In the Chinese zodiac 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat. The Chinese Lunar New Year begins January 25, 2020, and starts the 15-day Spring Festival that concludes with the Lantern Festival. The Chinese zodiac rotates through a 12-year cycle of animals and the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. As the first animal in the cycle, the rat is believed to usher in a period of new beginnings. The Year of the Rat is followed by the Year of the Ox. Different regions across Asia celebrate Lunar New Year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac.
Learn more and celebrate with online and in-person events on our Lunar New Year page.