The 2026 Lunar New Year officially began around the world on Tuesday and in Southern California, colorful gatherings ushered in the annual celebration of good luck and prosperity.
The Lunar New year is based on the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on a different day each year. This year, it’s the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, which symbolizes energy and power.
The LA Chinese Chamber of Commerce says 1.5 million families celebrate the Lunar New Year in Southern California.
Some of those families gathered on Tuesday — many wearing red for good luck — at the Asian Garden Mall in Westminster, which hosted its Lunar New Year Firecracker Show, complete with firecrackers, music, and lion dances.
The Lunar New Year is all about welcoming good fortune, and there’s no performance that represents prosperity in Asian cultures more so than the lion dance.
Over at Qua Contemporary Chinese Cuisine in Fountain Valley, a vibrant and festive performance kicked off the Lunar New Year by ushering out bad spirits and welcoming the good.
“[Lunar New Year is] when the families get together — celebrate new year and each other — and wishes each other a lot of good luck for the new year,” Iva Ha, CEO of Kei Concepts told NBC Los Angeles.
“My hopes are to live a healthy, long life,” local Monica Nguyen told NBCLA. “Be successful.”
In Little Saigon, hundreds of families were dressed to the nines for the holiday, including the Do family. They make an annual trip to LA from New Jersey to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their extended family.
“It’s really the only time we see our family once a year,” Sydney Do told NBCLA. “ We have family traveling from Buffalo, New York [and] New Jersey. Our grandparents live here, so we all come together.”
“We try to keep the tradition alive,” added Kenneth Do.
Loca Khoi Dinh is celebrating Tết, the celebration marking Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
“It’s very important because it’s tradition,” Dinh said. “This is the time where we reflect time for our ancestors, our family; we pray for best wishes and health, happiness, and prosperity.”
Part of Lunar New Year tradition is red envelopes, often filled with money to welcome prosperity in the new year. Revelers may also eat certain foods, like noodles for a long life, and fish and dumplings to represent health and good fortune.
If you want to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Los Angeles this weekend or next weekend, here are a few local events:
- 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade | Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m. | Chinatown Central Plaza in Chinatown
- 12th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 21, 3-7 p.m. | CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro
- LA Chinatown Firecracker Run | Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and March 1, 6 a.m.-10 a.m. | North Broadway, Chinatown
- Lunar New Year Family Village Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Northridge Park
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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