Chinese New Year, or known to some as the Lunar New Year, is an annual celebration of the beginning of the new year on the Chinese calendar. This year, the official observance of Chinese New Year kicks off with the festival portion of the celebration on February 5, known as the Spring Festival in modern China. The celebration ends with what is known as the Lantern Festival, which takes place February 19. However, preparations for the festivities began as early as January 28.