Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which lands on Feb. 1. In China, it also marks the beginning of spring. The festival is full of traditions and customs, many of which you can celebrate right here in L.A. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Lunar New Year events and activities you and your family can enjoy the next couple of weeks.
Learn all about Lunar New Year and its traditions with a kid-friendly book. Author and educator Yobe Qiu highlights how Lunar New Year is celebrated in Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian communities in her new book, “Our Lunar New Year.”
Celebrate Year of the Tiger with the 44th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K Run/Walk, one of the largest and oldest Lunar New Year events in the U.S. Cost to participate ranges from $32 – $89 with the money benefitting local schools and nonprofit organizations. Virtual participation will remain open through Feb. 27. www.firecracker10k.org.
Disneyland Resort is celebrating Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park from Jan. 21 to Feb. 13, with Asian-inspired food and drinks, celebratory merchandise, colorful décor to symbolize good luck, and more. Read all about it here.
Celebrate with arts and crafts through Pasadena Public Library’s take-home craft kits. Take & Make: Chinese New Year kits, available Feb. 1-15 from Hill Avenue Branch Library, includes all the materials you need to make your own Lion Head dancer. Or grab a Take & Make: Chinese New Year Headband kit from San Rafael Branch Library, available Feb. 1-15, to make your own mini zodiac animal headband.
The Pacific Symphony’s annual Lunar New Year concert will take place on Feb. 5, featuring a blend of Eastern and Western music and dance. Tickets are $28 and up. pacificsymphony.org
The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica will offer a Date Night: Lunar New Year Celebration class on Feb. 4. Chef Katie Chin will teach participants how to make a tiger lily martini, long life veggie noodles symbolizing longevity, a whole steamed fish symbolizing abundance and more. $250 per couple. thegourmandiseschool.com
Shopping centers across town are hosting their own Lunar New Year celebrations. Hang your wish on the cherry blossom wishing trees for prosperity and renewal at Santa Monica Place from Feb. 1-8. Grab a lucky red envelope filled with $2 bills or special retail offers at The Grove or Americana at Brand, now through Feb. 6. More than 20 merchants at The Original Farmers Market will offer “Lucky 8 Specials” from Feb. 1-8. On Feb. 4 artist Jennifer Ripassa will illustrate a chalk art design of a tiger with the iconic Clock Tower in the background.
The Huntington will host their Chinese New Year Festival Feb. 5-6. The two-day family-friendly will feature lion dancers, mask-changing artists, Chinese music and more. $21 – $29. huntington.org
Little ones will love the special dance performance by The Immortals lion dance team at Southern California Children’s Museum’s Lunar New Year event on Jan. 30. $15. socalkids.org
The 40th annual UVSA Tết Festival is the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival, featuring traditional food, performance, entertainment and cultural exhibitions. The two-day family-friendly celebration takes place Feb. 5-6 at the OC Fair and Event Center. $8. tetfestival.org
