If you think the SF Lunar New Year Parade 2025 is just another city parade, honestly, you’ve never stood on a street corner in San Francisco while 600,000 firecrackers explode at once. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s basically the most beautiful sensory overload you’ll ever experience in Northern California.
Most people assume they can just show up at 5 p.m. and find a spot. Nope. Not even close. If you aren't prepared for the sheer scale of the Year of the Snake celebration, you’re going to spend the night staring at the back of a stranger's jacket.
Why 2025 is Actually a Big Deal
This year is the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is about wisdom, charm, and—surprisingly—intelligence. It’s a bit of a vibe shift from the loud energy of the Dragon year.
San Francisco has been doing this since 1851. Back then, it was a way for Chinese immigrants to celebrate their culture during the Gold Rush. Now? It’s arguably the biggest Lunar New Year event outside of Asia. The SF Lunar New Year Parade 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025. It kicks off right at 5:15 p.m., but the city starts changing long before that.
The SF Lunar New Year Parade 2025 Route You Need to Know
The parade doesn't just "stay in Chinatown." It’s a 1.3-mile trek that cuts through the heart of the city.
👉 See also: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
It starts at 2nd and Market Streets. From there, it moves west on Market, turns north on Geary, goes around Union Square via Powell, then heads east on Post. Finally, it turns north on Kearny and ends at Columbus Avenue.
If you want the best view, honestly, Union Square is where the energy is, but Kearny Street is where you get the best photos of the floats because the lighting is a bit more consistent.
Grand Marshals and Star Power
This year’s lineup is pretty stacked. The legendary Joan Chen is the Grand Marshal. You probably know her from The Last Emperor or Twin Peaks, but she’s also a longtime SF resident. Having her lead the way adds a layer of "San Francisco royalty" to the whole thing.
Plus, we’ve got Carrie Ann Inaba from Dancing with the Stars as the ABC7 Grand Marshal for the closing ceremonies. It’s a mix of Hollywood glam and deep local roots.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
The "Gum Lung" Dragon
You cannot talk about the parade without mentioning the 288-foot Golden Dragon. It’s called Gum Lung. It takes a team of over 100 people from the Leung's White Crane Lion and Dragon Dance Association to carry it.
The dragon is the grand finale. If you leave early to beat the BART crowds, you miss the best part. Stay until the end. The dragon is lit up with thousands of LEDs, and seeing it move through the foggy SF night is kinda magical.
Pro Tips for the SF Lunar New Year Parade 2025
Don't be that person wearing a thin t-shirt. This is San Francisco in February. It will be 50 degrees, and the wind off the bay will make it feel like 40.
- Public Transit is Mandatory: Do not drive. Just don't. Market Street will be a mess, and parking garages like the Sutter-Stockton one will be full or charging $60+ for "event rates." Take BART to Montgomery or Powell.
- Bleacher Seats: If you hate standing for three hours, buy a bleacher ticket. They usually range from $45 to $80. Section A on Kearny is great if you want to be near the end where the dragon really goes wild with the firecrackers.
- The Street Fair: The parade is on Saturday night, but the Community Street Fair runs all weekend (Feb 15-16). It’s on Grant Avenue. Go there for the food. Specifically, find the stalls selling fresh dragon beard candy or sesame balls.
The Drone Show Twist
New for 2025, there's a special drone light show happening over the Embarcadero around 8:00 p.m. It’s meant to symbolize the transition between the Dragon and the Snake. It’s a modern touch that contrasts the 170-year-old tradition of the firecrackers.
🔗 Read more: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
Logistics and Safety
The parade lasts about two and a half hours. If you have kids, bring ear protection. I’m serious. The firecrackers are deafening, especially if you’re standing near the "reviewing stands" where they let off the big strings.
Also, expect heavy Muni reroutes. The F-Market bus substitution and the 1-California line are going to be diverted for most of the afternoon. Check the SFMTA site before you leave your house, or you'll be walking way further than you planned.
What to Do After the Fireworks
Once the parade ends at Columbus and Pacific, you’re right on the edge of North Beach and Chinatown. Most of the restaurants will be slammed. If you didn't make a reservation at Z & Y Restaurant or R&G Lounge weeks ago, you might be out of luck.
Kinda a pro move? Walk a few blocks away from the route toward the Financial District or deeper into North Beach for a late-night slice of pizza. The crowd clears out eventually, but the energy in the streets stays high until midnight.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book your bleacher seats now if you aren't okay with standing in a crowd for 3+ hours.
- Download the Transit app to track real-time Muni reroutes on the day of the event.
- Check the weather on Friday night; if there's even a 10% chance of rain, bring a poncho, not an umbrella (umbrellas block everyone's view and people will get annoyed).
- Visit the Snake Statues—part of the "Snakes on Parade" art project—located near Union Square and the Chase Center for a photo op before the crowds get too thick.