It may seem like a lifetime has passed since we counted down to midnight on December 31 but there’s another New Year on the horizon: Chinese New Year.
The calendar follows the 12 animals of the zodiac. The occasion is marked by more than two billion people on Earth, in China and diaspora across the world with plenty of food, celebratory parades and, of course, present giving.
When is Chinese New Year in 2025?
In 2025, the auspicious date falls on January 29 with parties, feasts and rituals running for just over a fortnight. Also known as chunjie, or the Spring Festival, the event heralds the beginning of a new season.
London is on track to celebrate the event in style with a traditional parade travelling from Charing Cross down to Shaftsbury Avenue and plenty of revelry in Chinatown.
What animal is it this Lunar New Year?
Various animals mark the Chinese calendar on a 60-year rotation. This year it’s the turn of the snake, the sixth creature in the Chinese zodiac. While it doesn’t have the best PR here in the West, in the East the creature is said to represent wisdom, transformative energy, growth, stability and creativity.
What makes this year even more special is that the snake has been paired with the wood element, which many believe is a rare and meaningful combination that appears only once every 60 years - the last time we saw this combination was 1965.
What gifts should you give for Chinese New Year?
Cash tucked inside an auspicious red envelope (red is regarded as a lucky colour in the East) or two mandarin oranges offered with both hands are said to be traditional gifts.
However, gifting has become a major part of the celebrations with major brands and luxury retailers creating limited-edition products and collections to mark the occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating or know someone who is, we’ve created an inspiring edit of the best gift ideas to give this incoming Lunar New Year.
Shop now
Fortnums The Lunar New Year Hamper
Whether you're celebrating at home or want a lavish gift to give to your party hosts, Fortnums has you covered with a special edition hamper. A wicker basket stuffed with the finest from the Mayfair institution making it a winner for all the family.
Expect a Cup of Good Fortune Loose Leaf Tea, chocolate and ginger biscuits amongst more delights.
Buy now £80.00, F&M
REMY MARTIN Luna New Year 2025 XO cognac 700ml
Who wouldn't want to raise a glass of something special on such an occasion? Remy Martin has your New Year toast in the bag with this limited edition bottle of its XO Cognac, handsomely presented in an illustrated gift box.
Buy now £205.00, Selfridges
Christian Louboutin LoubiPrince Snake Eau de Parfum Intense
For the fragrance-obsessed fan, a luxe new vial for their dressing table will delight. Christian Louboutin may be best known for its iconic red-soled heels, but the beauty offering is just as opulent. For Chinese New Year, the LoubiPrince Snake is most fitting.
Buy now £265.00, Harrods
ESTEE LAUDER Luna New Year Advanced Night Repair Serum 50ml
Greet the lunar year fresh-faced and glowing. Estee Lauder has released its award-winning Advanced Night Repair Serum in a limited edition Luna New Year recyclable bottle. You'll barely need gift wrap.
Buy now £89.00, Selfridges
Missoma x Harris Reed Fine Coiled Serpent Ring
Missoma's collaboration with Harris Reed has garnered many gems, including this coiled serpent ring. The piece is crafted from 14ct solid gold and laid with clear diamonds to bring it to life.
Buy now £3250.00, Missoma
Maria Tash Engraved Snake with Diamond Eyes Stud Earring
Famed for her punky-inspired collections, Maria Tash is a New York-based designer who has a unique perspective when it comes to fine jewellery.
With diamonds for eyes and scales engraved in 14kt gold, this is the kind of serpent we can get on board with. Snake it ‘til you make it.
Buy now £345.00, Liberty
Montblanc The Legend Of Zodiac The Snake Small notebook
Great plans for the future start in great notebooks. Montblanc's are more special than most, and this leather-bound design is finished with an on-script snake design.
Buy now £75.00, Selfridges
Ruggable Year of The Snake Doormat
Send greetings from your doorstep thanks to Ruggable's lunar year edition doormat, featuring a serpent in an elegant palette of red and gold.
Buy now £139.00, Ruggable
DUKE & DEXTER Snake printed leather card holder
Mix old and new traditions by swapping a red envelope for this Duke & Dexter card holder to stuff in crisp New Year banknotes.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
Barbour Lunar New Year Collection
Barbour has joined the Lunar New Year party with a capsule collection that brings motifs of Chinese tradition with its iconic English silhouette. With bold slashes of lucky red, the limited edition line spans everything from wax and quilted jackets to accessories like scarves.
Buy now, Barbour
