Did you know that 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac? Each year the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 animals — this year, we can expect plenty of personal growth and successful energy.

Though its official dates vary across different Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar. There are plenty of ways to celebrate around the City of Fountains, so let’s slither to it.

Chinese New Year-Inspired Dishes, Kansas City Museum | Thursday, Jan. 23 | 5- 7 p.m. | $60 | Experience the holiday through your stomach with this hands-on cooking class covering everything from traditional desserts to pan-friend dumplings, led by the Sister City Association of Kansas City.

2nd Annual Night Market, The Guild KC | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 6-11 p.m. | Free, RSVP | Hosted by Cafe Cà Phê, this hip celebration will feature traditional activities like lion dances and lucky raffles, alongside a night market of Asian vendors, food trucks, and performances.

KU Lion Dance Team Performance, KCK South Branch Library | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 3 p.m. | Free | Hone in on the sounds of the celebration as drums, gongs, and cymbals lead these lucky lions through their set.

Every corner of the museum transforms for this one-day celebration. | Photo via The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Lunar New Year Festival, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Sunday, Jan. 26 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free | Explore treasures from the Asian art collection between family-friendly crafts and demonstrations by local artists.

KCCAA 2025 Chinese New Year Gala, Midwest Trust Center | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 7 p.m. | $10+ | Take your seat for an evening showcase of traditional dancing and modern musical performances, with special appearances by artists and community leaders.

Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, Feb. 2 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market | Free | Led by the same group that hosts Ethnic Enrichment Fest, this party will be filled with with performances, snake-themed board games, and specialty dishes from Lenexa Public Market merchants.