
In Brazil, New Year is always celebrated on the first day of the year. However, in Asian countries, for example, the new year only begins on the first new moon. This is known as Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, which in 2025 officially takes place on January 29th.
As São Paulo is a very diverse city, with a strong Asian presence (among other cultures), events to celebrate the arrival of this new year are in full swing. So if you want to get to know the ancient Chinese culture better, check out the highlights of the program in the capital!

Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in São Paulo?
LEKTRIK ART Festival of Lights
São Paulo’s Botanical Garden is hosting the international light festival LEKTRIK ART, which debuted in Brazil with a multi-sensory proposal. The event features illuminated sculptures and live performances, offering visitors a cultural journey across five continents. Set amidst nature, the festival promises to enchant the public with its magical atmosphere. So get your ticket and celebrate in an unforgettable way.
📅 From Wednesday to Sunday, from 6pm
🎫 From R$49
📍 São Paulo Botanical Garden
Lektrik: Um Festival de Luzes - São Paulo
Chinese New Year in Liberdade
On the first weekend of February, the Liberdade neighborhood hosts its traditional Chinese New Year. As is tradition, the festivities begin with a lion and dragon dance parade, which symbolizes prosperity and good luck for the year to come.
The program will still be announced on the event’s social networks, but we can already tell you that there will be typical dances, shows and lots of typical food!
📅 01 and 02/02, from 10am to 8pm
🎫 Free of charge
📍 Liberdade Square

Chinese New Year at Lohan Temple
The Lohan Temple, located in the Liberdade neighborhood, will also be celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year. The celebration will include blessings from spiritual masters, traditional Chinese music and Kung Fu performances. In addition, the public will be able to see the Dragon and Lion Dance, the Tea Ceremony and explore the wisdom of the I Ching Oracle.
📅 01/02, from 10am to 7pm
🎫 From R$60, with registration available via Whatsapp (11) 99378-5173
📍 Rua Conselheiro Furtado, 445 – Liberdade

Colors of China” show
The Brazil China Sociocultural Institute and the Ministry of Culture are putting on “Cores da China”, a traditional Chinese dance show. There will be two performances bringing together dances, music and artistic expressions from the Asian country’s ethnic minorities, combining tradition and diversity.
📅 08/02, at 11am and 3pm
🎫 Free, with tickets available on the official website
📍 Teatro Gazeta: Avenida Paulista, 900 – Bela Vista

Lunar New Year at the Zu Lai Temple
Finally, the Zu Lai Temple, in the metropolitan region, is also hosting a special Chinese New Year celebration. The event includes calligraphy and origami workshops and attractions such as the Dragon and Lion Dance and the Thousand Buddhas ceremony. In addition, stalls with typical Chinese cuisine provide an immersion in the country’s ancient tradition.
📅 09/02, from 09h30
🎫 Free of charge
📍 Estrada Fernando Nobre, 1461 (access from km 28.5 of the Raposo Tavares highway) – Cotia/SP
