It’s time to usher in the Year of the Dragon with Lunar New Year 2024! From time-honored traditions to modern festivities, Life Is Good OC brings you the ultimate guide to the best places to celebrate this auspicious occasion. While the Lunar New Year falls on February 10 this year, OC is hosting a variety of celebrations leading up to the day. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get ready to immerse yourself in a cultural extravaganza that promises joy, prosperity, and an unforgettable start to the new lunar year.
Lunar New Year at Disney’s California Adventure Park
- Dates: January 23 – February 18, 2024
- Location: California Adventure Park, Anaheim
While the most expensive option on this list with average admission tickets starting at $96 a day per person, the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park is a magical and immersive experience that celebrates Asian cultures with a focus on Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions. In addition to simply enjoying all of what the theme park typically has to offer, guests will have the opportunity celebrate the Year of the Dragon through an array of seasonal experiences. Among the favorites is the opportunity to indulge in Asian-inspired cuisine at various marketplaces like Longevity Noodle Co., Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns, and more. The Sip & Savor Pass is a popular option for guests looking to try a variety of dishes and nonalcoholic beverages.
Entertainment is a key aspect of the festival, highlighted by Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a spectacular display featuring dancers, martial artists, and beloved Disney characters. Additionally, the festival offers unique opportunities to meet Disney characters, including Mulan & Mushu (Mulan), Meilin & Ming Lee (Turning Red) in San Francisco Street, and Raya (Raya and the Last Dragon) in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. In the evenings, featuring the heartwarming story of Little Lantern set to a stunning musical score.
Hint! SoCal residents are eligible for a specially priced 3-day ticket starting at $75 a day. Learn more here.
Santa Ana Tết Lunar New Year Festival
- Date: February 3, 2024
- Time: 2 PM – 7 PM
- Location: Centennial Park, Santa Ana
The city of Santa Ana is introducing its inaugural Tết Festival to celebrate the Year of the Dragon and Santa Ana’s thriving and diverse communities. In addition to live cultural performances, traditional art and food vendors, they are also working on specific activities especially for children. These activities include a kids zone, inflatables, and a “library lane”—created in collaboration with the Santa Ana Library—complete with storytime and other fun resources.
Making this event even more special, this festival will also host a fireworks show at 6:45 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair, blankets, and picnics.
UVSA Tết Festival at OC Fair & Event Center
- Dates: February 9 – 11, 2024
- Location: OC Fair Grounds & Events Center, Costa Mesa
As the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival in the United States, the 42nd annual USVA Tet Festival brings together a blend of traditional customs and modern festivities, offering an array of activities that include cultural performances, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and a variety of vendors. In the center of the festival is cultural village meant to replicate a traditional Vietnamese village. The village hosts a unique special ceremony each day of the festival, including Raising of the Bamboo, an Ancestral Altar Procession, and a Spring Wedding (complete with an actual bride and groom)!
With its $8 admission fee (free for infants 2 years and under and special free entry conditions), the UVSA Tet Festival invites everyone to partake in this unique cultural experience, promising a memorable time for attendees of all ages. For more information, visit Tet Festival.
OC Tết Festival at Mile Square Park
- Dates: February 9 – 11, 2024
- Location: Freedom Hall Lawn at Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley
Last year, over 50,000 people came out to attend the OC Tết festival. Hosted by Supervisor Andrew Do, this free 3-day event offers guests the opportunity many of similarly great cultural experiences of the USVA festival while also giving guests the opportunity to explore and experience the Vietnamese Cultural Center. Also making this event unique to other festivals, the OC Tết festival has carnival rides and games and hosts an spectacular firecracker display.
Learn more and reserve your free tickets here.
Grand Parade in Little Saigon
- Date: February 10, 2024
- Time: 8:30 AM
- Location: Little Saigon, Westminster
Begin the day of the actual Lunar New Year with the spectacular Tết Parade in Little Saigon, the heart of Vietnamese culture in Orange County. Witness a colorful display of traditional dragon dances, vibrant floats, and cultural performances. This annual event, usually held on Bolsa Avenue beginning at Magnolia Street and heading eastbound, is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and community spirit, making it a must-visit for families and enthusiasts alike.
Steelcraft Lunar New Year Festival
- Date: February 10, 2024
- Time: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Location: Steelcraft, Garden Grove
For a smaller scale event that is no less fun, check out Steelcraft’s festival! A unique urban outdoor eatery with a variety of food vendors that set up shop in repurposed shipping containers, Steelcraft’s event stands out for its diverse lineup of performances, including lion dancers, drummers, magicians, and singers. Additionally, the festival is enhanced by a variety of pop-up market stalls, offering visitors a chance to explore and purchase unique items. The blend of traditional entertainment and modern marketplace makes the SteelCraft Lunar New Year Festival a unique and inviting destination for families and individuals alike.
Pacific Symphony’s Lantern Festival
- Date: March 3, 2024
- Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
Wrap up your Lunar New Year celebrations with the Pacific Symphony’s Lantern Festival! For 2,000 years, Lantern Festivals have marked the return of spring and reunion of family. Commemorating the end of the Lunar New Year celebration, this free family event presented in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School, features a fun mix of music and dance performances, storytelling, riddles, art-making activities, and, of course, the beautiful lantern lighting.
While the event is free, access to the hall is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. To ensure a spot for the indoor performances, we recommend obtaining your tickets in advance. Do so here.
