Updated for 2023
In light of the terrible tragedy that occurred in Monterey Park, some celebrations have been canceled. Please check each one carefully. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this senseless violence.
In 2023, the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, begins on Sunday, January 22nd. Families can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with special events and festivities – some happening in-person and some happening virtually.
Find More Than 40 Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Los Angeles
2023 New Year Challenge – Year of the Rabbit Virtual Run
Families can participate in the 2023 New Year Challenge – The Year of the Rabbit virtual run. “You can commit to compete 2.023 miles, 20.23 miles, or 202.3 miles.” Families may choose to complete the miles all at once or spread it out over several days, between January and February 2023. This is a virtual race, meaning you choose the course and time yourself. Whether you log miles on a treadmill or jog in your neighborhood, it all counts. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad. Registration information is available online.
2023 Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival
Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center
8303 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Take a drive to Rancho Cucamonga for the 2023 Rancho Cucamonga Lunar Festival happening on Saturday, January 21st (11 am to 8 pm) and Sunday, January 22nd (11 am to 7 pm). The festivities include a kids’ fun zone, food, traditional dance and music performances, a marketplace featuring local and regional artisans, and more. Register online for this free event.
Lunar New Year Festival – 2023
SteelCraft Garden Grove
12900 S. Euclid Street Suite #150, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Families are invited to Lunar New Year Festival – 2023 happening on Saturday, January 21st from 12 pm to 10 pm. The fun includes Lion Dancing, drumming, anime, and more. The goal is for families in Southern California to be able to “experience various cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year such as Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese culture.” Register online for this free event.
Lunar New Year
Disney California Adventure Park
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Disney California Adventure Park from January 20th through February 15th. The fun includes Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, live holiday entertainment, kid-friendly crafts and activities, festive décor, special menus celebrating Asian cuisine, and much more.
45th Annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker
Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza
943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Celebrate the Lunar New Year by participating in a 5K/10K Run, Bike Ride, PAW’er Dog Walk or Kiddie Run. All proceeds from the event are “reinvested in the community, in support of elementary schools and non-profit organizations, providing service and programs that benefit local neighborhoods.” Events will be held over the weekend of Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th. Registration information is available online as well as information about participating in person or virtually.
New Year’s Celebrations Throughout the Year
Quartz Hill Library
5040 W. Avenue M, Quartz Hill, CA 93536
Visit Quartz Hill Library on Wednesday, January 18th from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm for New Year’s Celebrations Throughout the Year. “New Year’s Day doesn’t happen just once a year. Every month different cultures celebrate the new year.” This program is recommended for children ages 5-12. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.
Lunar New Year
Westlake Village Library
31220 Oak Crest Dr., Westlake Village, CA 91361
The Westlake Village Library , part of the LA County Library System, invites families to celebrate Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 25th from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm. “Create paper lanterns and learn about the zodiac animals for Lunar New Year.” The program is designed for children ages 5-12. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.
Children’s Crafternoon: Lunar New Year Crafts
Arroyo Seco Regional Library
6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Visit the Arroyo Seco Regional Library on Monday, January 23rd from 4 pm to 5 pm for Lunar New Year Crafts. “Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with stories and rabbit-themed crafts.”
2023 Riverside Lunar Festival
3527-3573 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Riverside on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th. The festivities feature Taiko Drummers, Lion and Dragon Dance performances, food, local and regional artisans, a kids zone (including a 40′ obstacle course and 20’ tall rock wall climb), and more. Register online for this free event.
New Year Celebration
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Central Library is hosting a New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 21st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Families will learn traditional crafts and enjoy cultural performances and “enrich your knowledge about the Cambodian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures.” All ages are invited to join in this event.
Celebrate Lunar New Year With Calligraphy
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Central Library is also hosting a special event for teens on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 am. “Chinese Calligraphy has been a traditional art of Chinese writing for more than 5000 years.” During this workshop, teens will “learn how to write a different language and to learn about Chinese culture in a fun and creative way through Chinese Calligraphy. Students will learn to write 24 Chinese characters, and they will bring home their prized work.”
