Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar, is celebrated in Chinese communities and other Asian communities, including Vietnamese and Korean. This year, the Year of the Snake, Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 29. We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly events celebrating Lunar New Year in Los Angeles. In light of the recent wildfires, some Lunar New Year events, like the Chinatown Firecracker, have been postponed. Please be sure to check event websites for up to date information.
1. Kidspace Celebrates Lunar New Year
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 25-26 | Kidspace Children’s Museum
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Kidspace with special art activities, a cozy pop-up library dedicated to the Chinese zodiac, spectacular traditional lion dog dances, and more! According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake is a time for renewal, transformation, and growth. The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac and is associated with wisdom, charm and elegance.
Lion Dog performances will be held in the Courtyard at 12 p.m. More info.
2. ‘Patsy’ with East West Players
11 a.m., Jan. 25 | Sierra Madre Playhouse
The multi-week Lunar New Year celebration at Sierra Madre Playhouse kicks off with the East West Players’ production of “Patsy,” a heartwarming play about the enduring legacy of trailblazer Patsy Mink, the first Asian American congresswoman, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 25.
In this inspiring story about resilience and determination, Kailani, an 18-year-old star athlete at Maui High School, anxiously awaits news of her college acceptance when she is visited by the spirit of Mink, a former Maui High valedictorian. As Mink shares the trials and triumphs of her groundbreaking political career, Kailani gains valuable lessons about overcoming setbacks and embracing perseverance. This heartwarming play celebrates the enduring legacy of a true trailblazer.
East West Players is the nation’s longest-running Asian American theater and the largest producer of Asian American theatrical works. Founded in 1965, East West Players is committed to raising the visibility of the Asian American experience by presenting inventive world-class theatrical productions, developing artists of color and providing impactful youth education programs. More info.
3. Lunar New Year at Pretend City
11 a.m., Jan. 25-26 | Pretend City Children’s Museum
Welcome to the Year of the Snake! 🐍 Celebrate the Lunar New Year with colorful traditions, cultural stories, and fun for the whole family! At 11 a.m. Kishin Daiko Drummers will give a rhythmic performance including Japanese percussive-style drumming, and adaptations of traditional Japanese taiko pieces. At 2:30 p.m., Ane Thanh Lion Dance perform traditional Asian dancing, including acrobatics and a live instrumental troupe to bring good luck into the new year. More info.
4. Lunar New Year at Plaza West Covina
1 p.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 25 | Plaza West Covina
Plaza West Covina is celebrating the Lunar New Year on Jan. 25 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the J.C. Penney Court. Welcome the Year of the Snake with live dance performances, entertainment, crafts and a character meet and greet with Mulan. During the event, the first 300 guests who check in at Plaza West Covina can redeem a lucky red envelope with celebratory prizes, while supplies last. This event is free and fun for the whole family! More info.
5. City of Santa Ana- Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival
1 p.m.-6 p.m., Jan. 25 | Centennial Park
In commemoration of the community’s Asian and Vietnamese cultures, the City of Santa Ana is celebrating the Year of the Snake at the second annual Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival. Guests can look forward to cultural performances, live entertainment, a lion and dragon dance, traditional food vendors, a fireworks show and more! In addition The Anaheim Ducks and their official mascot, Wild Wing, will offer fun activities and special discounted ticket opportunities.
Santa Ana’s Tết Festival is family-friendly and open to all. On-site event parking is available at no cost. More info.
6. 11th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival
3 p.m.-7 p.m., Jan. 25 | Cabrillo Way Marina
Free, family friendly, and open to all ages, this annual event takes place at Cabrillo Way Marina in San Pedro, and offers free parking at 22nd and Miner streets.
Welcoming in the Year of the Snake, this popular event will feature a host of cultural attractions, dance and musical performances, including a petting zoo and wishing wall, as well as food trucks offering culinary delights traditionally enjoyed during the annual Asian holiday. More info.
7. Lankershim Lunar Block Party
12 p.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 25 | Lankershim Arts Center
The third annual Lunar Block Party is a cultural expression and celebration based on the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. This tradition centers on removing the bad and the old and welcoming the new and the good. It is widely celebrated in Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Vietnam.
Lunar Block Party is an opportunity for NoHo pedestrians to reclaim the block as they welcome the new and good through food, performing arts, culture, and artisans celebrating Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese cultures through sights, sounds, and participation. More info.
8. Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place
10 a.m.-8 p.m., Jan. 28-Feb. 13 | Santa Monica Place
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Santa Monica Place from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13. Write a wish for the cherry blossom wishing trees, stand under the red and gold lanterns in Center Plaza, and grab a photo with all of our festive Lunar New Year décor plus pick up a Lunar New Year craft kit for the kids while supplies last.
Visit Feb. 8 from 2-5 p.m. for a free family-friendly event featuring cultural performances and art under traditional red and gold lanterns, hosted by comedian Paul Kim. Activities include lion dances, Chinese dough artist Chris Lee, balloon artist, a craft area for kids and more. More info.
9. Lunar New Year at the L.A. Zoo
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 1-2 | Los Angeles Zoo
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the zoo with traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Dance performances, Year of the Snake photo op, Bitty Bao bilingual story time and craft, education stations and more. More info.
10. Lunar New Year Celebration at South Coast Botanic Garden
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 1-2 | South Coast Botanic Garden
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Lunar New Year celebration returns with new activities for all ages, including hands-on art station where you can craft colorful kites and playful snake puppets. Enjoy an enhanced interactive plant walk, immersive storytelling sessions, a wishing tree to share your hopes for the year, lively music and a 360° photo booth to capture the fun. Three live performances featuring lion dancers, martial artists, folk dancers and drummers will take place each Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., available for an additional fee. More info.
11. San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival
10 a.m.-9 p.m., Feb. 1-2 | San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
Celebrate the lunar new year in the historic San Gabriel Mission District. Feb. 1-2 the San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival will feature never-before-seen lantern displays, live performances, street food, shopping and more. More info.
12. 2025 Lunar New Year Festival at The Huntington
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 1-2 | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
This family-friendly event features lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, contemporary dance, floral arts, music, and more. More info.
13. Lunar New Year with Lion Dance & Puppet-Making Workshop
11 a.m., Feb. 1 | Sierra Madre Playhouse
Sierra Madre Playhouse continues its multi-week Lunar New Year Festival with a special family program featuring an enthralling Lion Dance performed by the East Wind Foundation, a Chinatown-based non-profit organization that empowers at-risk youth through martial and performance arts, at 11 a.m. Feb. 1 at Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Following the performance, Bob Baker Marionette Theater hosts a hands-on dragon puppet-building workshop for children of all ages. Participants create their own puppets and learn to perform with them alongside professional puppeteers. The event offers families the chance to explore creativity, culture, and community in an interactive and engaging way. More info.
14. Lunar New Year @ PAM
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 1 | USC Pacific Asia Museum
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at USC Pacific Asia Museum’s annual Lunar New Year festival. The free, all ages event features art making with Barnsdall Arts, complimentary tea from Altadena’s Callisto Tea House, storytime presented by the Altadena Public Library, USC Traditional Chinese Dance and more, including local food trucks and courtyard wishing tree.
In addition to the festivities, PAM will be hosting a donation drive to help support Pasadena Unified School District in their recovery efforts for schools lost and students impacted by the Eaton fires. They are accepting new art supplies and gift cards. More info.
15. 126th Annual Golden Dragon Parade
1 p.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 8 | Chinatown Central Plaza
Enjoy floats, festivities, and performers as the parade winds through Chinatown on Saturday, February 8. Presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. More info.
16. San Marino Lunar New Year Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 8 | Lacy Park
In partnership with the Chinese Club of San Marino (CCSM), the city of San Marino will hold its annual Lunar New Year festival on Feb. 8 at Lacy Park, 1485 Virginia Road. Festival fun includes fun park activities, performances, entertainment, games and delicious food. Admission is free. CCSM will raise funds at the event for fire relief. The festival will both be a wish for good health and fortune as well as a call for solidarity and support for each other during this difficult time.
17. Lunar New Year Celebration at South Coast Botanic Garden
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 & 2223 | South Coast Botanic Garden
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Lunar New Year celebration returns with new activities for all ages, including hands-on art station where you can craft colorful kites and playful snake puppets. Enjoy an enhanced interactive plant walk, immersive storytelling sessions, a wishing tree to share your hopes for the year, lively music and a 360° photo booth to capture the fun. Three live performances featuring lion dancers, martial artists, folk dancers and drummers will take place each Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., available for an additional fee. More info.
18. Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 8 | Downtown Alhambra
The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival returns to Main Street with its immersive all-day experience. Catch a cooking demonstration, enjoy a dragon dance, shop handcrafted goods in Artist Alley, eat delicious food from local vendors and participate in family-friendly activities. More info.
