Chinese New Year in Amsterdam

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Amsterdam’s Chinatown. The Chinese New Year begins every year between 21 January and 20 February, on the second new moon after the 21 December solstice. In 2025, the Chinese year 4722, The Year of the Snake, begins. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on 29 January. We celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon on 29 january. Starting from the Buddhist Temple, a procession is held through Chinatown with traditional lions and dragons, to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. Of course, there will also be fireworks! The parade lasts from 12.00-13.30pm and roughly follows the route: Buddhist Temple – Zeedijk – Stormsteeg – Geldersekade – Zeedijk – Nieuwmarkt – Kloveniersburgwal. The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is the most important event in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated worldwide. On this day, Chinese people gather with their families, and rituals involving food, sacrifices at temples and the colour red take centre stage. Superstitious people can indulge themselves during Chinese New Year: according to the Chinese, you can eat your way to happiness. Thus, yu sheng (raw fish salad) and fai-hai (seaweed) are on the menu, both of which bring luck and prosperity. On New Year’s Day, an impressive parade with dragons and lions is held on the Zeedijk, the main artery of the district. These mighty animals are supposed to drive away the evil spirits. Around this street, fireworks are set off and food stalls are organised in the open air. Music undoubtedly plays an important role, with drums, gongs and cymbals. Most activities take place near the Nieuwmarkt. This district is also known as the Chinatown of Amsterdam. You will find a real Buddhist temple here: the Fo Guang Shan He Hua. At this Chinese temple, the annual Chinese New Year celebration takes place. -- Event source: https://winterfestivalamsterdam.com/event/chinese-new-year-in-amsterdam/