HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Lunar New Year is a vibrant and meaningful holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world, especially in countries like China, Korea, Vietnam and others in East Asia and Hawaiʻi. It’s a time to welcome a fresh start, based on the cycles of the moon, rather than the regular calendar year. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In 2025, the Lunar New Year will begin on Jan. 29 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac features 12 animals that represent each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. These animals include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each year, one animal takes the spotlight, and each animal holds its own special meaning and qualities. The Year of the Snake occurs once every 12 years; and 2025 will be a time to honor this wise, graceful and mysterious creature. As you plan your Lunar New Year celebration, why not choose a unique theme to bring the spirit of the season to life? Here are 10 creative party themes that will add fun and excitement to your festivities while honoring the traditions and symbolism of this special holiday. Zodiac animal showcase Focus on the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with each guest or area representing a different animal. You can decorate with artwork or symbols related to each animal and have themed activities that highlight the characteristics of each zodiac animal. Lantern festival wonderland Create a magical atmosphere by decorating with colorful paper lanterns, lantern-shaped lights and glow-in-the-dark items. Host a lantern-making activity and encourage guests to write wishes for the new year on their lanterns to release at the end of the evening. Fortune teller's den Set up a mystical "fortune teller" corner where guests can get their fortunes read, either with traditional methods like fortune cookies, or with playful activities like tarot card readings. Decorate the area with mystical symbols and soft lighting for an enchanting vibe. Dynasty feast Turn your party into an ancient Chinese imperial banquet. Decorate with royal gold, red and purple colors and serve traditional Chinese foods like dumplings, spring rolls and Peking duck. You can even hire performers to recreate ancient court dances or music to entertain your guests. Chinese garden party Bring the serenity of a traditional Chinese garden to life with bamboo plants, bonsai trees, koi fish ponds (or fish tanks) and stone lanterns. Offer guests tea and fortune cookies while enjoying peaceful music and nature-inspired decorations. Red and gold glamour Go for an elegant, sophisticated celebration with a luxurious red and gold color palette. Think elegant table settings, gold tableware and shimmering accents. This theme can incorporate formal attire, so guests can feel like they're attending a grand celebration. Year of the animal costume party Pick a theme based on the specific animal of the lunar year (for example, the Year of the Snake in 2025). Guests can dress up as animals from the Chinese zodiac from the year they were born; and the party can include fun animal-themed games and activities, such as animal trivia or a costume contest. Street market bazaar Bring the energy of a vibrant Chinese street market to your party. Set up food stalls with different types of traditional snacks like bao buns, dumplings and fried rice. Include games, trinkets and fun activities like a "ring toss" or "fish for prizes" booth for guests to enjoy. Cultural connection party Celebrate the diversity of Lunar New Year traditions across different cultures, such as Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and others. Have stations showcasing food, clothing and customs from each country and encourage guests to learn about these diverse traditions through interactive experiences. Dragon dance adventure Highlight the iconic dragon dance by incorporating it into your celebration. Decorate with dragon-themed banners and even hire a dragon dance troupe to perform at the party. Guests can create dragon-themed crafts or wear dragon-inspired costumes for added fun. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 How ever you decide to celebrate the Year of the Snake, remember that family is what makes these celebrations have meaning and significance for generations to come.