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Things to do for Lunar New Year 2025 near Denver

 
 

The Lunar New Year is coming up, and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Asian and diaspora communities worldwide will celebrate the Lunar New Year, marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar. The multi-day festival typically involves family gatherings, parades, food, and fireworks and is known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea.

This will be the second year that Lunar New Year is observed as a state holiday in Colorado.

Here are some events, celebrations and festivities around the Denver metro area for the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year Festival at Park Hill Supermarket, Denver

Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3770 E. 40th Ave.

Free and open to the public

Cultural performances and demonstrations, food, entertainment, prizes

Lunar New Year Celebration at Outlets at Castle Rock

Sunday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd.

Free, tickets online

Lion Dance performance, Red Envelope gifts, gifts for kids

Visit customer service and wish them a “Happy Lunar New Year” between Jan 19 to Feb. 12 to receive a Red Envelope

21st Annual Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration, Denver

Saturday, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

George Washington High School, 655 S. Monaco St. Pkwy.

Tickets online starting at $28.52

2-hour shows featuring award-winning professional performers and local artists

Lunar New Year celebration at Town Center at Aurora

Jan. 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

14200 E. Alameda Ave.

Free and open to the public

Cultural performances, crafts, giveaways

2025 Lunar New Year On Havana Street, Aurora

Jan. 26 noon to 6 p.m.

2430 S. Havana St.

Free and open to the public, VIP tickets available

Global food and marketplace, cultural performances, activities and more

Lunar New Year Fortune Run, Aurora and Denver

Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m.

Sand Creek Greenway

Starts at $32.80, register online

5K, 10K and half-marathon

Far East Center Welcomes Year of the Snake, Denver

Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

333 S. Federal Blvd.

Free, reservations online

Cultural performances, Lion and Dragon dances, cultural fashion show, ice carving, pop-up vendors

Lunar New Year at Stanley Marketplace, Aurora

Sunday, Feb. 2, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Clinton Street near the Stanley Marketplace at 2501 N. Dallas Street

Free and open to the public

Performances, festive traditions, Lion Dance

Third annual Lunar New Year’s event hosted by Tiger Kims, Denver

Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7000 E. Colfax Ave.

Free and open to the public

Dragon Dance, performers, food trucks, vendors, music, giveaways, games and more

2025 Lunar New Year Celebration at PACE Center, Parker

Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

20000 Pikes Peak Ave.

Free, online registration

Traditional performances, martial arts, hands-on activities, mini classes

2025: The Year of the Snake

The snake is the sixth of 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac and is often seen as a symbol of luck, mystery, wisdom, creativity, transformation and love.

Read more at KDVR

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5 Ways to Love Your Home, Even If It’s Not Your Dream Home

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There’s nothing new about Instagram- and Pinterest-perfect homes overtaking our social feeds, and the flood of inspiration is always welcome. Imagery of ideal homes can spark ideas for how to tailor your own space to feel like a true reflection of your style. But these "ideal homes" can also have the adverse effect—maybe, because of all these picture-perfect spaces you see each day, your space seems a bit duller, and you long to live in a dream space that isn't yours.

Your home—whether it’s your dream home or far from it—is where lifelong memories are made. There, you’ll bring home a new kitten, host beloved friends and family, kick off your shoes after a long day, and sing a little too loudly while cooking dinner. Whether you rent or own, nearly no home is perfect. By reframing your perspective, you’ll be able to appreciate the positive sides of your home, instead of focusing on what your budget or landlord doesn’t allow you to change.

After all, home is where the heart is. Read on for five ways to love your home, even when it’s not your dream home.

Don't Put Off Loving It

“I’ll only be here a year,” you think. Then, that initial year turns into another, which rolls into a third. No matter how long you plan to stay in your home—a month or a lifetime—don’t put off prioritizing easy and budget-friendly ways to make your house feel like it’s yours.

That could be as simple as hanging a family photo or inviting your closest friends over for a dinner party. Wherever you are, make your house feel like a home with the decor, people, and memories you fill it with.

Change What You Can

Some aspects of a home may simply be out of your control—but not all. Pinpoint what’s bothering you about your home, then mull over creative solutions.

Hate the harsh overhead lights? Add dimmers. Can’t stand the carpet? Layer a rug on top of it. Painting is an obvious first step to freshening up any room, and so is switching out hardware. You would be surprised how much a kitchen full of new cabinet pulls can transform the space. Sometimes, the best option is a “for now” solution that can hold you over until you can either change it permanently or move.

