Our 2023 Lunar New Year Events Listing includes Lunar New Year Celebrations in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. From Lunar New Year parades, lantern making, various Tet Festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations at theme parks, museums & malls.
2023 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS LISTING
Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival 2023
Canceled due to a mass shooting last night at a dance club in Monterey Park.
The Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival will feature 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. Various types of entertainment will be featured on both days. A carnival fun zone will be featured in parking lots at the corner of Garvey and Lincoln Avenues.
When: January 21 and 22, 2023
Time: Saturday 10 AM to 9PM, Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM
Tickets: FREE
Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival 2023
The Alhambra Lunar New Year Celebration is a free, multi-block festival that will take place on Main Street from Garfield to 2nd Street. From 9 am to 6 pm, you can enjoy two stages with entertainment and more than 100 booths providing giveaways and activities.
The Main Stage will feature cultural performances and demonstrations including a lion dance, calligraphy instruction, cultural dances, the Candy Man, and more. Back again will be Asian Arts Talents Foundation with various performances from China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and other locales. The amazing Candy Man will sculpt unique animals, including dragons, live on stage.
New this year will be a dedicated Culinary Stage where chefs will demonstrate traditional dishes from across Asia, with samples available for attendees. This stage will also feature special guests with surprise cooking demonstrations. Another new feature of this year’s Lunar New Year festival is the Wellness Pavilion sponsored by Optum and Wells Fargo, where attendees can get complimentary tests and information to increase their health and longevity in the new year!
When: January 29, 2023
Time: 9 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: FREE
The Huntington Library Lunar New Year 2023
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with artist Peifang Wang in this family-friendly Chinese brush painting workshop. Participants will learn about the Year of the Rabbit and other Chinese New Year traditions while practicing their brushstrokes. Class instruction will be geared toward students aged 6-12. The fee includes access to materials for one child and one accompanying adult and admission to The Huntington.
Where: The Huntington Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, Calif. 91108
When: January 21, 2023
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Tickets: For 6 and up. Fee includes one child and one accompanying adult and free admission to The Huntington.
Santa Monica Place Lunar New Year Celebration
Lunar New Year in Santa Monica can be celebrated at Santa Monica Place. Enjoy cultural performances and art under traditional red and gold lanterns. The celebration which is a free family-friendly event, hosted by comedian Paul Kim, includes:
– Lion Dances
– Chinese Dough Artist
– Balloon Artist
– Live DJ
– Special retailer offers
– and more!
Where: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401
When: January 28, 2023, from 2 to 5 PM
Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year Celebration 2022
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Disneyland! Bring family and friends together at this multicultural celebration filled with auspicious wishes for health, luck and prosperity throughout the Year of the Rabbit!
From January 20 to February 15, 2023, Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park ushers in a joyous tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures.
Event highlights include:
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
- Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration
- Live holiday entertainment at the Paradise Garden Bandstand
- Sip and Savor Pass for Lunar New Year Marketplaces and participating dining locations
- Special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey, Minnie and Mushu—dressed in colorful attire
- Innovative menus celebrating delicious Asian cuisine
- Commemorative merchandise
- Kid-friendly crafts and activities
- Festive décor and more
All events, experiences and offerings are subject to cancellation or change without notice.
When: January 20 – February 15, 2023
Where: Disney California Adventure, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Tickets: Park Admission Cost – Check Disneyland Discount Tickets
Bowers Museum Asian Lunar New Year Festival 2023
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Bowers Museum with the beauty of Asian art, music, and dance. Bring the family to enjoy free face painting, art projects and food sampling.
EVENT SCHEDULE
| Key Courtyard | |
| 11 am – 3 pm | Free face painting, treat samples, and art projects: sculpting lucky rabbits and decorating paper lanterns |
| 12 pm | Lion Dance by JC Culture Foundation |
| 1 pm | Award winning Leticia Xu performs on the Yangqin, (Chinese hammered dulcimer) |
| 1:30 pm | Intermission – Visit the galleries! Santa Ana Residents receive FREE General Admission |
| 2 pm | Traditional Dance Performances by Chinese Dance Company of Southern California |
| 2:30 pm | Traditional Dance Performances by Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy |
When: January 15, 2023
Where: Key Courtyard at Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Time: 11 – 3:30 PM
Tickets: Free festival. General admission to Bowers Museum is free on Festival Sundays for Members and Santa Ana residents only.
Segerstrom Lantern Festival 2023
The Segerstrom Lantern Festival is a Free Family event! Bring the entire family and join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit! The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, marks the return of spring and the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.
Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School join in presenting this free family-friendly festival to commemorate the end of the Lunar New Year celebration with music, dance, art making, riddles and food. Join us as the concert hall lobby becomes transformed for the festivities with floating lanterns and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is opened up to the public for performances featuring local music and dance groups.
Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. To get your free tickets, select a General Admission $0.00 ticket when asked to choose your seating section.