Celebrate Lunar New Year Through Creative Dance
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
“Invite creativity and good fortune into the New Year by engaging in a creative dance experience for all ages from LAUSD Dance Teacher, Peggy Nguyen,” at the Central Library on Saturday, January 21st from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm. Participants will learn about the history of ribbon dancing and “be inspired by cultural symbols related to Lunar New Year to create and perform a celebratory dance.”
Celebrate Lunar New Year: Decorate Your Tote with Octavia Lab
Central Library – Octavia Lab
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
Visit the Central Library’s Octavia Lab on Saturday, January 21st from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm to decorate a tote bag in celebration of Lunar New Year. “You will select from three designs – a cat representing the Vietnamese Zodiac, a rabbit representing the Chinese Zodiac, and a Nakhon Khol Cambodian dancer to heat press onto your complimentary tote bag.” (While supplies last.)
Related: Celebrate Lunar New Year at Universal Studios
2023 Oshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Rabbit
Japanese American National Museum
100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA
The Japanese American National Museum invites families to visit the 2023 Oshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Rabbit happening on Sunday, January 8th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Festival has a variety of “cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages!” Enjoy candy sculpture demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, interactive story time, and much more — including free admission all day. A schedule of the day’s events is available online. RSVP online.
9th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival
Cabrillo Way Marina
2293 Miner St., San Pedro, CA 90731
The 9th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival is happening on Saturday, January 21st from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This special cultural festival features Lion Dancers, crafts, food, live musical entertainment, and more.
Animals of the Chinese Zodiac Craft
John C. Fremont Branch Library
6121 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
The John C. Fremont Branch Library invites families to its Animals of the Chinese Zodiac Craft happening on Thursday, January 19th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Join us to create one Zodiac animal, free drawn and colored in oil pastel.” This activity is designed for school-age children.
The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles Valley Lunar New Year Celebration
Northridge Park, 10120 Reseda Blvd, Northridge 91324
The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA, Director Sangwon Jung) Celebrates Lunar New Year 2023 in two locations in Los Angeles. The Valley Lunar New Year Celebration has been prepared in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs. You can experience various aspects of Korean culture, from traditional music and dance, traditional games (pitch pot & shuttlecock), the Korean New Year foods, such as Tteokguk – rice cake soup, the Hanbok Experience (traditional dress) and the photo zone. Saturday, January 21st from 10am-2pm.
Celebrating Lunar New Year – Kids Craft – Virtual Event
Celebrating Lunar New Year, a virtual event, is happening on Saturday, January 14th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm EST. “Craft while you learn about the culture and experiences of Chinese and Chinese Americans in the United States.” Craft supply kits will be mailed to those who register. Donations are greatly appreciated. Registration information is available online.
Lunar New Year
Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, CA
From January 21st through February 4th, families are invited to “tie your Lunar New Year wish on the Cherry Blossom Wishing Trees and pick up a Lunar New Year craft kid for the kids,” ( while supplies last). In addition, on Saturday, January 28th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, visit Santa Monica Place and enjoy a special celebration commemorating the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration includes lion dances, a balloon artist, a Chinese dough artist, and more.
Lunar New Year Festival
Downtown Monterey Park
Garvey Ave. between Garfield and Alhambra Ave., Monterey Park, CA
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the City of Monterey Park’s annual Lunar New Year Festival. The festival is happening on Saturday, January 21st (10 am to 9 pm) and Sunday, January 22nd (10 am to 7 pm). This free event features family activities, food, rides, vendors, live entertainment (including Lion and Dragon Dancers), and much more.
Lunar New Year
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit on Saturday, January 28th at 8:00 pm. Enjoy a special performance featuring “joyous music, festive dance, and a delightful fusion of musical traditions from East and West.” Ticket information is available online.
Lunar New Year Festivities
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Pretend City Children’s Museum invites families to its Lunar New Year Festivities on Saturday, January 21st and Sunday, January 22nd. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with special art activities, musical performances, a Lion Dance, and more. All activities are included in general admission. Details and tickets are available online.
