Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 with Parades, Festivals Across SoCal

From dragon dances to music performances, there are plenty of ways to welcome the Year of the Horse in Southern California.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse. Southern California cities are hosting a variety of festivities to celebrate, including parades, cultural performances, food, and more in Los Angeles, Alhambra, Northridge, Costa Mesa, San Bernardino, and Westminster.

Why it matters

Lunar New Year is an important cultural celebration for many Asian communities, and the events across SoCal provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience the traditions and festivities. These events also support local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations in these cities.

The details

Some of the key events include the longstanding Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles' Chinatown, the Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival, Disney California Adventure's Lunar New Year celebration, the Firecracker Run 5k and 10k in Chinatown, the Lunar New Year Festival at The Huntington in San Marino, the Lunar New Year Family Village Celebration in Northridge, a performance by the Pacific Symphony in Costa Mesa, the Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival, San Bernardino's Lunar New Year Celebration, and the Westminster Tet Parade.

  • The Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles' Chinatown takes place in the afternoon on February 17.
  • The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival is scheduled for February 17-19.
  • Disney California Adventure's Lunar New Year festivities run from February 1 to February 22.
  • The Firecracker Run 5k and 10k in Chinatown are on February 28, with additional events like a bike ride and dog walk.

The players

Golden Dragon Parade

A longstanding, vibrant parade in Los Angeles' Chinatown featuring dance troupes, music, and various cultural groups.

Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival

An event in Alhambra that includes a dragon dance, cultural performances, and food from local vendors on Main Street.

Disney California Adventure

The Disneyland Resort theme park that hosts Lunar New Year festivities, including a procession featuring characters from 'Mulan', specialty foods, and a Lunar New Year Wishing Wall.

Firecracker Run

A 5k and 10k run in Los Angeles' Chinatown that supports local elementary schools and nonprofit organizations.

The Huntington

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino that hosts a Lunar New Year Festival with lion dancers, martial arts demos, and more.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These Lunar New Year celebrations across Southern California provide vibrant opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience the rich cultural traditions and festivities of the holiday. From parades and performances to food and family-friendly activities, there are plenty of ways for the community to come together and welcome the Year of the Horse.