Lunar New Year - The Bellevue Collection

The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar and is derived from 12 full cycles of the moon. It is celebrated by many Asian communities including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. There are 12 Chinese zodiac animals and one is associated with each 12-year cycle. 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

Our celebration will take place at Bellevue Square on Saturday, January 25.
Join us for live performances, crafts, displays and more.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with wishes for good fortune and good health. Gather with family and friends to celebrate traditions during this season.

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection is presented in partnership with the Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association (SCCAA) and The Overseas Community Affairs Council – Republic of China (Taiwan).

Chinese New Year

Many spend weeks preparing for Chinese New Year by cleaning the house and decorating their homes with lanterns to bring wisdom and good fortune for the year. On New Year’s Day, it is customary to dress in new clothes and greet each other, saying gong xi fai cai (Mandarin) or gung hei faat choy (Cantonese), “wishes for great happiness and prosperity.” Families come together to celebrate, sharing food and paying respect to their ancestors.

Seollal

Seollal celebrations honor family, tradition and ancestors. Families play traditional games like yutnori, a board game that involves throwing sticks to determine movement on a game board. Young family members perform the bowing ceremony (Sabae) to their elders as a way of showing respect. In return, elders offer blessings for health, happiness and success in the coming year. Sometimes, they also give money (sebaetdon) or small gifts.

Tết

Tết is celebrated with traditions such as new clothes to start the year and reuniting with family. Decorations, including long strips of red paper, are often displayed on either side of the front door. Special holiday foods are prepared for visitors during this time of celebration. It’s a time to pay respects to ancestors by visiting family graves or honoring their ancestors. The belief is that the spirits of ancestors return during Tết to bless the living for the new year.

Décor & Displays January 13 - February 2

Lunar New Year Décor

Experience Lunar New Year décor throughout Bellevue Square.

Snake Craft

Pick up a snake craft to make at home from Guest Services in Bellevue Square's Center Court. One per person, while supplies last.

Red Envelopes

Pick up a lucky red envelope from Guest Services in Bellevue Square's Center Court. One per person, while supplies last.

Interactive Screen

Explore traditions from Chinese New Year, Vietnamese New Year (Tết) and Korean New Year (Seollal) on the interactive screen in Bellevue Square's Center Court.

Lunar New Year Displays

See traditional garments and artifacts on display throughout the first level of Bellevue Square.

Pop Spot

Stop by our Lunar New Year pop spot to snap a photo in Bellevue Square's Center Court.

AR Photo Op

Discover three augmented reality photo opportunities celebrating Lunar New Year and download your photo.