Focus on What You Like About Your Home

Instead of getting caught up in what you don’t like about your home—an awkward floor plan or inefficient windows, perhaps—turn your attention to what you love about it. The windows may let drafty breezes inside, but they’re full of charm and character. Small square footage may feel like a tight squeeze, but think about how much easier it is to clean. You may prefer a dozen more kitchen cabinets, but the few you currently have ensure you stay organized.

For every downside, there’s an upside, so focus on the inherent, redeeming qualities of your home.

Embrace the Quirks

Think back to college, when you lived with five of your friends in a wacky, seen-better-days house where the heat would stop working—ironically—on the coldest nights. We're willing to bet you couldn’t have loved it more, right?

Though you may not want to live with all the quirks of your college house now (reliable heat is nice), chances are, the eccentric parts of your home are the things you’ll be nostalgic for later. Learn to embrace them.

Remind Yourself of Your Home's Purpose

What a home is: a refuge, a safe space to rest, relax, feel like yourself, and surround yourself with loved ones. If you’re too busy hating the tone of your hardwood floors or are obsessed with the wall you want to tear down, you’ll forget the true purpose of a home.

Read more at the spruce

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10 Reasons Your Home Is So Drafty and How to Fix It Fast

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Air drafts can rapidly chill a house, no matter how much you run your heating system. If you've ever wondered why your house is so drafty, the causes are easy to pinpoint. Solutions can be as simple as adding foam insulation or installing outlet sealers.

Here are 10 solutions from contractors and weatherization experts for fixing a drafty house.

Outlet Leaks

Electrical outlet receptacles are hidden causes of drafts, says Randi Bujnovsky of Duck Brand, a provider of weatherization products.

Fix It

Socket sealers are a simple, fast solution, and you don't need to be an electrician to install them, says Bujnovsky.

"Just place one behind the outlet or switch’s outer face plate cover for a snug fit between the wall and the face plate, stopping drafts," Bujnovsky says.

Gapped Floorboards

Drafts may seep between gaps in floorboards, says contractor Docia Boylen. It's a common problem with older houses with gapped floorboards or inadequate subflooring.

Fix It

The solution to floorboard drafts is to add area rugs, Boylen says. Area rugs are instant insulation that take minutes to roll out.

Leaky Penetrations

Houses are pierced with various penetrations, including outdoor water faucets, bathroom exhausts, chimneys, soil stacks, and wires.

Many drafts come from improperly sealed penetrations, says Glenn Gault of Gault Heating & Cooling. These are often left unsealed during construction or the sealant has failed.

Fix It

Apply caulk or low-expansion spray foam insulation around larger openings where pipes or wires enter the wall.

Failed Insulation

Poor insulation installation can lead to drafts, according to Andrew Legge, CEO of sustainable insulation company Havelock Wool.

The insulation may be the wrong size for the wall cavity. Or, the vapor barrier might be improperly stapled to the studs—or detached.

Fix It

One solution, says Legge, is to add insulation in easy-to-access places: attic, crawl space, and open walls.

With blown-in insulation in closed walls, have a professional add more insulation to the top of the existing insulation.

Windows and Doors

Doors and windows are one of the most common sources of drafts, Bujnovsky says.

Fix It

"By installing draft seals, homeowners can easily insulate their home and stop drafts," Bujnovsky says.

This simple fix can have a dramatic impact on high energy bills, as it limits energy waste and minimizes the need to constantly adjust the thermostat upward.

Attic Leaks

The attic is a major source of heat loss, Gault says. Heated air passes upward through a poorly insulated or sealed attic. Drafts can pass downward, as well.

Fix It

"Go into the attic and look for openings around light fixtures, vent pipes, and wires," Gault says. Stop the drafts by applying caulk or expanding foam to seal these gaps from above.

Open Damper

A chimney rapidly carries smoke up and away from the house. It can do the reverse by bringing outdoor drafts into the house.

The problem may be that the fireplace damper is not closed or doesn't seal properly.

Fix It

Make sure the damper is closed, Boylen says. It's easy to forget that the damper is open after the fire has gone out.

If the damper is closed but it still leaks, install a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is an inflatable device that seals the flue and costs $25 to $45.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are an avenue for drafts in a house, according to Gault.

Recessed lights penetrate the ceiling, and the attic is usually draftier and colder than the level below.

Fix It

Install insulated, airtight covers directly over the fixtures in the attic, Gault says. Or, install IC-rated (insulation-contact) recessed lights so you can safely lay the attic insulation over the lights.

