Chinese New Year 2025: Auspicious Dates and Calendar for HR & Employers

In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on 29 January and ends with the Lantern Festival on 12 February.

It’s a special time for employees to come together, celebrate, and wish for a happy and successful year ahead.

For HR professionals, this Year of the Wood Snake period offers an excellent opportunity to foster positive energy, set a prosperous tone for the year, and align activities with cultural values.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Auspicious Dates and Calendar for HR & Employers and actionable tips for HR teams to effectively plan during this festive season.

Why Auspicious Dates Matter

In Chinese culture, it is important to start the year with positive actions and good energy.

People use the Chinese almanac to pick auspicious dates for harmony and success.

For example, choosing the right day to return to work or perform workplace rituals can help bring good fortune and productivity for the year.

HR teams can integrate these principles into workplace practices by:

• Scheduling important activities, like team-building events or project kickoffs, on auspicious days.

• Organizing symbolic practices, such as decorating the office with CNY elements.

• Respecting employees’ cultural beliefs to foster inclusivity, which can enhance team morale and engagement.

Key Activities for HR During Chinese New Year

1. Commencement of Work (Kāi Gōng / 开工)

The first day back at work after the CNY break holds great symbolic importance.

Traditionally, employers prepare red packets (红包) for employees to attract good fortune and conduct simple ceremonies to invite prosperity.

Choosing an auspicious date for returning to work ensures a smooth and harmonious start.

Tips for HR:

• Plan a small gathering or ceremony, such as a prosperity toss (Yee Sang).

• Distribute red packets or symbolic gifts to express gratitude to employees.

2. Spring Cleaning (大扫除)

Spring cleaning before CNY symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making space for positive energy.

For workplaces, organizing a collaborative cleaning day can refresh the environment and energize the team.

Tips for HR:

• Provide cleaning supplies and assign areas to different teams.

• Use the occasion to declutter and reorganize office spaces.

3. Employee Engagement Activities

Engaging employees in festive activities can boost morale and promote teamwork.

Celebrations like lion dances, cultural workshops, or a festive-themed lunch can create a joyful atmosphere.

Ideas for HR:

• Host a dress-up day where employees wear traditional Chinese outfits.

• Arrange interactive sessions on the significance of CNY traditions.

• Organize a CNY lucky draw or games with symbolic prizes.

4. Prayers and Offerings (拜祖)

For businesses closely tied to cultural practices, conducting prayers and offerings can align operations with auspicious energies.

This can include lighting incense or placing symbolic decorations in common areas.

2025 Auspicious Dates for Key Activities

Below are the recommended dates for activities such as returning to work, spring cleaning, and prayers during CNY 2025:

Commencement of Work (开工)