How Chinese New Year Just Got Bigger – And Why It Matters

Starting in 2025, Chinese New Year (also referred to as the Spring Festival) is shaping up to be even more exciting, thanks to new updates to China’s public holiday schedule. The Chinese government recently announced two new paid public holidays – Lunar New Year’s Eve and an extra day for Labor Day. The inclusion of May 2nd extends the Labor Day (also known as Wǔyījié in China) statutory holiday from a single day to two days, covering both May 1st and May 2nd. This means that starting in 2025, there will be 13 statutory holidays in China, instead of 11. It’s a small change with a big impact, especially during the Spring Festival. Adding one more day to this official holiday allows families more time to rest and travel.

Extended Spring Festival Celebrations

For millions, the Spring Festival is all about family reunions, delicious feasts, and cherished traditions. In 2025, the festivities officially kick off on January 29, welcoming the Year of the Snake – a symbol of wisdom and transformation in Chinese culture.

By adding Lunar New Year’s Eve as a statutory holiday, the official break now stretches from January 28 to February 4, giving families more time to celebrate. 

A Growing Global Celebration

While these changes directly affect people in China, the ripple effects are felt across the globe. In North America, cities with vibrant Chinese communities light up with parades, festivals, and events during Chinese New Year. And for businesses in the tourism industry, welcoming travellers from China is always an important focus. 

For brands, the Lunar New Year is a perfect opportunity to connect with Chinese audiences, whether through themed promotions on WeChat or RED, special greetings in Mandarin or Cantonese, or simply recognizing employees who celebrate the holiday. 

LAT Multilingual partners with YVR yearly to enhance Vancouver International Airport’s Duty-Free store’s social media presence through targeted paid ads on the RED app, boosting engagement with Chinese travellers.

A little acknowledgment goes a long way in fostering inclusivity and strengthening community ties.

Lunar New Year’s Eve holds a special place in Chinese culture. It’s a time when loved ones come together to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one with hope and joy. 

Looking Ahead to the Year of the Snake

These changes provide more opportunities to engage with the customs that make Chinese New Year one of the most popular celebrations. Whether you’re in China or part of a community that celebrates around the world, the extended holiday period is a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and renewal.