When: February 18, 2023
Where: Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Time: 11 AM
Tickets: Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. Due to venue capacity, admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the course of the event. Though a ticket does not guarantee immediate admission, ticket holders will be given priority access. Be sure to print out all print-at-home tickets.
Pretend City Lunar New Year Celebration 2023
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Pretend City with art, music & movement cultural performances.
Art: Make your own Lantern, Learn Asian calligraphy and make pretend dumplings!
Purpose: Kids will get a chance to learn about and celebrate one of the most popular holidays of the year. They will practice their fine motor skills, learn about cause and effect, and gain hand strength. These activities will also foster their curiosity about the world.
Music & Movement Cultural Performance
(TIMES: 11 am on Saturday and Sunday):
Special Performance in the Traveling Exhibit: Kishin Daiko Drummers from the East San Grabriel Valley Japanese Community Center performance will include Japanese percussive-style drumming that embodies the translation of Kishin which is energy, spirit, and heart. Kishin Daiko’s music consists of traditional adaptations of traditional Japanese taiko pieces, along with original compositions by contemporary musicians and Kishin members.
Purpose: Cultural diversity and exposure to a variety of artist exploration through cultural values, gross motor movement, rhythm, sound, tone exploration. Japanese percussive-style drumming embodies the translation of Kishin which is energy, spirit, and heart. Kishin Daiko’s music consists of traditional and adaptations of traditional Japanese taiko pieces, along with original compositions by contemporary musicians and Kishin members. Kishin devotes itself to sharing Japanese and Japanese American culture by holding workshops, and classes, and performing at large events.
About the play partner: Kishin Daiko Drummers from the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center
Music & Movement Cultural Performance
Time: 2:30 pm
Special Performance in the Traveling Exhibit: Ane Thanh Lion Dance will be performing traditional Asian dancing including acrobatics and a live instrumental troupe to bring good luck into the new year.
Learn more: Ane Thanh Lion Dance (ATLD) has performed for hundreds of events all across Southern California, from luxury hotel weddings in San Diego to grand-scale auditorium exhibitions in Los Angeles.
The troupe has a solid repertoire of experienced dancers and a quickly expanding collection of top handcrafted lions and equipment.
Purpose: Cultural diversity and exposure to a variety of artist exploration through cultural values, gross motor movement, rhythm, sound, tone exploration.
When: January 21 – 22, 2023
Where: Pretend City, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Time: 11 AM
Tickets: Included with museum admission, RSVP not required
UVSA Tet Festival 2023 – OC Fairgrounds
The nation’s largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival. This year, the UVSA Tết Festival theme is “Road to Our Homeland.” UVSA is beyond thrilled to welcome back over 50,000 guests. UVSA Tết Festival is proud to be 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 ethnically diverse foods, and a dazzling firecracker show celebrating the new year.
Lunar year 2023 is a year of the Cat on the Vietnamese zodiac, from January 22nd, 2023 to February 9th, 2024. Cat is the fourth sign in Vietnamese Zodiac, taking place of the Rabbit in Chinese Zodiac.
When: January 27 – 29, 2023
Where: OC Fair & Event Center,
Time: varies by day, check the website
Tickets: FREE – $8
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run 2023
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 with support from the City of Los Angeles.
When: February 18 to 19, 2023
Where: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets: $45 – $80 for the run
San Diego Tet Festival 2023
San Diego Tet Festival is a 3 day festival with lion dances, contests, pageant, food, and more!
When: January 27 – 29, 2023.
Where: Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem Street, San Diego, CA 92126
Time: varies, check website
Citadel Outlets Lunar New Year Celebration 2023
Citadel Outlets will host a Lunar New Year Celebration! Watch exciting lion dances traditionally used to bring good luck and fortune, taking place throughout the center and in Center Court. Remember to drop by Customer Service to pick up your free red envelope from January 13th to February 13th!
When: January 21 and 22, 2023
Where: Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040
Tickets: FREE
Lunar New Year Parade Los Angeles 2023
In celebrating over one hundred years of tradition, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles presents the 124th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. With over thousands and thousands of individuals lining the parade route and thousands viewing the telecast each year, this colorful celebration along North Broadway in Chinatown has become the premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American Community.
Where: along North Broadway in Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
When: Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 1 PM to 5 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 2023
The San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival will consist of Street Food Fair, Marketplace, Chalk Art Contest, Festival Stage, and KPOP Dance Cover Contest.
When: February 4, 2023
Where: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Time: 10 AM – 9 PM
Tickets: Free Admission
Westminster Tet Parade 2023
The Little Saigon Tết Parade is a grandiose event on the lunar new year since 2013 to present. Parade Features: marching bands, floats, lion dances, color guards, veterans and youth organizations, martial arts, multi-cultural attires, elected officials, scout organizations, community organizations, and a host of international and local businesses.
When: January 22, 2023
Where: Bolsa Ave. & Saigon St., Westminster, CA 92683
Time: 9:30 AM
Westminster Tet Parade Route: along Bolsa Ave., starting at Magnolia St., eastbound to Bushard St.
