Lunar New Year in Los Angeles

Based on the traditional Chinese calendar, Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays of the year in China, in countries with Chinese cultural influence, and in global cities with large Chinese populations like Los Angeles.
One of the most diverse cities in the world, LA celebrates the Lunar New Year with the famed Golden Dragon Parade, lively festivals, and great shopping and restaurant specials. The Lunar New Year is not only a time for family gatherings, but is also a time to honor ancestors and give thanks. Lavish meals loaded with "lucky" dishes, stuffed red envelopes and thunderous firecrackers are all part of the ancient tradition.
Ring in the Year of the Snake at Lunar New Year festivities and specials across Los Angeles.

Midnight Temple Ceremony - Thien Hau Temple (Jan. 28-29, 2025)
Downtown LA's historic Chinatown ignites the Year of the Snake with the Midnight Temple Ceremony, taking place at Thien Hau Temple from 10pm on Tuesday, January 28 to 1am on Wednesday, January 29. Participants make offerings to deities and burn incense for good fortune, traditional lion dancers will perform, and 500,000 firecrackers will scare away evil spirits for an auspicious start to the new year.

Golden Dragon Parade (Mar. 22, 2025)
The highlight of Chinatown's Lunar New Year festivities, the 126th Annual Golden Dragon Parade is taking place on Saturday, March 22. For generations, tens of thousands of spectators have lined the route to view the parade, which features floats, marching bands, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. Previous Grand Marshals include everyone from martial arts legend Bruce Lee to Garrett Wang of Star Trek fame. Admission to the Golden Dragon Parade is free.

Lunar New Year - LA Zoo (Feb. 1-2, 2025)
The LA Zoo has a full slate of Lunar New Year programming the weekend of February 1-2, including traditional dance performances; calligraphy, sky lantern and Chinese paper cutting demos; Wall of Well Wishes; Bitty Bao Storytime & Craft; special animal feedings and education stations.

Koreatown Lunar Night Market (Feb. 1, 2025)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Koreatown Lunar Night Market with food, cultural performances and AAPI-owned vendors. The famed Koreatown Plaza Food Court will be open and will be giving away $15 food vouchers to the first 500 people who attend. Free with RSVP at Eventbrite.

Thunderbolt (Feb. 2, 2025)
Currently a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, Thunderbolt is hosting its annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, February 2 from 5pm to 10pm. The all-star lineup of guest bartenders includes Caer Maiko Ferguson (Daijoubu Pop-Up / Father's Office), Kenzo Han (Firstborn), Kevin Nguyen (Camelia) and Stephanie Reading (Birdie G's). The East Wind Lion Dance Troupe will kick off the festivities at 5pm. A portion of all proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity - ReBuild LA.

Lunar New Year Feastival - Level 8 (Feb. 6, 2025)
On Thursday, February 6, Level 8 at AC/Moxy is hosting the Lunar New Year Feastival, a culinary walking tour of its signature restaurants: Mother of Pearl (Cantonese Style Lobster Toast), Lucky Mizu (Xiao Long Bao), Maison Kasai (Kung Pao Prawn Teppanyaki), Qué Bárbaro (Pork Belly Tallarin Saltado), Brown Sheep (Char Siu Tacos) and Golden Hour (Tea Smoked Duck in Scallion Pancake).
Along with the unlimited food samples, guests will enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail and live entertainment at every venue. Tickets start at $78.
Lunar New Year Celebration - Citadel Outlets (Feb. 1-2, 2025)
Ring in the Year of the Snake during the annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Citadel Outlets, located minutes from Downtown LA and well-known for selling premium brands at deep discounts. Be sure to stop by the Customer Service Center to pick up a lucky red envelope with gift cards and promotions from participating stores.

Santa Monica Place (Jan. 28 - Feb. 13, 2025)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Santa Monica Place! Visit from January 28 to February 13 and write a wish for the cherry blossom wishing trees, stand under the red and gold lanterns in Center Plaza, and grab a photo with festive Lunar New Year décor plus pick up a Lunar New Year craft kit for the kids. On Saturday, February 8, Santa Monica Place is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration with cultural performances and art under traditional red and gold lanterns.

Lunar New Year Festival - USC Pacific Asia Museum (Feb. 1, 2025)
Founded in 1971, the USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of the few U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Taking place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, February 1, the museum's annual Lunar New Year Festival invites the community to gather for much-needed healing, joy and hope. Experience stunning performances, hear stories, create beautiful festive crafts, and treat yourself to some delicious delicacies from local food trucks. Find comfort in a cup of tea from Altadena’s Callisto Tea House and add your wish to the courtyard wishing tree.
Guests can support the museum's local school district, PUSD, in their recovery efforts for schools lost and students impacted by the Eaton fires by donating new art supplies and gift cards to the PAM donation drive at the event.

Lunar New Year Festival - The Huntington (Feb. 1-2, 2025)
Taking place at The Huntington Library on February 1-2, the family-friendly Lunar New Year Festival features lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, contemporary dance, floral arts, music and more.

Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival (Feb. 8, 2025)
Now in its 32nd year, the Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival is taking place on Main Street from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, February 8. Enjoy cultural performances, shop the Artist Alley, watch cooking demos and nosh on authentic cuisine from local vendors. New for this year, the Cultural Passport will guide guests through how different regions celebrate the holiday.