January 22, 2025

The Fourth Annual Edmonds Lunar New Year

In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is The Year of the Snake (hissss), and if that makes you nervous, don’t let it! Snakes are characterized as alert, calm, and smart. And they’re poised for a big year.

Since a dozen animals are in the zodiac, expect the 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72-year-old (and so on) snakes you know to brim with opportunities in wealth, career, and personal development. Think promotions, notoriety, and big business. Some famous snakes? John F. Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Anne Frank, Bob Dylan, and America’s Sweetheart—Taylor Swift. Is it possible for Tay Tay to have an even better year than ever? The Zodiac odds are certainly in her favor. You heard it here first.

A prosperous year is worth celebrating, isn’t it? We hope you’ll join us because this year’s Lunar New Year event in Edmonds is bigger and better than ever before. Keep reading for the full scoop!

Edmonds Lunar New Year Day Of Events

Traditionally, Lunar New Year is celebrated on or around the first new moon of the lunar calendar. This year’s celebration kicks off the first weekend in February.

The Multicultural Association of Edmonds (MAE) will host its fourth annual Lunar New Year Edmonds (LNYE) event on Saturday, February 1, starting at 10am. Celebrators can expect a performance by Mak Fai Lion Dance (starting at 11am at The Edmonds Center for The Arts, pre-registration required), the Massive Monkees breakdancers, demonstrations by Northwest Wushu Academy, gaming lessons from the Seattle Go Center, a tea garden sponsored by Jaiiya Cafe, and food vendors. The event will also feature community-driven art installations, a market (10am-3pm), a trolley tour, and a Red Envelope Walk featuring local businesses (more on that below). Whew!

If the Edmonds Center for the Arts event is marked as “sold out,” there will be a standby line available on the day of the event at the ECA. There are also plenty of other free activities to enjoy around town!

To be the first to know all things Lunar New Year, keep the LNYE website on refresh and bookmark your schedule here.

Red Envelope Walk cards at Anchor Chic

The Celebration Goes On All Month Long

Look for red lanterns waving from light posts and Lunar New Year-themed art by Madrona K-8 School students on display at local businesses around town.

While you’re out, make sure you participate in the Red Envelope Walk. Businesses that display student art will also have a Lunar New Year factoid to help us all continue learning about our friends and neighbors. Check out the art, read the factoid, pick up a stamp card, and get it stamped at participating businesses. Once you have twelve or more stamps, return your stamp card to Anchor Chic Consignment for a red envelope with a treat and a chance to win a very exciting basket of prizes!

Red Envelope Walk Participating Businesses

Pssst, some of these shops will have displays and run specials, so try to hit them all.

Want To Support The Cause with a Night Out?

MAE is also hosting a benefit at Cascadia Art Museum on February 1st to support their Year of the Snake cultural celebration.

Tickets are $100 and include a drink ticket, small bites featuring local chef Brian Madayag and friends, live music from Greg Kramer Trio and DJ MizRhi, and access to a special talk and presentation by Cascadia’s museum’s curator, David Martin.

Your support will go directly to MAE and help them continue organizing events that build a stronger, more connected community for all of Edmonds. Line up the babysitter if you need to and get your tickets here.

Want to Represent The Cause?

Grab your Lunar New Year merch at the next Winter Market on January 25th and at the February 1st festivities. No sweat if you get distracted and miss your chance. Hoodies and more will be sold online following the good times.

Most importantly, though, don’t forget to bring us along as you ring in the Lunar New Year. Tag @edmondsdowntown on your social media posts, and we’ll share our favorites on our stories!

By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert