The Big Glow-Up: Why You Should Watch the Sunrise on Lunar New Year

Alright, besties, mark your calendars: January 29, 2025, is the first day of Lunar New Year, and we’re kicking off the Year of the Snake. This year, you should absolutely drag yourself out of bed and watch the sunrise. Yes, the actual sunrise. Before you roll your eyes and hit snooze just thinking about it, let us explain why this is the ultimate move to start your year with main character energy.

Watching the sunrise isn’t just about seeing the sky change colors like a free, IRL screensaver—it’s about starting your year with intention, clarity, and a sprinkle of magic. If you’ve never done it before, let this be your official sign from the universe (and us) to make it happen.

Why Sunrise on Lunar New Year Hits Different

For centuries, people have celebrated the first light of the Lunar New Year as a symbol of renewal and good vibes. In Chinese culture, starting the day early is believed to bring prosperity and positivity—like the early bird catching not just the worm but a whole buffet. It's a moment to welcome the year ahead with open arms (and an open thermos of coffee).

Other cultures are just as into this sunrise glow-up. The Japanese have hatsuhinode, where they flock to beaches or mountain tops to catch the first sunrise of the new year. It’s about manifesting health, happiness, and the perfect IG photo. Even during India’s Ugadi celebrations, honoring the sunrise is a big deal. There’s something universally powerful about starting fresh with the sun.

So, if all these traditions are in on the secret, why not you?

Why You Should Do This

We get it—January mornings are cold, and your bed feels like a warm, fluffy prison. But trust us, watching the sunrise is an underrated life hack. It’s like a free therapy session, a meditation app, and a motivational speech all rolled into one. The stillness, the beauty, and the glow? Chef’s kiss.

Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to flex on social media. You’re not just setting resolutions—you’re literally chasing the light. Captions like “Rising with the sun to glow all 2025” basically write themselves.

More importantly, though, it’s about making time for yourself. Watching the sunrise is a simple yet powerful way to set the tone for the year. It’s like telling the universe, “Hey, I’m ready to show up and own this.”

How to Prep for Your Sunrise Moment

Let’s get you sunrise-ready so you’re not scrambling at 5 a.m. Here’s the game plan:

1. Check the Sunrise Time: For January 29, 2025, you’ll need to Google your local sunrise time. Plan to get to your spot at least 15 minutes early so you don’t miss the magic.
2. Pick Your Spot: Somewhere with an unobstructed view of the horizon—your rooftop, a nearby hill, or even the park will do. 
3. Bundle Up: Unless you live in a tropical paradise (lucky you), wear layers. Sunrise is cold, but frostbite is not cute.
4. Bring a Buddy: Drag your bestie, partner, or sibling with you. Misery loves company, and you can both complain about the cold while bonding over how stunning it is.
5. Set Intentions: Take a moment before the sun rises to think about what you want this year to look like. Big goals, small goals, or just “drink more water”—it all counts.

Manifest That Main Character Energy

When the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, let yourself feel the magic. It’s a brand-new year, and this is your moment to soak in the good vibes and leave all the chaos of last year behind. Plus, let’s be real—if you can survive a pre-dawn wake-up call, you can survive anything the Year of the Snake throws at you.

So, are you in? Let’s make January 29 the day you become that person who wakes up for the sunrise—and not because you stayed up all night death scrolling on your phone. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tag us in your IG pics and videos @outsidekidz.store. 🌅✨

Photo by Hide Obara on Unsplash