It happens on a different day every year and is based on moon cycles, according to USA Today.
When does Lunar New Year start?
The Year of the Dragon starts on Feb. 10 and continues through Jan. 28, 2025, when the Year of the Snake begins. Feb. 10 happens to be the night of the second new moon that comes after the winter solstice, according to USA Today.
How is it celebrated?
The Lunar New Year is celebrated with carnivals, parades, fireworks, family events and more in Asian communities, including in the United States, according to The Associated Press. Asian countries celebrate with a big festival that lasts multiple days. Each country celebrates differently.
It is celebrated around getting rid of bad luck and bringing in good luck and prosperity. You will particularly see the color red involved. In many Asian cultures, that signifies a good future and joy.
Many will wear red clothes, decorate their homes or spaces with red lanterns and also give family and friends a red envelope with money inside to promote good wishes for the year, according to the AP.
Years of the Dragon, past and future
The next Year of the Dragon will occur in 2036. Previously it was celebrated in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012, USA Today reported.
Significance of the dragon
The dragon is part of the Chinese zodiac calendar. It is actually the fifth animal out of 12, according to USA Today. It signifies good luck, justice, prosperity and strength.
“A dragon in China, as a culture, it’s a spirit, it’s a symbol,” Chen Yang, a professor of Chinese culture and philosophy at George Washington University, previously told USA Today. “The dragon is a well-known mascot.”
The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, according to CNN. Your zodiac animal is based on the year you were born.
“For those who are born in the Dragon year, you would experience more rocky luck and a bit more limitations with work, relationships, etc, in general,” says Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based consultant who blends traditional Chinese geomancy with modern design elements, according to CNN. “It’s a good year to stay low-profile and humble. The higher profile you try to be, the harder it’ll hit you.”
Some experts are hoping that a dragon year will lead to an increase in the Chinese birth rate, according to the University of Colorado. It was reportedly seen in 2012 when a boom was seen that year.
“Dragon years are definitely considered some of the most auspicious,” explains Yu Zhang, a teaching assistant professor of Chinese at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations. “Maybe among younger generations, the (Chinese) zodiac isn’t as important as it used to be, but I would say there’s still a preference for dragon years.”
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 09: People take picture with the decorative dragon lantern during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 09, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 09: A girl admires a dragon decorative lantern during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 09, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BANGKOK, THAILAND - FEBRUARY 09: A view of Chinese lanterns at a temple on Lunar New Years Eve on February 09, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia celebrates a lively Lunar New Year in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with families. In Thailand, which has a sizeable population of Chinese lineage, people gather with family and celebrate with feasts and visits to temples. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting a steep increase in tourism during the Lunar New Year now that visa free travel is permmited for Chinese citizens to Thailand. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: Filipinos watch dragon dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: Filipinos offer prayers at the Seng Guan temple during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BANGKOK, THAILAND - FEBRUARY 09: Gift baskets available for purchase are seen in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve on February 09, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia celebrates a lively Lunar New Year in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with families. In Thailand, which has a sizeable population of Chinese lineage, people gather with family and celebrate with feasts and visits to temples. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting a steep increase in tourism during the Lunar New Year now that visa free travel is permmited for Chinese citizens to Thailand. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: A performer breathes fire during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 09: Oil lamps in a shape of a lotus flowers are shown during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 09, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe HANOI, VIETNAM - FEBRUARY 10: A calligrapher writes down wishes to visitors to mark the start of the Lunar New Year on February 10, 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. The day is celebrated around the world, and The Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) (Linh Pham/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 09: People arrive at the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 09, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: Lion and dragon dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BEIJING, CHINA - FEBRUARY 9: People gather around a large dragon figure for the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival at a park in a local historic area on February 9, 2024 in Beijing, China. China will usher in the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar New Year which begins on February 10th. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 09: A dragon lantern decoration seen during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 09, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BANGKOK, THAILAND - FEBRUARY 09: A dragon dance troupe performs at the Kuan Yim Shrine in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve on February 09, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia celebrates a lively Lunar New Year in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with families. In Thailand, which has a sizeable population of Chinese lineage, people gather with family and celebrate with feasts and visits to temples. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting a steep increase in tourism during the Lunar New Year now that visa free travel is permmited for Chinese citizens to Thailand. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BANGKOK, THAILAND - FEBRUARY 09: Customers shop for Lunar New Year themed items in Chinatown on February 09, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia celebrates a lively Lunar New Year in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with families. In Thailand, which has a sizeable population of Chinese lineage, people gather with family and celebrate with feasts and visits to temples. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting a steep increase in tourism during the Lunar New Year now that visa free travel is permmited for Chinese citizens to Thailand. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: Filipinos watch dragon dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - FEBRUARY 10: A member of a China Acrobatics troupe performs during the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple on February 10, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is marked by family gatherings, festive adornments and traditional rituals embodying a spirit of hope and renewal for the year ahead, and aims to bring joy and prosperity to all while fostering a sense of unity and hope for a successful Year of the Dragon. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) (Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 10: Dragon dancers perform during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated around the world, and the year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe BANGKOK, THAILAND - FEBRUARY 09: A lion dance troupe performs on Yaowarat Road in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve on February 09, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia celebrates a lively Lunar New Year in Bangkok's Chinatown. It is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with families. In Thailand, which has a sizeable population of Chinese lineage, people gather with family and celebrate with feasts and visits to temples. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting a steep increase in tourism during the Lunar New Year now that visa free travel is permmited for Chinese citizens to Thailand. (Photo by Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images) (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon celebrated across the globe HANOI, VIETNAM - FEBRUARY 10: People pray at Tay Ho Temple to mark the start of the Lunar New Year on February 10, 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. The day is celebrated around the world, and The Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 is associated with growth, progress, and abundance, as wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon symbolizes success, intelligence, and honor. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) (Linh Pham/Getty Images)