Asian Lunar New Year Festival
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
The Bowers Museum invites families to attend its Asian Lunar New Year Festival happening on Sunday, January 15th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. “The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture.” Enjoy art projects, music, dance, face painting, and more. A schedule of the day’s events is available online.
Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet
Woodcrest Library
1340 W. 106th St., Los Angeles, CA 90044
Visit the Woodcrest Library on Thursday, January 19th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm for a special Lunar New Year event. Learn about the “traditions of Chinese New Year and create your very own dragon puppet.” This event is recommended for children ages 5-12. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.
2023 Eastvale Lantern Festival
7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880
The 2023 Eastvale Lantern Festival is happening on Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm each day. This free event features a variety of activities including Lion and Dragon dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, food, musical performances, a children’s fun zone, and much more. Register online for this free event.
2023 Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
Alhambra Farmers Market
100 S. Second St., Alhambra, CA 91801
Head to Alhambra on Sunday, January 29th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for the city’s Annual Lunar New Year Festival. The Festival takes place in conjunction with the Alhambra Farmers Market and features food, live performances, fun family activities, and more.
Golden Dragon Parade
Starting at Broadway and ending at Hill St., Los Angeles, CA
The 124th Golden Dragon Parade is happening on Saturday, January 28th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Families return year after year to witness this colorful, festive parade which has become the “premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American Community.” Enjoy floats, marching bands, entertainers, and more.
Korean Lunar New Year: An Interactive Guide to Seollal
The Staten Island Museum invites families to “download this year’s interactive guide and bring the traditions of Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) right into your own home.” Families can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with special games, activities, and recipes. The guide will be available starting on Saturday, January 14th.
Chinese Paper Lanterns
Sorensen Library
6934 Broadway Ave., Whittier CA 90606
To celebrate Lunar New Year, Sorensen Library is hosting a special workshop on Thursday, January 19th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. “Using colorful and festive materials, you will make your own hanging paper lantern to keep.” This program is designed for children ages 5-12. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.
Asian American Expo
Pomona Fairplex
2705 Fairplex Dr., La Verne, CA 91750
The 2023 Asian American Expo is happening on Saturday, January 14th and Sunday, January 15th (from 10 am to 7 pm each day). “The Asian American Expo is hosted at the beginning of each year to celebrate the coming of the Lunar New Year Festival, with the goal of recreating the New Year celebrations found across Asia.” You’ll find 5 uniquely themed pavilions, more than 100 food vendors, 7 performing stages, activities for the whole family, and much more. Details are available online.
Chinese Paper Lantern Art Activity
Lawndale Library
14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale, CA 90260
The Lawndale Library invites families to its Chinese Paper Lantern Art Activity happening on Wednesday, January 25th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. “Learn about the history of paper lanterns in ancient China and the various methods and mediums used to make this traditional decoration.” Attendance is limited, and advanced registration is required.
Lunar New Year Celebration
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
The South Coast Botanic Garden is hosting its first ever Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th. “Experiences throughout the weekend will include Chinese zodiac scroll making, paper lantern decorating, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese game booths, a Chinese calligraphy artist demonstration and storytelling.” All activities are included in general admission. A complete list of activities as well as ticket information are available online.
LA Zoo Lights and Lunar New Year
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Los Angeles Zoo is celebrating Lunar New Year as part of its L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow event. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, from January 6th through January 22nd, the Zoo will host special activities including a “glow-in-the-dark dragon dance parade, lion dance show, kung fu showcase and acrobatics, fan dancers, calligraphy, a Wall of Well Wishes, food trucks, and more.” Check the website for a schedule of events as well as ticket information.
