Booming drums, swathes of red clothing, and vibrant lions taking over NorthCourt can only mean one thing—it's Lunar New Year! We welcomed thousands of visitors on Saturday, January 25 for our annual celebration of this festive holiday in partnership with the Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Typically lasting about 15 days, Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year. Unlike the solar calendar, which always begins the year on January 1, Lunar New Year is based on the lunar (moon) calendar and does not always fall on the same date. This year began on January 29, marking the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal of the Chinese zodiac.

Although different cultures celebrate Lunar New Year in different ways, many similar customs include preparing special foods, wearing bright and new clothing, spending time with family and friends, watching lion and dragon dances, and following other traditions meant to usher in a lucky and auspicious new year.

And we checked off many of those things at NorthPark!

The day started with a lively performance from Rising Phoenix Lion Dance Association, with lions and dragons jumping to new heights in NorthCourt. Children shrieked in delight as they fed the lions red envelopes with money inside to bring good fortune, wealth, and prosperity in the new year.

Just down the hall, visitors found a variety of fun crafts and activities to bring the new year magic home with them. The Crow Museum facilitated a paper lantern craft, said to illuminate the path to new beginnings.

Other crafts with the Crow included a paper snake, symbolizing wisdom, agility, and determination, and a knot-making activity, to carry hope for a year filled with happiness and success.

Our friends at Bookmarks, a Dallas Public Library, helped little ones create red envelopes, and the UTD Chinese Student Association taught the art of origami and fai chun, vibrant red paper banners that bring good fortune.

The highlight of the day (or, depending on your comfort level with snakes, maybe the worst part?) was thanks to Creepy Critters and Bookmarks. These experienced handlers brought a zoo of slithering snakes and lizards to provide an educational, up-close look at this year's mascot.

Snakes—born in the years 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025—are said to be charming, cunning, and wise. This year's element is wood, representing a time of greater creativity, self-reflection, and growth.

The day concluded with a wonderful performance from Dallas Asian Winds, an all-volunteer group of highly trained musicians with the vision of bringing Asian culture to all members of the community. Conducted by Jung-Moo Lee, the group treated the crowd to famous Asian folk songs and a few favorites from Disney's Mulan.

Thank you to all the groups and visitors who came out to celebrate the Year of the Snake with us! We will see you next year—Horse signs, get ready!