Celebrate the Year of the Snake with family-friendly events across the region, from colorful Lion Dance performances and traditional crafts to shadow puppets, yo-yos, and calligraphy. With activities for all ages, this Lunar New Year promises fun, learning, and a chance to experience the rich traditions of the holiday.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Lunar New Year Storytime
Bethesda
Celebrate the start of the Year of the Snake with a themed storytime, sing-along, and craft session. Learn about Lunar New Year traditions, including customs for chasing away evil spirits and welcoming happiness, prosperity, and luck. Kids can make lanterns, dragons, and snakes to take home. Free. Best suited for children through elementary school age.
When: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda
Learn more.
Lunar New Year Craft and Parade
Silver Spring
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at White Oak Library! Enjoy family-friendly crafts and activities, culminating in a community snake craft from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by an indoor parade at 12:30 p.m. All supplies are provided. Free. Best for preschoolers and up.
When: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
Learn more.
Lunar New Year Activity
Gaithersburg
Join the Gaithersburg Community Museum for a fun-filled day of snake-themed crafts and activities while learning about Lunar New Year traditions. This drop-in event is perfect for visitors of all ages. Free.
When: 11:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Where: Gaithersburg Community Museum, 16 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg.
Learn more.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Jenn’s Uncommon Critters
Gaithersburg
Discover fascinating facts about snakes at “Awesome Animal Ambassadors – Year of the Snake,” a family-friendly program by Jenn’s Uncommon Critters. Designed for ages 4 and up, but siblings are welcome. Free.
When: 2–3 p.m.
Where: Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg
Learn more.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Li-Ming Chinese Academy
Wheaton
Experience Chinese traditions brought to life by the Li-Ming Chinese Academy, including a Lion Dance, Shadow Puppet Show, and yo-yo performance. Activity booths will offer opportunities to try paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy, and more. Free. All ages welcome.
When: 2–3 p.m.
Where: Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
Learn more.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Bethesda
The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) presents a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy festive décor, cultural performances, and more. Donate gently used or new clothes to benefit Interfaith Works and receive a “hongbao” (red envelope) to redeem at participating retailers. Free. RSVP requested.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Learn more and RSVP.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Lunar New Year with the CYC Lion Dance Team
Potomac
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a traditional Lion Dance performance by the CYC Lion Dance Team. Free. All ages welcome.
When: 10:30a.m.–11 a.m.
Where: Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac
Learn more.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Rockville
The City of Rockville honors Lunar New Year with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). This event celebrates Rockville’s Asian cultures and offers an educational experience for the whole community. Free.
When: 3–5:30 p.m.
Where: Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Rd., Rockville.
Learn more.
Li-Ming Chinese Academy: Lunar New Year Celebration
Germantown
Celebrate with the Li-Ming Chinese Academy’s engaging event featuring a Lion Dance, shadow puppets, yo-yos, and activity booths for kids. Free.
When: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd., Germantown
Learn more.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Bethesda
KuangChi Chinese School invites you to enjoy traditional Chinese folk dance, musical performances, and hands-on activities such as paper cutting, calligraphy, and balloon making. Free.
When: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Where: Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Learn more.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Lunar New Year Celebration
Bethesda
The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) presents a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy festive décor, cultural performances, and more. Donate gently used or new clothes to benefit Interfaith Works and receive a “hongbao” (red envelope) to redeem at participating retailers. Free. RSVP requested.
When: Saturday, Jan 25, and Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Learn more and RSVP.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Celebrate Lunar New Year with DC Beauty of Beijing Opera Society
Wheaton
Discover the captivating art of traditional Chinese opera with a presentation by Luisa Huang of the DC Beauty of Beijing Opera Society. Learn about the colorful costumes, drama, and special effects of this ancient art form. Free.
When: 5:30–7 p.m.
Where: Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
Learn more.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Beginner Chinese Calligraphy and Painting
Potomac
Learn Chinese calligraphy and brush painting in this beginner-friendly class with Amy Chen. Create a snake painting and write the New Year in traditional Chinese characters. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
When: 1–2 p.m.
Where: Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Dr., Potomac
Learn more.
