Southern California has transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cultural festivities as communities across the region welcome the Lunar New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Horse. The extensive celebrations demonstrate the growing mainstream appreciation for Asian cultural traditions throughout the diverse Southern California landscape.
Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim has reimagined its Paradise Gardens with spectacular red-and-gold lantern displays symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Running from January 23 through February 22, the park’s multicultural celebration has emerged as a premier destination for immersive Asian cultural experiences. This year’s event introduces new culinary offerings including japchae noodles with kalbi short rib, crispy chicken bao, and the popular guava dragon fruit sparkler beverage.
Amanda Lee, an Orange County educator and five-year festival attendee, expressed her appreciation: “This celebration brings Asian culture to life with authentic joy. The food, dances, and colors demonstrate genuine respect for traditional celebrations.”
The entertainment features Disney characters in specially designed cultural attire, with Horace Horsecollar leading Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. Pixar’s Red Panda Mei made her full-costume debut at Pixar Pier, delighting families with this new addition to the celebrations.
Beyond the theme park experience, Los Angeles County has launched one of its most expansive community-centered Lunar New Year programs to date. The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting celebrations across 59 parks from February 12-28, offering free access to lion and dragon dances, traditional music performances, cultural workshops, and food tastings.
Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, director of LA County Parks, emphasized the significance of these events: “Lunar New Year represents renewal, connection, and shared tradition. Our parks create welcoming spaces where families can celebrate cultural heritage, learn from one another, and begin the new year with strengthened community bonds.”
The Riverside Chinese Festival returned for its 14th consecutive year, featuring classic Asian street food, artisan markets, live entertainment, and interactive workshops. Festival organizers highlighted the symbolic meaning of the Year of the Horse, noting it represents “strength, confidence, and forward movement—encouraging bold steps toward personal aspirations.”
Academic institutions also contributed to the cultural celebrations. The University of California, Irvine hosted a daylong event featuring cultural games, arts-and-crafts workshops, dragon parades, and student performances showcasing East Asian diversity. A highlight included a special talk with award-winning Hollywood producer and cultural bridge-builder Janet Yang, who discussed storytelling’s power to unite communities across cultures.
The Wishing Tree at UCI attracted numerous participants who tied colorful ribbons containing wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year.
South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s iconic shopping destination, joined the celebrations with festive decorations and cultural programming, including the Second Annual Lucky Lunar Fest at Macy’s and themed installations throughout Jewel Court, continuing the center’s commitment to showcasing Asian arts and traditions.