The actual date for Lunar New Year this 2026 is February 17, but you can celebrate the Year of the Horse with a number of Lunar New Year events happening in Southern California from January to March.
Make sure to also read up on Lunar New Year Traditions & What they Symbolize.
2026 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS LISTING
Check out the 2026 list of Southern California Lunar New Year Events featuring over 30 Lunar New Year celebrations in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego – from Lunar New Year parades, Lantern Festivals, Tet Festivals, Fun Runs, Lunar New Year celebrations at theme parks, museums & malls:
Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival 2026
Monterey Park’s Lunar New Year festival features vendors offering unique gifts and specialty items, food booths with various types of delectable items, amusement rides, and lots of live entertainment. The traditional New Year lion and dragon dancers will kick off the festival Saturday morning. A variety of entertainment options will be featured on both days. A carnival fun zone will be featured in the parking lot at the corner of Garvey and Lincoln Avenues.
When: January 31 – Feb 1, 2026
Time: Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM
Tickets: FREE
Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival 2026
The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival is a celebration deeply rooted in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage and is accessible to everyone through an immersive all-day experience. Expect to be mesmerized by cultural performances, live art, cooking demonstrations, and many more. You can also shop handcrafted goods in Artist Alley and eat authentic cuisine to your heart’s content.
New to celebrating the Lunar New Year? The festival provides an excellent opportunity to learn about its traditions through a new Cultural Passport experience that will guide you through how different regions celebrate the holiday.
When: February 28, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
Tickets: FREE
The Huntington Library Lunar New Year 2026
This family-friendly Lunar New Year event at The Huntington Library will feature lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, contemporary dance, floral arts, music, and more.
Where: The Huntington Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, Calif. 91108
When: February 21 – 22, 2026
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Reservations are required for all visitors and Members. Capacity is limited.
Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Join the 31-day Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure and welcome the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities and joyous tributes to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures!
Event highlights include:
- Innovative marketplace bites and beverages celebrating Asian cuisine with a delicious Disney twist
- Dazzling festival décor
- Special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—dressed in outfits inspired by traditional cultural attire
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
- Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration pre-show—catch it right before World of Color Happiness! presented by PANDORA Jewelry
- Commemorative Lunar New Year merchandise
When: January 23 – February 22, 2026
Where: Disney California Adventure, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Tickets: Included with park admission – Check Disneyland Discount Tickets
Pretend City Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Pretend City with colorful traditions, cultural movement, and fun for the whole family!
- 11am: Vietnamese Mommy & Me
- 1pm: Ane Thanh Lion Dance
When: February 15, 2026
Where: Pretend City, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Tickets: Space is limited! Book your tickets in advance. Members do not require a reservation.
UVSA Tet Festival 2026
UVSA is thrilled to welcome back over 30,000 guests to celebrate the Year of the Horse. UVSA Tết Festival is proud to serve as a bridge that brings people closer through vibrant activities that highlight our Vietnamese heritage, such as: Vietnamese cultural village, live entertainment, the Miss Vietnam of Southern California pageant, festive games and rides, a variety of local food vendors, and a dazzling firecracker show celebrating the new year.
When: Feb 13 – 15, 2026
Where: Golden West College
Time: Friday 4 to 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 930 PM
Tickets: Presale $7, FREE for visitors who wear traditional Vietnamese outfits.
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run 2026
The Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K Run/Walk is the largest and longest-running Lunar New Year charity run in the United States. Established in 1978, Firecracker has since grown to include a Bike Ride, Kiddie Run and PAW’er Dog Walk and serves the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
When: February 28 – March 1, 2026
Where: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets: $45 to $87, varies by event
San Diego Tet Festival 2026
San Diego Tet Festival is a 3-Day festival with lion dances, contests, entertainment, carnival rides, cultural village, petting zoo, food, and more!
When: Feb 20 – 22, 2026
Where: NTC Park – Liberty Station
Time: varies, check website
Citadel Outlets Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Citadel Outlets, located in Los Angeles, is thrilled to invite everyone to join in the Lunar New Year celebration in Commerce, CA. The center will come alive with vibrant and energetic Lunar New Year inspired entertainment to bring good luck and fortune. The festivities will take place throughout the center, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere for all visitors to enjoy.
Live Traditional dancers and artists will perform on February 14 and 15 from 12pm to 3pm.
When: February 14 – 15, 2026
Where: Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040
Tickets: FREE
Lunar New Year Parade Los Angeles 2026
The Golden Dragon Parade stands as the crowning highlight of the Chinese New Year celebration in Southern California. With a rich history spanning over a century, it draws more than 80,000 spectators lining the parade route, while thousands more watch the event via broadcast.
The Lunar New Year LA parade showcases a vibrant procession featuring government officials, celebrities, and dignitaries, alongside numerous high school bands, drill teams, dragon and lion dancers, and a diverse array of performers.
Where: along North Broadway in Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 1 PM
Tickets: Event is FREE
Parking: It is recommended that you do not park or drive to Chinatown and take public transportation instead.
San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival 2026
The San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival will consist of amazing lantern displays, live performances, street foods, shopping, and more.
When: March 21 – 22, 2026
Where: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Time: Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM
Tickets: Free Admission
Westminster Tet Parade 2026
The Tet Parade is a grandiose event that has celebrated the Lunar New Year in Little Saigon for over two decades. Every year Vietnamese communities across the globe tune in to watch the event broadcasted by local TV stations and social media platforms. The Tet Parade features floats, marching bands, lion dances, color guards, veterans and youth organizations, martial arts, multi-cultural attires, elected officials, scout organizations, community organizations, and an array of local and international businesses.
The City of Westminster will be hosting the 2026 Westminster Tet Parade. As in prior years the purpose is not only to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but to celebrate the Vietnamese-American community of Orange County centered in Little Saigon. The Vietnamese-Americans living in Westminster and the surrounding cities are the largest community of Vietnamese-Americans outside of Vietnam. This community consists largely of those who were forced to flee their country as a result of the communist takeover in the Vietnam War. The Westminster Tet Parade is the City’s primary opportunity each year to celebrate this community, including their beliefs, traditions and all that they represent.
When: February 21, 2026
Where: Bolsa Ave. between Magnolia & Bushard., Westminster, CA 92683
Time: TBD
Westminster Tet Parade Route: Parade begins at the intersection of Bolsa Avenue and Magnolia Street, and heads eastbound on Bolsa Avenue. The Parade will turn right on Bushard Street and head southbound, ending at Bishop Place.
Outlets at San Clemente Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year while shopping at Outlets at San Clemente. Throughout the month, enjoy seasonal décor, engaging elements, and moments designed to bring good fortune and joy to your visit.
When: February 1 – 23, 2026
Where: Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
Tickets: FREE
Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival 2026
Join the 3rd Annual Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival and welcome the Year of the Horse with an exciting weekend of cultural performances, delicious food, and festive family fun — all in celebration of Lunar New Year!
- Opening Ceremony – Don’t miss the grand kickoff on Saturday, January 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring Taiko Drummers, traditional Lion Dances, and Shaolin Kung Fu performances that will bring the spirit of the Horse to life!
- IE’s Best on Stage – Enjoy spectacular performances from top Southern California talents — including graceful Chinese dances by YaLi Dance Studio and Tang Arts and Performing Studios, energetic K-Pop shows by M.A.D Dance Studios, and the thunderous beats of UCR’s Japanese Taiko Drums.
- Local Food Vendors – Taste your way through the festival with a wide variety of food vendors serving beloved Lunar New Year favorites — from lamb skewers and steamed buns to flame-grilled squid and more!
- Artisan Marketplace – Explore unique creations by local and regional artisans — including handcrafted jewelry, calligraphy, paper art, caricatures, henna designs, and manga art, perfect for all ages to enjoy.
- Beer Garden & Family Fun – Relax with friends at our Beer Garden or enjoy interactive games and photo spots throughout the festival grounds — there’s something for everyone to celebrate!
When: January 17 – 18, 2026
Where: Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center, 8303 Rochester Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Time: Sat 11 AM – 8 PM, Sat 11 AM – 7 PM
Tickets: FREE
Riverside Lunar Festival 2026
The 14th Annual Riverside Lunar Festival returns to Downtown Riverside this January 24–25, 2026, bringing a dazzling celebration of culture, food, and fun to Mission Inn Avenue! This year, we’re galloping into the Year of the Horse with vibrant performances, delicious eats, and exciting new attractions that make this the IE’s most anticipated Lunar New Year celebration!
- Cultural Performances: Experience mesmerizing lion dances, acrobatics, and traditional music from diverse Asian cultures — a true celebration of Lunar New Year heritage.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy an incredible lineup of local talent, from high-energy K-Pop showcases to beautiful folk and instrumental performances.
- Gourmet Street Food: Savor the flavors of Lunar New Year with sizzling street foods, classic Asian dishes, and bold fusion creations that delight every palate.
- Artisan Market: Explore handcrafted art, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs — the perfect way to support local artists while finding your Lunar keepsake.
- Carnival Rides: Bring the whole family for some extra fun and excitement — featuring carnival rides for all ages!
- Car Exhibit: Check out a stunning JDM car showcase highlighting some of Riverside’s best rides.
- Interactive Workshops: Learn the art of calligraphy, join a tea ceremony, or create your own Lunar decorations through engaging hands-on experiences
When: January 24 – 25, 2026
Where: Mission Inn Ave (Downtown Riverside), between Lime & Orange
Time: Sat 11 AM – 8 PM, Sun 11 AM – 7 PM
Tickets: FREE
USC Pacific Asia Museum Lunar New Year Festival 2026
The Lunar New Year event will feature exciting FREE performances and activities for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy a traditional lion dance, storytelling, crafts, food trucks, free admission to the museum, and a chance to be among the first to see our newest special exhibition, Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry, during its opening weekend.
Performers and partners will include Barnsdall Arts, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Association, Korean Classical Music and Dance Company, USC Traditional Chinese Dance, USC Kazan Taiko, and Shirley Wang.
Where: 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101
When: February 15, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free, make sure to reserve a spot
Eastvale Lantern Festival 2026
Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Eastvale Lantern Festival in 2026! Taking place on February 21–22 in front of Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, CA. Get ready for two unforgettable days filled with dazzling performances, delicious food, and vibrant lantern displays that bring our community together in celebration. The Lantern Festival marks the grand finale of the Lunar New Year celebrations, traditionally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month — a time when families and communities come together to celebrate the return of brightness after winter and the arrival of spring.
- Spectacular Performances: Traditional lion dances, thrilling martial arts shows, and stunning cultural and modern performances that honor the spirit of Lunar New Year.
- Foodie Paradise: Savor mouthwatering flavors from across Asia with an incredible lineup of food vendors, serving up everything from savory noodles and dumplings to sweet festival treats and refreshing boba drinks!
- Art & Merchandise Marketplace: Explore the marketplace filled with handcrafted jewelry, art, textiles, and Lunar New Year souvenirs. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or a keepsake, you’ll find something special at every booth.
- Photo Moments: Enjoy a canopy of glowing lanterns and vibrant New Year decorations, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable photos with friends and family.
- Family Fun Zone: Free bounce houses and kid friendly activities for families and parents to entertain their children
- Beer Garden: Relax and unwind at our lively Beer Garden, featuring refreshing drinks and a laid-back atmosphere — the perfect spot to enjoy good company, great food, and live entertainment under the lantern lights!
Where: 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA
When: February 21 – 22, 2026
Time: Sat 11 – 8 PM, Sun 11 AM – 7 PM
Tickets: FREE event
Temple City Lunar New Year 2026
Enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, community booths, and traditional Chinese performances at Temple City Lunar New Year celebration.
Where: Temple City Park located at 9701 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, CA
When: Feb 7, 2026
Time: 12 – 4 PM
Tickets: FREE event
Lunar New Year Celebration at South Coast Botanic Garden 2026
South Coast Botanic Garden is excited to host its Lunar New Year Celebration this February! With its winter blooms and lush green foliage, the Garden provides a stunning setting to celebrate the Year of the Horse with Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions. Visitors will be immersed in festive activities on February 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. Enjoy interactive stations where you can try your hand at the traditional Chinese handkerchief dance, learn about and play the Korean game Yutnori, the Vietnamese game Bầu Cua Cá Cọp, or the Chinese tradition of Mahjong. Other highlights include the return of the wishing tree and Zodiac Stroll, a new dragon walk and morning tai chi class. A stunning photo moment will be available so you can capture memories of this special event, alongside specialty foods and hand-mixed cocktails for purchase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three live performances featuring lion dancers, martial artists, folk dancers and drummers will take place each Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., available for a modest additional fee.
Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
When: Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Time: 8 – 5 PM
Tickets: $8 to $27
Port of L.A. Lunar New Year Festival 2026
The Port of Los Angeles will celebrate its 12th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, Feb. 21. They will provide more information closer to the event date.
When: February 21, 2026, Saturday
Where: Cabrillo Way Marina, San Pedro, CA
Time: 3 – 7 PM
Tickets: FREE, Free parking
Read: Lunar New Year Traditions & What they Symbolize
Other Fun Things to do in California:
- Legoland California LEGO Galaxy Land Opening in March
- Disneyland Discount
- Legoland California Discount
- Universal Studios Hollywood Discount
- Warner Bros Studio Tour Discount
- Aquarium of the Pacific Discount
- San Diego Safari Park Discount
- San Diego Zoo Discount
- SeaWorld San Diego Discount
- Sesame Place San Diego Discount
- FREE Entry to CA State Parks on MLK Day (Jan)
- San Diego Museum Month 50% Off Admission (February)
- State Fair and County Fair Schedule
- Southern California List of Outlet Malls
- Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles
- Strawberry Picking U-pick Farms near LA (spring)
- Apple Picking in Oak Glen (fall)
- Best Pumpkin Patches in LA (fall)
