Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Orange County
The year of the Rabbit. A symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. If you were born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 or 2023 its your year! With the Lunar New Year starting January 22nd events all over Orange County and popping up to celebrate.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China and other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia. It is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and honor their ancestors. The Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means the date of the holiday changes every year. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th.
Ways to celebrate the New Year
One of the most important traditions of Lunar New Year is the reunion dinner, where families gather to enjoy a feast together. This meal is usually a grand affair, with many dishes being served, including dumplings, fish, and meat. The reunion dinner is a time for families to come together and share in the celebration of the new year. Another important tradition is the exchange of red envelopes filled with money. These envelopes, known as “hongbao” in Chinese, are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Decorations are also an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, and so many decorations are in red, gold, and other bright colors. Decorations include lanterns, banners, and couplets, which are traditionally written in calligraphy and displayed on doors and windows. Parades, fireworks and dance fill the Lunar New Year celebrations with teams of dancers taking tradition to the streets with lion and dragon dances. The lion and dragon dances are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Where to celebrate
Lunar New Year events take place in cities around the world. These events are a way to share the cultural heritage of Lunar New Year with a broader audience and to promote understanding and appreciation of the holiday. Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new year with food, decorations, and traditional customs. The holiday is rich in culture and history, and is a time for people to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Here are the top events in Orange County to celebrate the New Year!
Bella Terra
Sunday January 22nd
11am-5pm
Bella Terra Celebrates the New Year with a makers market. 20+ small business vendors, musical performance by the Galaxy Arts Center and activities and games for the kids.
The District in Tustin
Saturday January 28th 12pm-2pm
The District at Tustin legacy invites you to come celebrate the New Year. The event will have Chinese fan dancers, stilt walkers, lion dance performance, contortionist, DJ and activities for the kids. Don’t forget to stop by the year of the rabbit photo backdrop for your very own picture to celebrate the New Year. The first 500 people will get a lucky red envelope with $1 in it.
Tet Parade by the city of Westminster
Sunday January 22nd
9:30am
The city of Westminster invites you to the 2023 Tet Parade on Bolsa Ave between Magnolia and Bushard
Steel Craft in Garden Grove
Saturday January 21st
12pm-10pm
Lion dancers, drummers, singers, magicians a car show and so much more at this Free event at the pop- up market at Steel Craft. RSVP to the event here.
Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley
Saturday January 28th
10am-2pm
Head to the Fountain Valley recreation center and sports park for the Free Lunar New Year event.
South Coast Plaza
Come see the jaw-dropping flower exhibit at South Coast Plaza. Enter to win prizes, check out unique events at your favorite stores, stop in for a bite to eat and celebrate the New Year all month long.
Outlets at San Clemente
Saturday January 21st
Celebrate at the Outlets of San Clemente. Watch the Chinese dancers and participate in crafts at the outlets.
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