Welcoming 2025 & the Year of the Snake

Celebrating the New Year

London’s official New Year’s Day Parade promised to be a dazzling display of music, dance, and performance. So, on 1 January, members of the London Picnic or Afternoon Tea & Coffee Group braved the rain to attend and welcome 2025 together.

The Amsterdam Outdoors Group had more luck with the weather for their New Year’s Toast with the Goats on 11 January. This unique event consisted of a pleasant walk that allowed for socializing as well as silent contemplation among nature. At the end of the hike, attendees stopped for a (hot) drink at the Organic Goat Farm.

On the same day, the Global Personal Development Group aimed high with its  Step into the Best Version of Yourself in 2025 activity. We hope the immersive meditation session and visualization exercises helped all attendees set their goals for the year.

The Seville Community Group, meanwhile, kicked the year off with elegance at the Cheers to 2025: A New Year Celebration on 17 January.

Upcoming: The Lunar New Year

According to the lunar calendar, we still have a new year coming up! The Year of the Snake begins on 29 January — and members are keen to celebrate the occasion.

The Rotterdam Mix & Mingle Group is off to an early start on 26 January with their Chinese New Year Meets the Mafia event. Not to worry, though: “mafia” in this case refers to the popular game (also known as “werewolf”) which will round off an event full of delicious Chinese food, discussions around Chinese zodiac signs, and creative tea experiences.

The Kuala Lumpur Community can look forward to Lunar Cheers on 31 January. At a special prize raffle, attendees dressed in red will test just how lucky this color really is …

Dressing in lucky red to honor Pan-Asian cultures is also on the agenda of the Lunar New Year Celebration in New York City. The community plans to ring in the Year of the Snake with an evening full of great company and conversations.

Admiring Art Together

Ever heard of the Inspire Your Heart with Art Day on 31 January? It invites us to be conscious of the emotional impact art has on all of us — from music that gives you goosebumps to books that make you think.

We love the thought behind this day! After all, art has the power to move and connect us in so many ways. Maybe that’s why it’s a popular theme for InterNations events, too.

For example, the Munich Carpe Diem Group met for Art After Work to enjoy the JUGENDSTIL – Made in Munich exhibition followed by a round of drinks. The Kunsthalle and its attached restaurant Theatiner 8 regularly host these after-work events, and not just for InterNations members — though the latter regularly win big at the accompanying tombola (lucky!).

In Zaragoza, members were in for a treat on 5 January: a free Goya Exhibit in the Aljafería Palace. An iconic architectural jewel, the palace alone is always worth a visit. So, the exhibition of Francisco de Goya’s art was the proverbial cherry on top!

On 17 January, members of the Vienna Explorers Group joined the Winter Festival at Belvidere 21. The museum for contemporary art offered a full program with free admission to current exhibitions, panel discussions, musical performances, and more!

In Dubai, Moyyeed invited the City Trotters Group to join a Magical Tour with Art Festival by visiting the e& MOTB festival on 12 January. Attendees enjoyed an open-air market with live shows, musical treats, on-stage competitions, and futuristic designs.

Are you looking for (more) occasions to let art inspire your heart together with like-minded people?

Then keep your eyes open for events like the Valencia Arts & Culture Group’s visit of the My World, My Vision exhibition on 24 January.

Or on 25 January, join the Manila Arts & Culture Group on their Museum Adventure for a fascinating day full of exploring the rich history and culture of the Philippines.

In Bangkok on 25 January? Then explore the Bangkok Art Biennale together with the Arts & Culture Group.

Simply take a look at your own Events calendar for more upcoming events.

Want to take the lead? If you enjoy organizing activities and sharing your interests with other members, find out how to get involved as an event host.