Best of Orange County
Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Orange County (2023)
We’re lucky enough to live in SoCal where we’re exposed to different cultures and celebrations… and we have a great list of where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Orange County!
In 2023, Lunar New Year begins on Sunday, January 22, 2023, but you can enjoy celebrations in Orange County starting in January and running through February.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated in Asian countries and people often go to the temple to honor their ancestors. This year, Lunar New Year is celebrating the year of the tiger.
When is Lunar new year?
Lunar new year celebrations begin with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later.
What are the themes for Lunar new year?
Themes for Lunar New Year are the color red, which brings good luck, presents, fireworks, little red envelopes filled with money and red lanterns.
During this time, it is very common for people to give red envelopes with money to their loved ones – especially children!
How is Lunar new year celebrated?
During this time, many celebrations will have a dragon parade, lion dances and time is spent with family following traditions and enjoying a feast
It is a time to say goodbye to the old year and hope to have good luck in the new year. People also wear traditional clothing.
Another tradition done during this time is cleaning house. Like in other cultures, it is a tradition to clean your house for the Lunar New Year because a clean house will bring good luck.
Oranges are also a symbol for good luck so people try to eat them during Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year events in Orange County
Lunar New Year in Orange County is celebrated at many different locations and we are excited to share some places where you can attend with family. Check out our list of Lunar New Year events in Orange County below (organized by city) and share with a friend using our share buttons above.
If we missed a favorite Lunar New Year celebrations of yours, let us know in the comments below!
Lunar New Year events in Anaheim
Disneyland Resort
January 20, 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
- Special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey and Minnie—dressed in colorful attire.
- Innovative menus celebrating delicious Asian cuisine
- Live holiday entertainment
- Commemorative merchandise
- Kid-friendly crafts and activities
- Festive décor and more
Lunar New Year events in Costa Mesa
Segerstrom Concert Center Hall
January 28, 2023 | 8:00pm
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with our annual Lunar New Year celebration featuring joyous music, festive dance, and a delightful fusion of musical traditions from East and West. Music Director Carl St.Clair conducts.
Artists
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Guest artists to be announced
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
Pacific Symphony
Audience Advisory:
All ticketholders must wear a mask AND provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of performance or a negative Antigen test taken within 6 hours of performance. Ticketholders over the age of 18 must also bring photo ID.
OC Fair & Event Center
January 27-29, 2023
Tết has long been an important tradition that represents Vietnamese culture. On this day, we reunite with family members from different generations to celebrate a new beginning. This upcoming new year is even more special as we are finally able to rejoin and celebrate Tết together after a tumultuous year.
This year, the UVSA Tết Festival theme is “Road to Our Homeland.” UVSA is beyond thrilled to welcome back over 50,000 guests to celebrate the Year of the Cat. 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.
South Coast Plaza
January 19-February 5, 2023
FREE South Coast Plaza ushers in Lunar New Year with a spectacular celebration January 19-Feburary 5. You’re invited to visit our boutiques marking the occasion with coveted limited-edition timepieces and jewelry, tiger-inspired items and festive fashion, and coveted red envelopes. Celebrate at participating restaurants and enjoy a special menu filled with inspired flavors. Stop by Jewel Court to view our splendid Year of the Rabbit botanical display and remember to make a wish for the new year.
Lunar New Year events in Fountain Valley
Mile Square Park (Freedom Hall Lawn)
January 20-22, 2023
FREE Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in the Vietnamese community. It is a time for families to gather and express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors. It’s also a time of renewal and rejuvenation to signify new beginnings.
The Annual OC Tet Festival is a wonderful event that celebrates new beginnings, good fortune, and prosperity. Join me next month at Mile Square Park and enjoy traditional Vietnamese food, carnival rides, and live performances as we ring in the New Lunar Year.
