The Chinese New Year, kicking off the Year of the Ox, begins Monday, Jan. 26.

Here in Redmond, opportunities to celebrate include:

• The Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St., hosts a FREE Chinese New Year party, starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.

Program assistant Rana Shmait said, “We’re going to be making art based on this being the Year of the Ox and learning about Chinese zodiac signs. We’re going to learn about how different countries historically celebrate the new lunar year and how New Year traditions are believed to impact the coming year. We’ll also be making Chinese lanterns, small dragon puppets and masks, and with everyone’s help, a much larger dragon. There will be Chinese pop music, delicious foods and sweets and arts and crafts … the whole party is being coordinated by teens.”

For more information, call (425) 556-2371 or e-mail rshmait@redmond.gov.

• Whole Foods Redmond Market, 17991 Redmond Way, will present a Chinese New Year-themed kids’ cooking class from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. It’s geared to children ages 8-12 and the cost is $20. Participants will learn to make fried dumplings, which are said to resemble gold coins — and are therefore, a symbol of wealth. To register, call (425) 881-2600 extension 3.

• All ages are welcome when the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. NE, offers a Chinese New Year lunch at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Grand Peking Restaurant is catering. Foods will include almond chicken stir-fry, vegetable chow mein, egg rolls and more. Cost is $5 per person and reservations are required. Visit the front desk at the senior center or call (425) 556-2314 for information.

• Watercress Asian Bistro, 16505 Redmond Way, is serving a special 10-course Chinese New Year meal Jan. 29-31.

The menu includes traditional dishes such as Jellyfish Salad, Sichuan Whole Fish, Sweet Chili Prawns, Hot Pot and Candied Bananas. Each course is served with explanations from the chef/owner. The meal is served at tables of six or more and offered for $39 per person, with an option to include wine pairings, as well.

For more information, call (425) 241-2912.

• Need a few fun facts about Chinese New Year?

Folklore states that it’s a good idea to wear red, a color which symbolizes fire and drives away bad luck. Fireworks also can send evil spirits packing.

Suggested foods include fish, said to bring prosperity, especially when served whole; dishes made with oranges, because they are China’s most bountiful fruit; long noodles, which symbolize longevity; duck, which symbolizes fidelity; and eggs, which signify fertility.

Fresh bean curd or tofu is to be avoided, because the color white signifies death or misfortune.