Lunar New Year is the start of the new year in accordance to the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and early February. It is celebrated in countries including, China, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam. This year Lunar New Year is celebrated Saturday, February 10.
Personally, in my Chinese culture, my favorite part of Lunar New Year is the food. We would have jai (monk's food), gao (sweet sticky rice cake), jin dui (sesame balls), and candied fruit in served in tea. Each food eaten during Chinese New Year is associated with greater values. Ingredients in jai represents wealth and happiness, while eating noodles would symbolize longevity. As kids, we would receive lai see (red envelopes with money) from our elders, symbolizing success in the future. There would be celebrations around town with lion dances. Feeding these lions with cash, will bring blessings and good fortune to you. These celebrations are not only about food, fun, and receiving lai see. It's also a time to remembering ancestors and celebrating with loved ones.
Check out some of the Lunar New Year Events happening in and around Irvine. *Please check their websites for any updated information.
LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS
Newport Beach and surrounding areas
Asian Garden Mall - Westminster
Jan 18 - Feb 8 • 10am - 10pm Daily
Fireworks Celebration Feb 10
Lunar New Year 2024
Outlets at San Clemente
Red Envelope Giveaway • January 28 - February 17
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 10
Year of the Dragon Festival
Irvine University Park Library
February 6 • 4:30pm
Tet Festival
OC Fair & Event Center • Costa Mesa
February 9 - 11
Pretend City Lunar New Year
Pretend City • Irvine
February 10 - 11 • 11am - 2:30pm
Lunar New Year
Segerstrom Concert Hall • Costa Mesa
February 10 • 8pm
Lunar New Year
Diamond Jamboree - Irvine
February 10
Lunar New Year Fest
Irvine University Park
February 17 • 2:30pm
Lion Dancers
Laguna Niguel
February 24 • 2:30pm
OC Lantern Festival
Free Family Event
Segerstrom Concert Hall • Costa Mesa
March 2 • 11am
Lunar New Year
South Coast Plaza
Visit boutiques and restaurants with lunar new year inspired themes
TBA
2024 Lunar New Year
Irvine Barclay Theatre & Plaza
TBA • 11am - 8pm
Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Spectrum Center
TBA • 11a - 2p
Lunar New Year
Fashion Island - Newport Beach
Special Promotions and Activities
TBA
LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS
Los Angeles and surrounding areas
go to torrance.macaronikid.com for any updated information
Lunar New Year 2023
Santa Monica Place
Lion Dances • Chinese Dough Art • Live DJ • Special Retail Offers
January 23 - February 21
Lunar New Year Festival
Monterey Park
Food • Family Activities • Entertainment
Saturday, January 27 • 10am - 9pm
Sunday, January 28 • 10am - 7pm
Lunar New Year
Red Envelope Giveaway
Citadel Outlets
January 22 - February 23
Also enjoy lion dance performances at on February 10
Lunar New Year Community Event
Playa Vista
Food Trucks • Chinese Arts & Crafts • Games & Activities • Performances
February 4 • 10:30pm - 3:30pm
LBX Little Aviators
Long Beach
Tuesday, February 13 • 10:30a
Golden Dragon Lunar New Year Parade
Join in from some live performances, activities, and parade.
LA Chinatown
February 17 • 1pm
Lunar New Year Festival
Celebrate Lunar New Year with food, entertainment, and family activities!
Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, February 18 • 9am - 6pm
LA Chinatown Firecracker Run
Participate in this 5k or 10k walk/run
February 24 - 25
Lunar New Year Festival
Cabrillo Way Marina San Pedro
Food • Crafts • Lion Dancers • Entertainment
TBA • 3pm - 7pm
NI:4531; OC:7 2022
WI 11470 OC 17 2023
