While Westerners typically celebrate the New Year on December 31st, the 2018 Lunar New Year begins on February 16. The Chinese calendar is based on the moon's rotation, so the new year falls somewhere between January 21 and February 20 each year. The Lunar New Year is celebrated with lots of food and festivities, as well as dragon and lion dances for good luck. Each year is represented by one of a dozen zodiac animals and this year is the Year of the Dog.