Make Your Own Chinese Paper Lantern With Emmy Lam
Panorama City Branch Library
14345 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402
Make Your Own Chinese Paper Lantern With Emmy Lam at the Panorama City Branch Library on Friday, January 13th at 3:00 pm. “Create your own beautiful paper lantern while learning about festivals including Chinese New Year.” Space is limited. Call (818) 894-4071 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Lunar New Year @ PAM
USC Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
The USC Pacific Asia Museum invites families to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit on Sunday, January 22nd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The festivities include “a traditional lion dance, storytelling, calligraphy and crafts, food trucks, free admission to the museum, and a final chance to view the special exhibition, After Modernism: Through the Lens of Wayne Thom.” A schedule of the day’s events is available online.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90040
Citadel Outlets invites families to celebrate Lunar New Year. On Saturday, January 21st and Sunday, January 22nd a special celebration is planned including lion dances which traditionally “bring good luck and fortune.” And from January 13th through February 13th, be sure to stop by Customer Service to pick up a free red envelope.
Lunar New Year 2023
Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Enjoy a celebration of the Year of the Rabbit at the Original Farmers Market on Saturday, February 4th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This free event features “spectacular lion dances, arts and crafts, balloon twisting and red envelope giveaways.”
D. Yoder Family Sundays: Lunar New Year Celebration
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672
Families are invited to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens on Sunday, February 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Lots of fun activities are planned at this free event including a lion dance performance.
Kids Storytime Lunar New Year Edition – Virtual Event
The Chinese American Museum is hosting Kids Storytime Lunar New Year Edition, a virtual event, on Thursday, January 19th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This free event features Oliver Chin reading his book The Year of the Rabbit: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. “Following the reading, Oliver will guide the participants in a drawing demo. Be sure to bring paper and a pencil.” Register online for this free event.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Irvine Spectrum is celebrating Lunar New Year with a special event on Saturday, January 28th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The festivities include “a Traditional Lion Dance, Martial Arts Demonstrations, Instrumental Performances and more!”
Lunar New Year Celebration
Southern California Children’s Museum (SCCM)
495 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
The Southern California Children’s Museum is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit on Saturday, January 21st from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Enjoy a lion dance performance as well as special crafts. “Children will get to interact with the lion and have a Q&A with the dancers.” The event is free with Museum admission.
2023 San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival
San Gabriel Mission District
The San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival is happening on Saturday, February 4th from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The Festival features a marketplace, chalk art contest, a street food fair, performances, and more. A map and parking information are available online.
Chinese New Year Festival
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at The Huntington on Saturday, February 4th. Families will enjoy lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, art and craft demonstrations, music, and more. The Festival is included in general admission. A schedule of the day’s events is available on the website. Advance tickets are required and are available online.
2023 Lunar New Year
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
From Tuesday, January 17th through Tuesday, January 31st, families can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at The Grove. Marvel at the special décor and enjoy some “can’t-miss-offers” from some of your favorite brands as well as “delicious discounts” from some of your favorite restaurants. Details are available online.
2023 Lunar New Year
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
From Tuesday, January 17th through Tuesday, January 31st, families can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at The Americana. Marvel at the special décor and enjoy some “can’t-miss-offers” from some of your favorite brands as well as “delicious discounts” from some of your favorite restaurants. In addition, a parade of lion and dragon dances is scheduled for Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Details are available online.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library
501 S. Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library on Saturday, January 21st at 10:30 am. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and enjoy crafts, snacks, and music.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Lincoln Heights Branch Library
2530 Workman St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
Lincoln Heights Branch Library is hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 28th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. “We will be sharing stories about Lunar New Year, along with traditions of the Vietnamese New Year (Tet).” Children will also be able to make a red envelope lantern to take home.
The Year of the Rabbit Storytime with Author Oliver Chin
West Valley Regional Branch Library
19036 Vanowen St., Reseda, CA 91335
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the West Valley Regional Branch Library on Tuesday, February 7th from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. “The author of The Year of the Rabbit, Oliver Chin, will read his book and talk about 12 animals of the zodiac.”
The Year of the Rabbit With Author Oliver Chin
Alma Reaves Woods – Watts Branch Library
10205 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002
Author Oliver Chin will also be at the Alma Reaves Woods – Watts Branch Library on Tuesday, February 7th at 2:00 pm. Families are invited to come by and “have a hopping good time with author Oliver Chin and his book The Year of the Rabbit: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac.”
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
