Lunar New Year is Now a Cincinnati Holiday

Cincy rings in the Year of the Snake by appreciating and collaborating with local AAPI community.
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Asianati PR Manager (second from the right) and other local AAPI community members celebrate City Council’s resolution officially recognizing Lunar New Year.

Photo courtesy Lam Dang

For all of Cincinnati’s history, the New Year has kicked off January 1, but this year city leaders decided to add a second New Year to the calendar. On January 29, 2025, Cincinnati will recognize Lunar New Year as an official holiday thanks to a resolution passed by City Council.

Marking the beginning of the traditional lunar calendar and celebrating the start of spring, Lunar New Year is an especially important event to East Asian communities all over the world. “It’s a time of joy, renewal, and deep cultural traditions centered around family and community,” says Asianati Public Relations Director Lam Dang.

The resolution was approved unanimously by the Cincinnati City Council, and is part of a larger effort to highlight the contributions to the city by the growing AAPI population. The community’s impact can be observed in all facets of life, including public service and government: Mayor Aftab Pureval, is the city’s first Asian American mayor.

Additionally, the AAPI community have been big contributors to the city’s businesses and economy. “Asian Food Fest attracts over 120,000 people every year and is growing by 10 percent every year,” says Dang. “Night Market attracted over 800,000 people in the past year.

“The recognition of Lunar New Year aligns with Cincinnati’s values of inclusivity, encouraging the entire community to take part in celebrations, educational events, and cultural programs that reflect the significance of this holiday,” Dang adds. “When I was growing up, our extended family wasn’t here initially so Lunar New Year was the time when the community came together, and we were able to have that family connection.”


Here’s where you can celebrate Cincinnati’s first official Lunar New Year:

Lunar New Year Sake Fest
Tokyo Kitty will host a free sake tasting and education event for adults 21 and older, exploring how sake is produced and identifying the different notes of each sample. Afterwards, bottles will be available for purchase. Jan 29, 6—9 p.m., Tokyo Kitty, 575 Race St., downtown

The Gatherall Lunar New Year Celebration
Factory 52 will have martial arts demonstrations, origami, storytime sessions, dances, and food. Feb 1, Noon—7 p.m., The Gatherall, 2750 Park Ave., Norwood

Lunar New Year Celebration

The Liberty Center’s family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration includes activities such as calligraphy, water writing, and Chinese tea tasting. Feb 1, 2—5 p.m., Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Twp.

2nd Annual Chinese New Year Gala

The Ohio Chinese Opera Association and Big Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center welcomes in the Lunar New Year with classical Chinese dance, music, and cultural showcases. Feb 8, 3—5 p.m., Princeton High School, 100 Viking Wy., Sharonville

Lunar New Year Dinner & Lion Dance

The Milford Miami Township Chamber is celebrating the start of the year with a performance from Louisville River Lotus Lion Dance and a Chinese buffet catered by Oriental Wok. Feb 22, 5:30—8:30 p.m., Little Miami Brewing Event Center, 220 Mill St., Milford

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