The 2025 Global Connection Series at Navy Pier will commence with a celebration of the Lunar New Year on February 1. The event, held in the Aon Grand Ballroom, is open to the public without charge and marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Attendees can expect performances, music, art, and interactive activities suitable for families. This celebration offers Chicago residents a chance to engage with traditions observed by billions globally. ComEd and Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust are sponsoring this event.
Mark Noffke from the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust expressed excitement about supporting the Lunar New Year celebration: “We are thrilled to support this vibrant Lunar New Year celebration, a time to honor rich traditions that have been passed down through generations.” He emphasized its cultural significance and its role in fostering unity: “Lunar New Year is not only a moment of cultural significance for many, but also an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together in a shared experience of joy, unity, and reflection.”
While often linked with Chinese Americans in the United States, numerous cultures across Asia and parts of the Middle East celebrate their new year or "spring festival" during this period. The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and resilience.