Chinese New Year. When?

Chinese New Year starts on the first day of the lunar year, usually between January 21 and February 19. Before the new year starts, families clean their houses to prepare for the year ahead and to "sweep out" any bad luck from the old year. On New Year's Eve, families have a large traditional meal. Children get red packets of money from their relatives, and fireworks are set off to frighten away evil spirits. Fifteen days later, there is a festival featuring lantern processions and dragon dance.