Celebrate Lunar New Year in Southern California
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant cultural celebration in many Asian countries. In Southern California, there are various events and festivities to mark the occasion. Here are 10 ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the area:
2nd & PCH Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: 1 p.m. February 15
- Where: 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach
- Information: 2ndandpch.com
The celebration includes the Lunar New Year Dreamers Market, featuring artisanal vendors, live performances, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities.
Cerritos Towne Center
- When: Noon-2 p.m. February 1
- Where: Edwards Stadium Courtyard, 12731 Towne Center Drive, Cerritos
- Information: cerritostc.com
This afternoon event will include a Lion Dance performance, stilt walkers, photo ops, and craft activities for kids and giveaways.
Disney California Adventure
- When: Through February 16
- Where: Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- Information: disneyland.disney.go.com
Park admission is required to celebrate the Year of the Snake with The Mouse at Disney’s annual event, featuring Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, Asian food specials, and Disney characters dressed in special costumes.
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker
- When: Postponed; new date TBA
- Where: Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza, 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles
- Information: firecracker10k.org
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker, one of the largest and oldest-running races in the country, has been postponed due to wildfires’ impact on air quality and their strain on local resources.
Queen Mary
- When: 5 p.m. January 29
- Where: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
- Information: Queenmary.com
The festivities at the ship start at 5 p.m. with a lantern-making workshop ($39 per person). There’s also a Reptile and Animal Workshop featuring up-close encounters with snakes and other creatures. For those who want to dine, there’s a dinner and show with performances by the Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Dance teams and a buffet ($149 per person) with Chinese fare.
Riverside Lunar Festival
- When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26
- Where: 453 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside
- Information: riversideca.gov
The 13th annual free festival will feature Lion Dancers, acrobatic performances, carnival rides, a car exhibit, and an Asian artisan market.
Santa Monica Place
- When: 2-5 p.m. February 8
- Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
- Information: santamonicaplace.com
Santa Monica Place will be decorated with red and gold lanterns in the Center Plaza. On February 8, there will be a free celebration featuring Lion Dancers, live music, cultural artists, and more.
San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival
- When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. February 1 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. February 2
- Where: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel
- Information: sangabrielcity.com
People can check out lantern displays, see live performances, and enjoy street foods.
The District at Tustin Legacy
- When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, January 25
- Where: 2437 Park Avenue, Tustin
- Information: https://thedistricttl.com/
You might get lucky here, as organizers will be handing out red envelopes with $2 inside and other deals to the first 500 people who attend. Guests can also expect to see martial arts and musical performances and Lion Dancers.
Tết Festival
- When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, January 25
- Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Avenue, Santa Ana
- Information: santa-ana.org
The second annual festival includes cultural performances, a scavenger hunt, and a fireworks show starting at 5:45 p.m.
Conclusion:
Lunar New Year is a significant cultural celebration, and Southern California has various events to mark the occasion. From traditional Lion Dances and Dragon performances to cultural festivals and food fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to check the dates, times, and locations for each event to plan your celebrations.
FAQs:
- What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant cultural celebration in many Asian countries. - What is the significance of the Year of the Snake?
The snake is associated with being alert, calm, and smart, and is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. - Where can I find more information about Lunar New Year events in Southern California?
You can find more information on the official websites of the events listed above or by searching online for "Lunar New Year events in Southern California."
