NYS public schools to close for Lunar New Year

Jan 27

Written By HVNY

All New York State public schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in observation of the Lunar New Year.

A new law, passed on September 9, 2023, “prohibits school districts in New York State from holding session on the first day of the second lunar month after the winter solstice in the preceding calendar year, known as Asian Lunar New Year.”

Though the law went into effect on July 1, 2023, since Lunar New Year fell on a Saturday last year, there was no impact on the 2023-24 school calendar. The Lunar New Year is not part of the list of legal holidays as defined in the state’s General Construction Law, so it will not be observed on a Monday if the holiday falls on a Sunday. Schools may not use the day as a superintendent’s conference day.

“New York State is beautifully diverse, with people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds living, working and raising families together,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. “The Lunar New Year holiday will give thousands of Asian students in our state the ability to gather together and celebrate with family and friends without having to sacrifice their education.”

State Senator John Liu added, "The Lunar New Year is the most significant time of the year for Asian Americans, and as the fastest growing community in the country, we need to make sure our heritage, culture and traditions are treated with the same respect and reverence as any other American holiday. Declaring Lunar New Year a State holiday is an important step in the recognition and validation of Asian Americans not just here in New York State, but throughout the country."

[ Top image: A student looks on as Governor Kathy Hochul signs legislation on September 9, 2023 to declare Asian Lunar New Year a public school holiday across New York State via ny.gov ]

Special event: The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers will be hosting a special planetarium show, The Sky Tonight: The Skylore of China, on Wednesday, January 29 with shows at 12:30pm & 2pm, focusing on the fascinating world of Chinese skylore. Discover the 24 lunar houses of the Chinese Zodiac, a celestial system unlike the 12 constellations you may know. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Advanced reservation is encouraged. A Lunar New Year Celebration is also planned for this weekend at the museum: https://www.hrm.org/events/lunar-new-year-2025/