Outlets at San Clemente Lunar New Year Celebration 2023
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Outlets at San Clemente. Details to follow
When: January 21, 2023
Where: Oak Tree Court at the Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
Time:
Tickets: FREE
Desert Hills Premium Outlets Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Enjoy Lion Dance performances on Saturday, January 21 from Noon-3pm. Performances will begin at Noon in the West Village at Entrance 3 and finish in the East Village near Polo Ralph Lauren.
When: January 21, 2023
Where: Desert Hills Premium Outlets, 48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Time: Noon to 3 PM
Tickets: FREE
Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival 2023
Celebrate the first annual Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival at RC Sports Center with food, shopping, and cultural performances on January 21 to 22 from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free.
Riverside Lunar Festival 2023
Since 2010, the Riverside Lunar Festival has been a celebration of Asian American culture for the city of Riverside and the Inland Empire. The annual event will be back at the same location in beautiful Downtown Riverside, the last weekend of January. From red lanterns to lion dancing, everyone is welcome to come and experience the festive atmosphere of the Year of the Rabbit!
The event will kick off with an opening ceremony on Mission Inn Ave from 11:30am-1:00pm on Saturday Jan 28. Be sure to check out the Taiko Drummers, Lion & Dragon Dance performances, and Shaolin Kungfu.
At the stage, performers from all around LA will showcase their talents during the event. Must watch shows include, traditional Chinese dance by Inland HuaXia ECAA, Tang Arts and Performing Studios, K-Pop from M.A.D Dance Studios, traditional instruments from Merano Cultural Group, and Japanese Taiko Drums from UCR. There will also be martial arts demonstration from Filipino Martial Arts and so much more.
Food is always a central part of any Lunar New Year celebration. This year will host some of the best and unique food vendors in the IE.
At the marketplace, local and regional artisans will be on hand selling traditional and modern goods, including hand cut paper art, handmade jewelry and clothing, terra cotta dolls, Japanese dolls, and hand-written calligraphy from China and Vietnam. Also be sure to check out local artists drawing caricatures, manga, henna, and custom paintings.
Young children can experience the fun-zone inflatable rides, including a 40’ obstacle course, 20’ tall rock wall climb, and princess (Disney) jumper among many more. Kids can also experience the Japanese game machine corner and unique prizes you can win. Kids can come away with a unique Lunar New Year experience.
The 2023 Riverside Lunar Festival is presented by Panana events with support from the The City of Riverside, ICAA, and local non-profits.
Admission is free and parking is free. For more information please visit pananaevents.com, instagram.com/panananightmarket
Japanese American National Museum Oshogatsu Family Festival 2023
Join us as we welcome the Year of the Rabbit with cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages during the Oshogatsu Family Festival at the Japanese American National Museum!
- Traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance by Kodama Taiko
- Candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi (Shan the Candyman)
- Koto and calligraphy performances
- Author-led interactive storytimes
- Fun Oshogatsu and Year of the Rabbit-inspired crafts and origami
- Souvenir photos by cre8tive outlets
- Scavenger hunt for prizes
- Free admission all day
…and so much more!
When: Sunday, January 8, 2023
Where: Japanese American National Museum
Tickets: FREE
Port of L.A. Lunar New Year Festival 2023
Join the cultural festival with entertainment, lion dancers, crafts, food, and festive finale at Cabrill Way Museum on January 21, 2023, from 3 to 7 PM, Admission is free.
USC Pacific Asia Museum Lunar New Year Festival 2023
The USC Pacific Asia Museum Lunar New Year celebration will feature performances and activities for the whole family! Enjoy a traditional lion dance, storytelling, calligraphy and crafts, food trucks, free admission to the museum, and a final chance to view the special exhibition, After Modernism: Through the Lens of Wayne Thom.
Program Schedule
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – artmaking activities with Barnsdall Arts
11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Calligraphy
11:30 am – USC Traditional Chinese Dance (USC TCD)
12:00 pm – Lion Dance and Martial Arts Demonstration
1:00 pm – Korean Classical Music and Dance Company
2:00 pm – Clazzical Notes musical performance
2:30 pm – Storytelling with Barbara G. Wong
3:00 pm – USC Kazan Taiko
Where: 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101
When: January 22, 2023
Time: 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free
The Shops at Santa Anita Lunar New Year Celebration 2023
The Shops at Santa Anita Lunar New Year celebration will feature an array of activities and performances at the promenade. Live performances, lion and dragon dances, tradtional Chines arts and crafts, and more
Where: 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
When: January 29, 2023
Time: 1 to 4 PM
Tickets: FREE event
Irvine Spectrum Center Lunar New Year Celebration 2023
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Irvine Spectrum Center with traditional lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, instrumental performances, and more.
When: January 28, 2023
Where: Irvine Spectrum Center, 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Time: 11 AM to 2 PM
Tickets: FREE
Read: Lunar New Year Traditions & What they Symbolize
