Lunar New Year lands on Wednesday and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, which is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. The snake is associated with being alert, calm and smart. And to celebrate the occasion, here are some events happening around the area.
2nd & PCH Lunar New Year Celebration
The gathering includes performances, cultural showcases, family-friendly activities and vendors.
When: 1 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach
Information: 2ndandpch.com
Cerritos Towne Center
The afternoon event will include lion dancers, stilt walkers, photo ops and craft activities for kids, and giveaways.
When: Noon-2 p.m. Feb. 1
Where: Edwards Stadium Courtyard, 12731 Towne Center Drive, Cerritos
Information: cerritostc.com
Disney California Adventure
Park admission will be required to celebrate the Year of the Snake with the Mouse at Disney’s annual event. It will include Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, Asian food and Disney characters in costumes to suit the occasion.
When: Through Feb. 16
Where: Paradise Gardens Park at California Adventure, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd,. Anaheim
Information: disneyland.disney.go.com
Queen Mary
The festivities at the ship start with a lantern making workshop ($39). There’s also a Reptile and Animal Workshop that will include up-close encounters with snakes and other creatures. For those who want to grub, there’s a dinner and show that includes performances by Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Dance and a buffet ($149) with dishes like braised pork belly, dumplings and other Chinese fare.
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Information: queenmary.com
Riverside Lunar Festival
The 13th annual free festival will not only have lion dancers and acrobats but carnival rides, a car exhibit and vendors.
When: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Where: 453 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
Information: riversideca.gov
Santa Monica Place
The mall will be decorated with red and gold lanterns in the Center Plaza from Tuesday through Feb. 13. From 2-5 p.m. Feb. 8, a free celebration will include lion dancers, live music, cultural artists and more.
Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
Information: santamonicaplace.com
San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival
People can check out lantern displays, see performances and nosh on street foods.
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 2
Where: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel
Information: sangabrielcity.com
The District at Tustin Legacy
You might get lucky here, since organizers will be handing out red envelopes with $2 inside and other deals to the first 500 people who attend. Guests can also expect to see martial arts and musical performances and, of course, lion dancers.
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 2437 Park Ave., Tustin
Information: thedistricttl.com
Tet Festival
The second annual festival includes performances, a scavenger hunt and a fireworks show.
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday; fireworks start at 5:45.
Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
Information: santa-ana.org
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
