February 5 is the official start of the Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year) and 2019 is the Year of the Pig.
If you were born on these years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, then according to the Chinese Zodiac, you are a Pig (we mean that in a good way). You can learn a little more about what it means to be a Pig here.
You can also celebrate the Lunar New Year in a variety of places across Southern California. Here are some events we vetted just for you. Most of these events are free (unless otherwise noted) so you can spend your money feeding your inner pig some delicious traditional food instead!
INLAND EMPIRE
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
What: As part of the museum’s “First Sundays” events they will be honoring the Lunar New Year with Chinese games, crafts, and a special lion dance performance.
When: Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 1:00PM- 4:00PM
Where: Riverside Metropolitan Museum (at the front steps), 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
More info here
Lunar New Year Festival at Ontario Mills
What: A family friendly festival featuring Lion Dancers, Kung Fu and musical performances, as well as face painting, giveaways and so much more.
When: Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 1:00PM-5:00PM
Where: Ontario Mills Mall – Ontario Mills, 1 Mills Circle, Ontario in Fashion Alley near Coach.
Click here for more info
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Golden Dragon Parade
What: LA’s 120th Golden Dragon Parade hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. A colorful celebration of ethnic diversity, Chinese culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses.
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Chinatown, Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ( link to parade map)
Admission: Free unless you would like grandstand seating $15-$25 purchase tickets here
More info: http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/
The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
What: Street festival with 250 booths, spread across five city blocks, with food, games, cultural demonstrations, children’s workshops, giveaways and more. An entertainment stage will have performances all day long.
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Where: Valley Boulevard between Garfield Avenue and Almansor Street, Alhambra
Tickets: Free
More Info: www.alhambralunarnewyear.com
Farmer’s Market LA
What: Farmer’s Market and The Grove bring you an exciting celebration featuring Chinese Dragon and Lion dances, K-pop dance performances, martial arts demos, and other pig themed activities. Complete schedule of activities TBD please check website for details.
When: Sunday, February 17, 2019 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Universal Studios Theme Park
What: If you happen to be going to Universal Studios February 2-18 you will have the privilege of experiencing Lunar New Year activities throughout the park. Join Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda in Po’s Village. Catch Illumination’s Minions in traditional Chinese attire and Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS™ in the Universal Plaza. Make a New Year’s wish at the Wishing Trees. Watch an interactive Dragon Warriors kung fu training show and other cultural performances.
When: February 2-18, 2019
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
More info: Park hours vary. Please check the website
Panda Express House of Good Fortune
What: Panda Express will host an interactive experience of five different sensory rooms highlighting the traditions of the Lunar New Year. Explore the Room of Luck, Room of Longevity, Room of Happiness, Room of Prosperity, and Room of Hope.
When: February 1-5, 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Where: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067
More info: Admission is free but entrance tickets are currently SOLD OUT. Walk-ins will be accommodated but, not guaranteed. Continue to check the website for updates.
San Gabriel Mission District
What: An enormous festival is happening at the San Gabriel Mission District. A variety of performances on the festival stage, a gourmet street food fair, a crafts village, merchandise, and a chalk art contest await you!
When: February 16, 2019 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Where: 320 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
More info: http://sglunarnewyear.org/
Huntington Library Chinese New Year Festival
What: Lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts, Chinese music and dance, arts and crafts
When: February 2-3, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
More info: Entrance is general admission ($13-$29) but you will have access to park grounds while you enjoy the festival. Click here for details.
Santa Monica Place
What: Featuring Korean fan dance, Lion dance, K-Pop dancers, DJ, music duo, dough artist, balloon artist, and crafts.
When: Saturday February 16, 2019 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Center Plaza Level 1)
More info here
City of Walnut New Year Celebration
What: Bring your entire family to celebrate the new year with a Lion Dance, firecrackers, live entertainment, music, food trucks, vendors, games, activities, and artistic demonstrations.
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Walnut City Hall Parking Lot, 21201 La Puente Rd, Walnut, CA 91789
More info: http://www.cityofwalnut.org/for-visitors/city-events/city-special-events-winter
ORANGE COUNTY
Disney California Adventure Park: Lunar New Year Festivities ongoing throughout the park until February 17
What: If you own a season pass, this a great time to take advantage of it. Enjoy Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession at Disney’s California Adventure, unique holiday entertainment, special appearances by some popular Disney characters dressed in holiday attire, culturally inspired food, Lunar New Year merchandise, crafts and activities, Festive décor and more.
When: Through February 17
Where: Disney California Adventure, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
More info: Click here for details
Union of Vietnamese Student Association
What: Celebrate the arrival of Spring and the new year Vietnamese style with UVSA, featuring traditional food, entertainment, and cultural exhibitions.
When: February 8, 4:00 PM -10:00 PM, February 9, 11:00 AM -10:00 PM, February 10, 11:00 AM -9:00 PM
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
More info: Admission is $6.00 with in and out privileges. Children under 2 are free. Individuals dressed in traditional outfits, military, and scout uniforms can gain free admission Saturday February 9, 11:00AM- 1:00PM only. https://tetfestival.org/
Segerstrom Center for the Arts- Argyros Plaza
What: The Segerstrom Center for the Arts along with the Pacific Symphony will feature cultural performances ranging from traditional Chinese folk dance to contemporary K-pop.
When: Saturday February 9, 2019. Performances start at 5:30 PM
Where: 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
See details here
Bowers Museum Lunar New Year Festival
What: Lion, dragon and classic Asian dance, music and art, craft activities, face painting, treats and more.
When: Sunday, February 3, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Where: Key Courtyard and Kidseum, Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
More info here
South Coast Plaza Lunar New Year: Year of the Pig
What: South Coast Plaza will be celebrating the Lunar New Year through February 18th. Enjoy family activities, exhibits and special products at boutiques, as well as a South Coast limited edition gift with minimum purchase
When: 10:00 AM – 9 PM Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Saturday and 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday Jan. 31-Feb. 18
Where: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
More Info: www.southcoastplaza.com/lunar-new-year/
SAN FRANCISCO AREA
If you happen to be in the Greater San Francisco Area during the month of February don’t forget to check out these events.
2019 Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade
What: This parade is not free but tickets must be purchased if you want to sit in the bleachers. It is named one of the top ten parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association. The parade is lighted in the evening, and is considered the biggest parade celebration of the holiday outside of Asia. Over a hundred parade entries including several floats for 2019. Watch flags, lanterns,and drums light up the streets of Chinatown.
When: Saturday February 23, 2019, 5:15 PM
Where: Starting at the corner of 2nd and Market Streets. It then weaves its way through Chinatown and ends at Jackson and Kearny Streets.
For more info on how to navigate getting to the parade, finding a spot, and other Lunar New Year activities this month visit: https://www.inside-guide-to-san-francisco-tourism.com/san-francisco-chinese-new-year.html
For tickets: https://chineseparade.com/