Happy Lunar New Year! It's the Year of The Snake. Snakes are viewed with both fear and reverence in Chinese culture. On the one hand, venomous snakes are associated with darkness. But in Chinese mythology, snakes are also known as “little dragons,” and the skin they shed is known as “the dragon's coat,” symbolizing good luck, rebirth and regeneration. The snake also symbolizes the pursuit of love and happiness. In Chinese culture, they are grouped with the turtle and crane as a symbol of longevity.
Lunar New Year Opening Lion Dance | Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Lan Su Chinese Garden | Free | Welcome the Year of the Snake with a special lion dance performance at the garden’s Entrance Plaza.
Lunar New Year Lantern Viewing Evenings | Wednesday, Jan. 29-Sunday, Feb. 23 | 5:30 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Lan Su Chinese Garden | $14-$43 | Take in the sights of the garden at night as glowing lanterns illuminate traditional architecture and floating sculptures.
Chinese New Year Cultural Fair | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Oregon Convention Center | $11 | Experience traditional Chinese dances, music, calligraphy, martial arts, and games for kids.
2025 Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 8 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Free | The ninth annual parade, presented by the Portland Chinatown Museum and Oregon Historical Society, will showcase a 150-ft-long dragon, lion dancers, and other performers as they make their way around Old Town Chinatown.
Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Washington Square | Free | Visit the mall’s Summit Court for live performances, crafts, stories, dances, and to make a wish on the Wishing Tree.
Oregon 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Keller Auditorium | $29-$99 | This popular annual event by the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland includes performances from 300+ dancers, actors, comedians, singers, and more.
David Douglas School District Lunar New Year Celebration. | Friday, Feb. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | DDHS South Building | Food, music and community.