Empty Plumbing Traps

Drafts may come from an unexpected source: sinks, showers, tubs, or toilets. If the drafts faintly smell of a sewer, the plumbing drain traps are likely missing the water.

The purpose of a drain trap is to create a water seal to prevent sewer gas from entering the home. Water may evaporate from the trap if the device hasn't been used for a while.1

Fix It

Flush the toilet to fill the trap. For sinks, tubs, and showers, run the water for about a minute to fill the trap.

House Settling

"Older homes are often drafty because the foundation settles over time," Gault says. "This creates hairline cracks in walls and around windows and doors, letting in cold air."

Fix It

To fix drafts due to house settling, seal hairline cracks in the foundation with flexible caulk and use expanding foam for large gaps.

Read more at the spruce

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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8 Bathroom Design Trends to Refresh Your Home and Routine in 2025

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Words like recharge, renew, and reinvigorate are shaping our expectations for bathrooms in 2025. According to the 2025 Bath Trends report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), emotional and physical well-being significantly impacts how we want our bathrooms to look and function. These spaces are aesthetically inspired by hotels, resorts, and spas—places frequently associated with relaxation and elevated style—while demanding everyday practicality. Expect 2025 bathroom trends to enhance both your lifestyle and your home’s value.

1. Remodeling for Functionality

“With more homeowners choosing to stay in their current homes due to high mortgage rates, many are investing in major remodels to increase comfort and boost long-term value,” says Cory Ishaq, design consultant at West Shore Home. “The bathroom is a high-impact area where cohesive design can significantly improve daily routines and provide a strong return on investment."

The NKBA 2025 trends report notes strong demand for better use of space in the coming years, including rethinking floor plans, taking down walls, and removing tubs to accommodate desired features.

However, it’s not only major remodels on the horizon: the fall 2024 Houzz bath trends study noted an uptick in remodeling projects with less substantial layout changes. These minor remodels often focus on system upgrades, such as adding heated flooring or increasing the efficiency of products like ventilation or water heaters. Accessibility updates are also on trend, with Houzz specifically noting an increase in grab bars.

2. Making Room for Two

The NKBA reports an increased desire for bathrooms to accommodate two people at the same time. Whether the room is used for overlapping daily routines or as a space to rest and relax, popular features include separate vanities, dual sinks, and showers with multiple showerheads and plenty of space for two people. A toilet separated from the main area is also relevant to the trend.

3. White Showers

“Clean, white-on-white walk-in showers will continue to be a major trend in 2025,” predicts Ishaq. “Pairing a white shower base with matching white wall surrounds creates a fresh and timeless look that’s versatile enough to suit any home’s style—and especially attractive in the shift towards minimalist, open-concept spaces.”

Not only is white conducive to the sense of calm that many homeowners are trying to create, but Ishaq also highlights that this look is achievable on many budgets, aiding in its appeal. “This look is easily attainable with an affordable shower remodel using durable, low-maintenance materials such as acrylic, which is chip- and stain-resistant.” In general, shades of white and off-white are the top bathroom colors in 2025, according to both the NKBA and Houzz.

4. Seamless Design Choices

In 2025, expect minimized lines for a more seamless look. Examples from the NKBA trends report include frameless showers, curbless showers (which are also great for accessibility), minimal grout lines for tiles, and flooring that blends with the overall design rather than grabs attention with stand-out color or a bold pattern. These design choices reduce visual clutter and elevate the sense of tranquility in a space.

5. Floral Nods to Nature

As wellness continues to be prioritized, organic shapes, textures, and materials are increasingly part of bath design. “Biophilic elements have been proven to help reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and increase productivity and creativity,” says Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager for Moen. “We see more designers choosing natural elements like florals to make a statement while bringing the outdoors in.”

Florals may be used in their natural forms, like fresh flower arrangements that bring living elements into the space, but they also appear in patterns. “From bold botanicals to ditsy prints, these can be applied through decor options like wallpapers, rugs, and accent pillows,” says DeBoe Harper.

6. Low-Maintenance Products

Continuing to build on bath trends from recent years, easy-care materials and fixtures are driving design requests for 2025. Low-maintenance countertops are especially popular and often paired with under-mount sinks and brushed or matte (not polished) faucets that don't show fingerprints. Surface installations like flooring or wall tile with minimal grout lines are also appealing for their reduced upkeep. Designers surveyed for the NKBA report anticipate requests for toilets with built-in cleaning functions. Whether through surfaces or fixtures, lessening bathroom cleaning and care helps prioritize health and wellness in the space.

