Chinese New Year Holiday 2025
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Country: Taiwan Public Holidays
Description
Chinese New Year Holiday in Taiwan is the biggest annual celebration for families and communities. It marks the start of a new year on the lunar calendar. People see it as a time for new beginnings and hope for good fortune.
The date changes each year because it follows the moon. It usually falls between late January and mid February. The holiday period in Taiwan lasts several days, and many schools and businesses close so people can spend time with family.
This holiday is very important for cultural identity. It connects people to history, shared values, and the rhythms of the seasons. It also brings a strong sense of belonging and continuity across generations.
Chinese New Year is both personal and national. It affects daily life, the economy, and public events. For many, it is the most meaningful holiday of the year, full of optimism for what comes next.
Traditions
Before New Year people clean and decorate homes to welcome luck. They paste red spring couplets on doors, hang lanterns, and wear red clothes. Families prepare special foods and set up ancestor offerings on altars.
On New Year Eve families share a big reunion dinner. Common foods include fish for abundance, sticky niangao for higher fortunes, dumplings, and sweet tangyuan. After dinner children get red envelopes with money and everyone wishes each other well.
During the holiday people visit temples to pray and burn incense. Streets fill with lion and dragon dances, loud drums, and sometimes fireworks. Many families also visit relatives to give greetings and share festive treats.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some restaurants close or have reduced hours during Chinese New Year. Trains, buses and airports get very crowded. Book tickets and accommodation early. Check timetables online and carry some cash because small stores may not take cards.
Enjoy public events and night markets that stay open, but follow safety signs and crowd rules. Keep your group together. Be careful near fireworks and busy streets. Know local emergency numbers and bring masks and hand sanitizer to stay healthy while exploring safely.