When Is Chinese New Year? Why Today’s Full ‘Wolf Moon’ Sets Up ‘Year Of The Snake’

As today's full moon—the “Wolf Moon”—rises in the east during dusk, it will begin a countdown to one of our planet's most culturally significant new moons.

January’s new moon, which will occur on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year (also called Chinese New Year), the Year of the Snake. This 15-day celebration, celebrated by billions of people, is based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, which uses the moon's phases and the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Along with the full moon, sky-watchers can enjoy a spectacular Mars occultation by the Wolf Moon this week and, a few nights later on Saturday, Jan. 18, a dazzling conjunction of Venus and Saturn.

Here’s everything you need to know about the “Wolf Moon” and Chinese Lunar New Year 2025:

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What Is Chinese Lunar New Year?

Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations observed by millions worldwide. The 15-day festival begins with the first new moon of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and culminates in the Lantern Festival on the next full moon.

When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2025?

The moon’s phases determine the festival’s timing. In 2025, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, Jan. 29, with the Year of the Wood Snake lasting until Feb. 16, 2026. The celebration ends on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, as February’s full moon, the “Snow Moon,” rises.

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The Full ‘Wolf Moon’ and the Occultation of Mars

January’s full moon, the Wolf Moon, will glow orange just after sunset on Monday, Jan. 13, as it peeks above the eastern horizon. Later on, Mars will disappear behind the Wolf Moon in an event known as an occultation. From North America, the red planet will vanish and reappear for a specific time between 8:44 p.m. EST and 12:52 a.m. EST (In-the-sky.org has a map and location-specific timings). As a bonus, Mars is this week at opposition—the biggest and brightest it gets in Earth's sky. It's a once-every-26-month event.

What Is the ‘Year of the Wood Snake’?

The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle of animals combined with one of five elements—wood, fire, Earth, metal, or water—creating a unique 60-year cycle. This year’s Wood Snake last occurred in 1965. The snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation, while the wood element signifies growth and renewal.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

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