🗓 January 20 | 5pm-10pm
🗓 January 21 | 10am-10pm
🗓 January 22 | 10am-9pm
At the OC Tet Festival, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the Vietnamese Cultural Center, where they will be transported to some of the most iconic landscapes from different regions of Vietnam and enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Visitors will also enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, and more! For more information, call 714-834-3110, or email [email protected]
Lunar New Year events in Garden Grove
Garden Grove Historic Main Street
January 21-22, 2023 | TBD
FREE The inaugural Tet Flower Street on Historic Main Street community event will be part of Garden Grove’s Lunar New Year celebration, and Historic Main Street will be transformed with elaborate flower installations and unique artwork.
The event is free and will take place on Lunar New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year, on Saturday, January 21, 2023, and Sunday, January 22, 2023. The event will feature lion dances, local musical performances, and vendors from the Garden Grove Farmers Market.
Steel Craft Garden Grove
January 21, 2023 | 12:00PM-10:00PM
FREE In collaboration with our communities, we are happy to announce our very first Lunar New Year Festival.
Our Lunar New Year Festival will be a one day event from 12pm-10pm on Saturday, January 21st 2023 at SteelCraft, Garden Grove.
Our mission is for everyone in Southern California to be able to experience various cultures that celebrate lunar new year such as vietnamese, korean, chinese, and japanese culture.
Our intention is to provide an experience that is family friendly and educate the public on the spirit of the holiday.
This event provides a platform for local businesses, talents, content creators, and volunteers to give back to the community in their own ways.
In addition, we appreciate and thank all who provided their support in order us to create this platform.
Your reservation/ticket acts as an entry to our raffle where the winner will be announced at our event.
Garden Grove Tibor Rubin Library
January 12, 2023 | 4:00PM-6:00PM
Make a dragon painting, enjoy snacks, play games, add to our life sized dragon.
Lunar New Year events in Huntington Beach
January 22, 2023 | 11:00AM-5:00PM
Join us in Huntington Beach for some amazing performances, music, meet & greets, and shop from 20+ small businesses!
January 21, 2023 | 11:00AM-1:30PM
Free Korean Dumplings, music, and other family friendly activities.
Lunar New Year events in Irvine
Pretend City
January 21-23, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Year of the Rabbit Happy Lunar New Year!!!
Music & Movement Cultural Performances
Special Performance in the Traveling Exhibit (times: 11 am on Saturday and Sunday): 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.
Special Performance in the Traveling Exhibit (times: 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday): 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.
Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center
January 22, 2023 | Starts at 4:30PM
Join us in celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. We’ll have unforgettable performances, crafts and giveaways. All are welcome! Wishing you a very happy & prosperous Lunar New Year!
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
January 21, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
FREE Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! Each month, a different culture and celebration will be highlighted, with the possibility of the program presented in multiple languages which will allow for everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land.
This month we will focus on the Chinese Lunar New Year. Come explore how people who are born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious, just like those who enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!
February 1, 2023 | 10:00AM-1:00PM
Irvine Seniors: Join us for the Chinese New Year Celebration on Wednesday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lakeview Senior Center. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with cultural performances and a delicious luncheon.
This event is hosted by the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association. Tickets can be purchased online at yourirvine.org or in person at the Lakeview and Rancho senior centers and Trabuco Center. For more information, call 949-724-6900.
UC Irvine
January 17, 2023 | 11:00AM-8:00PM
A joyous celebration filled with wishes for health, luck and prosperity throughout the year. It will be at the UCI Student Center, Barclay Plaza and Theatre locations. Participation is free and open to students and community members. Parking is $2 an hour.
Lunar New Year events in San Clemente
Casa Romantica
February 5, 2023 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
FREE Enjoy FREE admission to Casa Romantica with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and activities celebrating the traditions of Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year events in Santa Ana
Main Place Mall
January 21, 2023 | 2:00PM-5:00PM
Join us to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! This event will feature an array of cultural activities and performances that will both educate and entertain guests. The event will feature an array of cultural activities and performances that will both educate and entertain guests. On the Lower Level, in Macy’s Court, there will be a series of performances by the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations (UVSA), a non-profit community organization that provides a united voice for Vietnamese-American youth and professional leaders from across Southern California. In Center Court, there will be stilt walkers, a talented local calligraphy artist, kids crafts, a face painter and a balloon twister. For those who drop by the welcome table in Center Court, there will be red envelopes with $2 bills, plush rabbits and fortune cookies (each while supplies last). And for MyPerks loyalty program members only, there will also be free bamboo plants (while supplies last). Not a MyPerks member? No problem. Joining is easy and free of charge; to sign up, visit https://www.shopmainplacemall.com/profile. The Lunar New Year event is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit https://www.shopmainplacemall.com/events.
Bowers Museum
January 15, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the beauty of Asian art, music, and dance. Bring the family to enjoy free face painting, art projects and food sampling.
EVENT SCHEUDULE
| 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 |
Lunar New Year events in Tustin
January 22, 2023 | 11:00AM-3:00PM
Join us for custom cookie decorating and fun festivities for the whole family along with special promotions from our retailers and restaurants.
Festivities to take place in the courtyard near Mathis Home.
January 28, 2023 | 12:00PM-2:00PM
Enjoy Lion Dance performances, martial arts show, Chinese fan dancers, stilt walkers, zebra contortionist, Asian kids crafts, and live DJ. Plus, the first 500 guests will receive a Lucky Red Envelope with a crisp $1 bill and special savings from select tenants. No RSVP needed, while supplies last.
Lunar New Year events in Westminster
HPT Tết Lunar New Year Celebration | HPT Realty & Finance
January 22, 2023 | 12:00PM-5:00PM
We would like to invite our agents, partners, staff, family, and friends to join us in celebrating one of our Viet community’s biggest events of the year: Tết (Lunar New Year) 2023. See you there!
2023 Tet Parade | Bolsa Avenue
January 22, 2023 | Starts at 9:30AM
The City of Westminster is proud to present the 2023 Tet Parade.
Worth the drive for these Lunar New Year events
Universal Studios Hollywood
No announcement for 2023
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood where you can meet your favorite characters like Po and Tigress from the award-winning Kung Fu Panda franchise, Illumination’s Minions in traditional Chinese attire and a Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS™, grab a delicious meal at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop and experience live performances and more.
January 21, 2023 | 7:00PM-9:00PM
Join us in Cabaret Lounge for a Lunar New Year celebration.
January 26, 2023 | Starts at 6:00PM
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Monterey Park at our revamped Luminarias Restaurant.
The Grove
January 17-31, 2023 | Special Offers and Discounts
The festive nature of the holidays continues with the 2023 Lunar New Year. The storied meaning, tradition and symbolism behind this celebration are all apparent in the dazzling décor seen throughout The Grove.
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with can’t-miss offers by some of our top-rated brands, plus enjoy delicious discounts when you order from your favorite restaurants.
The Huntington
February 4-5, 2023 | 10:00AM-5:00PM
Celebrate the lunar new year and welcome the Year of the Rabbit during The Huntington’s Chinese New Year Festival. This family-friendly event features lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, music, art and craft demonstrations, and more. Festivities take place in and around the Chinese Garden and other performance spaces.
Advance tickets and reservations required for all visitors and Members. Tickets not available onsite
China Town LA
January 28, 2023 | Starts at 12:00PM
After a 2 year hiatus, Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Festival is back! We know our community has missed this annual celebration so we are excited to have our streets fill up once more to ring in the year of the 🐰. Expect to see colorful floats, lion dancers, martial arts troupes, firecrackers, and food.
Citadel Outlets
January 21-22, 2023 | 12:00PM-3:00PM
Watch exciting lion dances traditionally used to bring good luck and fortune, taking place throughout the center and in Center Court.
Originally published on January 8, 2023. Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Belinda Espinoza Simon
