For many cultures, 2023 represents the Year of the Rabbit — a year of hope. The rabbit signifies longevity, peace and prosperity. In Vietnam, 2023 is recognized as the Year of the Cat. Rabbit or cat, Lunar New Year is an international holiday celebrated by nearly 2 billion people globally in countries including China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and beyond. This year, Lunar New Year festivities will starts around Jan. 22 with traditions like the Spring Festival and close with the Lantern Festival in February.

Student organizations and colleges across campus are celebrating the Lunar New Year beginning Saturday, Jan. 21. In collaboration, International Studies and Programs compiled a list of the following events to help MSU community members engage with and promote Lunar New Year celebrations on campus and beyond. 

Events

Saturday, Jan. 21

3 p.m. - Lunar New Year Celebration Concert

MSU College of Music, Cook Recital Hall

The MSU College of Music is hosting a special event to celebrate the Lunar New Year organized by violin and viola faculty member Yvonne Lam and featuring a stellar cast of MSU artists and guests performing works by composers of Asian descent. A reception in the Billman Music Pavilion will take place immediately following the concert. This ticketed event is general admission and free for students. Learn more and get tickets.

Saturday, Jan. 21

6 p.m. - MSU Vietnamese Culture Union Lunar New Year Event

McDonel Hall basement

MSU VCU hosts a Lunar New Year celebration every year to provide a sense of belonging to members of our community. Enjoy decorations, a photo booth, traditional games and some Vietnamese cuisine. Anyone with an interest in Vietnamese culture is welcome. 

Sunday, Jan. 22

Eat at State Lunar New Year menu features

Brody Square, Heritage Commons at Landon, South Pointe at Case, The Edge at Akers, The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips

Monday, Jan. 23

Noon - MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences Lunar New Year Celebration

Communication Arts and Sciences Building, Room 191 (Deeb Conference Room)

MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences will be celebrating Lunar New Year over lunch while playing games, enjoying traditional foods and distributing red envelopes to attendees. Activities will include creating Chinese New Year scrolls, sampling a range of traditional Chinese food, Chinese checkers and more. This event is open to all faculty, staff and students. Learn more and register.

Friday, Jan. 27

2 to 10 p.m. - Chinese Students and Scholars Association Temple Fair

MSU Union Ballroom

The MSU Chinese Students and Scholars Association will hold its annual temple fair complete with food and entertainment. The event is free and open to the public. 

Sunday, Jan. 29

1 to 5 p.m. - Greater Lansing Chinese Association’s Chinese New Year Celebration

Meridian Mall, Okemos, MI

Co-sponsored by MSU’s Asian Studies Center, Office of China Programs, Visiting International Professional Program and International Business Center, this popular public event returns after three years and will include stage performances, cultural exhibits and other traditional Chinese cultural activities. Learn more. 

Note: MSU uses Lunar New Year as a way to acknowledge the multicultural and diverse communities that celebrate variations of the celebration.