HOLLYWOOD—Who is ready for the Lunar New Year celebrated on January 29? This year, it’s the year of the snake. While California is being devastated with the wildfires, some will still celebrate the festivities.  This year, the new year begins on Wednesday, January 29. Celebrations often last several days, and the new year period culminates with the Lantern Festival, held this year on February 12. Each Chinese New Year is linked to one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and 2025 marks the Year of the Snake. The sixth animal in the zodiac cycle. The snake actually symbolizes wisdom, elegance, and intuition.

Much like the snake sheds its skin, 2025 marks a year when individuals and communities can let go of old patterns and embrace innovation. The year of the Snake serves as a call for thoughtful action and strategic change. So what do you wear for the New Year? The color red is considered symbolic. It stands for prosperity, good luck and vitality. It’s also considered to ward off evil and negative energies. One should wear red to attract good fortune and start the year on a positive note. Some celebrities born in the year of the snake include Taylor Swift, Audrey Hepburn and Bob Dylan among others.

Naturally, food is at the heart of the festivities, with dishes carefully chosen for their symbolism and shared with loved ones. In Los Angeles, so many restaurants are having celebrations. In Beverly Hills, they have the Lunasia Dim Sum House that has a limited menu available through February 2, where savory delights such as jumbo shrimp har gow, steamed BBQ pork baos, sweet egg yolk baos and sesame balls filled with sweet bean paste, are available at the hotel’s dining venues. They also have Lunar New Year afternoon tea at the Peninsula’s Living Room through February 2, which includes the delicious Japanese egg sandwiches, that can be paired with red bean macarons.

You can also find in Beverly Hills, the Crustacean which is pulling out all the stops for the Lunar New Year. Highlights include money bag shumai, salt and pepper crispy quail, caviar fried chicken, poached sea bass, uni garlic noodles with 24k gold and strawberry chiffon shortcake in honor of the snake. On January 31, there will be a dragon dance performance at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on February 2, a Lunar New Year brunch with another dragon dance.

The Formosa Café has been an iconic landmark, serving up classic Chinese American fare with a side of Hollywood history. It was once frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, and remains a favorite among the locals. On January 27, guests can enjoy a special lion dance performance by the East Wind Foundation’s youth troupe, a truly festive way to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

In downtown LA, the restaurant Kato, is ranked No. 1 on the 2024 101 Best Restaurants list, bringing together the best of the country’s culinary scene for a meaningful cause. All proceeds from its collaborations with acclaimed restaurants will benefit Restaurants Care, directly supporting those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Back in 2023, Liu’s Cafe opened, this Chinese American diner, bakery and café has quickly become a standout in Koreatown, earning Michelin Bib Gourmand status in its first year. Recently, it expanded to include an ice cream shop next door, serving Taiwanese and Hong Kong inspired flavors. Shrimp dumplings will be served with a special soy vinegar dipping sauce, the dumplings are available at the café from January 22 to February 2 with limited quantities daily.

Rose’s Scoop: Guns N’ Roses 2025 tour, Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things, will take place in Europe and the Middle East. The tour will begin on May 23, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and end on July 31 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. Supporting acts will include Public Enemy, Rival Sons, and Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter.