Lunar New Year, also often called Chinese New Year, falls on Tuesday February 5th this year. Lunar New Year is often celebrated by people of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean ancestry among others. Each New Year has a designated zodiac attached to it. This Tuesday we will be moving into a Year of the Pig – some sources describe the Pig as a zodiac characterized by wealth, energy, and enthusiasm! Let us hope these are things that come to all of us this year!
We have compiled a list of coastal SoCal events where you can join in the celebration. Whether the holiday is something your family has always celebrated, something you witnessed celebrated while stationed abroad, or you are simply interested in getting to know it better take a look at our list of places you can go immerse yourself in the celebration.
San Diego County
- Sea World has a Lunar New Year celebration on select dates from Feb 2- 18. The website advertises acrobatic shows, special foods, and stage shows! Remember that Sea World offers free tickets to military families and their dependents for one visit each year through their Waves of Honor program! This may be a time to use your if you haven’t already. Crowds should be low and locals-only in February.
- The House of China at the International Cottages at Balboa Park will celebrate with a Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday Feb. 9 and Sunday Feb. 10 from 11am-5pm with performances, dragon dancing, and special foods. You can get further details and register for this FREE event here.
- 37th Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair is happening in downtown San Diego on Saturday Feb. 16 – Sunday Feb. 17 from 10am-5pm and admission is FREE! There will be special foods, performances, kids crafts, and a lantern parade.
- The San Diego Tet Festival runs Feb. 8-10 in Mira Mesa Community Park. Admission is FREE. There will be performances, vendors, and pageant to select the 2019 Miss Vietnam of San Diego.
Orange County
- Disneyland is celebrating the Lunar New Year from now until February 17th with special food, character appearances, parades, and events that are inspired by Asian cultures.
- USVA Tet Festival at the OC Fairgrounds is the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival in the US. It runs from Feb 9-10. General admission is $6 and parking is $9 MILMOMTIP: admission is FREE on Saturday to anyone in scout uniforms or traditional Vietnamese attire.
- Universal Studios is celebrating Lunar New Year from Feb. 2-18 with Kung Fu Panda character appearances and special foods (including a recreation of Mr.Ping’s Noodle shop with noodles served by Mr. Ping). The website advertises there will be a Mandarin-speaking Megatron roaming the park as well.
- The Irvine Spectrum Center is celebrating The Year of the Pig on Sunday February 10 from 12PM-2PM. The event is FREE and there will be a Chinese Dragon Dance, arts and crafts, free fortune cookie distribution, lucky envelopes given out, and performances. Additionally retailers at the location will offer special discounts on the day.
Did we miss any of your favorite events? Send us a message or comment on your favorites.
