
2025 will be the Year of the Snake, “says” the Chinese Lunar New Year , more commonly called Chinese New Year, with celebrations in Lisbon starting on January 25 and running until February 4.
Being one of the most important celebrations in China, in countries where there is a large Chinese community – which includes Portugal – it is also very common for various festivities to take place.
Chinese New Year also marks the beginning of the new calendar, which is lunisolar, i.e. it determines dates according to the Moon and the Sun: the year begins on the first New Moon, which in 2025 is between January 21 and February 20.
The Year of the Snake is synonymous with wisdom, mystery and knowledge, and Lisbon will not “escape” the celebrations of this sign. That’s why we’ve created this guide with everything you can see, know and even taste on this day.
Table Of Contents
Celebrating Chinese New Year on the streets of Lisbon
Avenida Almirante Reis, from Alameda to Praça Martim Moniz, is usually the center of all the pilgrimages on this special day of Lunar New Year celebrations, with the streets filling up with red lanterns and dancing dragons, in a parade that is always very interesting to watch.
Address: from Alameda to Martim Moniz Square
Visit the Orient Museum
As usual every year, the Museu do Oriente has prepared a very special program for the Year of the Dragon, which began on January 27 and runs until February 11 (Sunday):
- January 25th
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Workshop (over 14) Year of the Snake | Chinese ink and the Chinese brush
- January 26th
- 3pm to 5pm: Children’s workshop (7-12 years) The Lunar New Year in Pop Up
- January 29th
- 11am: Themed guided tour The Year of the Snake: Preparations and Celebrations
- January 31st
- 18h30: Guided tour themed The Year of the Serpent
- February 8th
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Feng Shui for 2025
Address: Avenida Brasília (Doca de Alcântara – North)
Sichuan cuisine
The Old House restaurant will also be taking part in the celebrations starting on January 29, with special dinners combining authentic Chinese flavors and a festive atmosphere full of symbolism.
Address: Rua da Pimenta 9 (Parque das Nações)
Try your luck in the casinos of Lisbon and Estoril
If you’re on a bad streak, maybe it’s time to try your luck in one of these casinos, but always in moderation, of course.
If you stop by the casinos in Lisbon, Parque das Nações, and Estoril, you can already see the decorations and a cultural program that promises a lot of entertainment throughout the night.
Address: Alameda dos Oceanos 45 (Parque das Nações); Avenida Dr. Stanley Ho, Edifício do Casino Estoril (Estoril)