7. Enriching Technology

“We’re seeing a strong shift toward livable luxury,” says Patty Dominguez, vice president of A&D sales at Cosentino. “Homeowners are opting for materials and technology that not only provide a luxurious feel, but also functionality that fits the needs of their everyday lives.”

According to the NKBA report, technology trends are elevating and personalizing time spent in the bathroom. This goes beyond basics like built-in outlets and motion-sensing lighting and includes more luxurious features and experiences. Smart toilets and bidets, for example, offer features like lids that automatically open, heated seats, air dryers, and even built-in deodorizers. Smart showers offer the ability to remember personalized settings for multiple users.

Among these luxuries is new and emerging technology, such as Cosentino’s partnership with FreePower to embed wireless chargers directly into the countertop surfaces. “Homeowners can effortlessly charge their phones and devices, which amps up the surface’s functionality without interrupting its aesthetics,” says Dominguez, highlighting how this new product feature supports both the technology and seamless design trends in 2025.

8. Upgraded Lighting

While lighting remains primarily task-driven in the bath, the NKBA reports that lighting design is also developing for mood setting and wellness. "There’s a huge emphasis on wellness and holistic design in the home, and one way to achieve well-being is to pick designs that will enhance comfort and boost your mood," says Takayuki Ishii, vice president of design and development for Kalco Lighting.

According to the 2025 report, there’s a “strong desire to add windows for more natural light” in the bath, while supplemental lighting features will include dimmable lighting, night lights, motion sensors, and integrated lighting for mirrors and medicine cabinets. Houzz also reports that light fixture upgrades are popular targets for style upgrades. Ishii recommends warm finishes and soft shapes to help a room "feel luxurious and laidback."

Read more at Better Homes & Gardens

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Important Steps After Wildfire Smoke Damage

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Navigating the aftermath of smoke damage from a fire requires careful steps and informed decisions. West + Main agent, Jenn Kaaoush has compiled a list from firsthand experiences, covering everything from initial cleanup precautions to dealing with insurance and the emotional impact of recovery.

1. Avoid Cleaning
Do not attempt to clean anything in your home due to the risks of smoke residue. Wear a mask and gloves if you must enter. Keep shoes and clothing away from safe areas to prevent contamination.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Start by contacting your insurance to file a claim. Request an Industrial Hygienist (IH) Report. Some insurers will cover this cost; others may not. If not covered, pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement later.

3. Get Pre- and Post-Remediation Reports
Ensure you get both pre- and post-remediation reports, preferably in writing. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claims and future safety.

4. Understand Insurance’s Role
Insurance companies may push for cheaper restoration options, like “wiping down” your home. However, without an IH Report, this may not remove harmful toxins. Proper remediation is more expensive but essential for your health.

5. Follow IH Report Recommendations
Once you have your IH Report, share it with your insurance and follow the recommended steps. Common recommendations include removing contaminated furniture, carpets, and sealing walls.

6. Plan for Extended Stay
Remediation can take weeks to months. Arrange for temporary housing, as repairs may be delayed and ongoing. Staying in a hotel long-term is not ideal.

7. Adjusting Your Claim
Your insurance adjuster may need to reassess damages, and it’s normal for new issues to arise later. Keep communication open with your adjuster, especially for items like dry cleaning or electronics replacement.8. Navigating Smoke Damage to Electronics
Smoke may degrade electronics over time. You’ll need to decide whether to replace or clean these items. Testing strips can help assess items like books or sentimental objects.

9. Prepare for Long-Term Remediation
Expect a lengthy remediation process. It could take several months, and you’ll need stable housing during this time. Confirm deadlines with your insurance and stay proactive.

10. Work with New Adjusters
Insurance companies may assign new adjusters during the process. Maintain email records to help them get up to speed without extra effort on your part.

11. Managing Payments & Reimbursement
Depending on your policy, insurance may cover upfront costs or reimburse you later. Stay involved to ensure work is done correctly, especially if you pay contractors directly.

12. Additional Funding Options
Explore other funding sources for uncovered expenses, such as community foundations or loan deferment options. These can help with out-of-pocket costs.

13. Emotional Impact of Returning Home
Returning to a home that has been rebuilt or restored can feel bittersweet. While the house may be physically intact, the emotional toll of loss and the change in your neighborhood can be overwhelming.

14. Seek Support from Others
Connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Sharing resources and experiences can ease the recovery journey and provide emotional support.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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