers from the Chinese, Korean and Mongolian communities including Cantonese Lion and Qilin performances from the legendary Flower City Dragon and Lion Dance Association. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from authentic cuisine from Seoul Kitchen and Bahay, dazzling music and dance performers, to creative demonstrations and traditional Lunar New Year games and more.
A wealth of events to experience at the Chester Beatty library where you can take part in a Silk Worm Families Workshop, as well as family storytelling event of the Lunar New Year and the Zodiac Animals with Masako Carey.
At the National Gallery, Chun Zhu Wang leads a drop-in hands on workshop designed for families, inspired by the Year of the Snake.
A real life snake workshop at Dublin Zoo exploring four snake species and uncovering their characteristics, behaviours, and habitats, while investigating some common misunderstandings around snakes.
View a wealth of art exploring and celebrating the Lunar New year including; Auspicious Eight: Wood Snake which brings together work of a dozen contemporary artists at Tøn Gallery, 4 Chatham Row; works by Chen Cheng-po the first Taiwanese artist whose oil paintings were selected by Japanese Imperial Art Exhibition during Japanese rule of Taiwan on display at Taipei Representative Office in Ireland, 8 Hatch Street and A Dubliner's Collection of Asian Art: The Albert Bender Exhibition at the National Museum Collins Barracks in a bilingual (Mandarin and English) tour.
Hill Street will be transformed into a Lunar New Year spectacular celebration, full of traditional games, tasty cuisine, live performances and vibrant interactive workshops.
For both families and students to enjoy either at home or in the classroom Artist Heather Grey has designed a Dublin Lunar New Year Snake artpack to download.
Try your hand at some Mongolian National games at The Lab in Foley Street.
Asia Market will transform Drury Street into a Lunar New Year Carnival, a bustling hub of traditional Chinese festivities, mouth-watering food, and entertainment for all ages.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening filled with festive activities at UCD Confucius Institute, including a bustling Asian night food market showcasing authentic flavors, a dazzling traditional lion dance, and a breathtaking display of Chinese lanterns that illuminate the night with vibrant colors and artistry.
And much more!
About Dublin Lunar New Year
Founded in 2008, Dublin Lunar New Year is a programme of the City Arts Office, part of the Culture, Community & Recreation Department of Dublin City Council. Dublin Lunar New Year is made possible by the support of the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the members of Dublin City Council.
