Lunar New Year Celebrations in the Area

Lunar New Year at The Huntington (Photo – Ann Hunnewell)

This year the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat, officially begins on January 25th and will end on February 8^th.

By Cheryl Cabot

There is a full slate of Lunar New Year Celebrations to attend in the San Gabriel Valley.

– USC Pacific Asia Museum – Pasadena

The USC Pacific Asia Museum, at 46 N. Los Robles Ave., in Pasadena will celebrate on January 25th, with free admissions to the galleries, live performances, artmaking workshops, food trucks and more. The activities begin at 11 am.

– The Paseo – Pasadena

A fun, free, and festive family friendly activities on the plaza to celebrate the Lunar New Year with music, performances, and surprises throughout the day:

• 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Kid’s arts & crafts activities by Bazic Products.
• 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lion Dance with Lion’s Pride Kung Fu.
• 1:30pm – 2:00 pm: Silk Ribbon Dance and Lesson.
• 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Lion Dance with Lion’s Pride Kung Fu.

– The Huntington – San Marino

There are two events on February 1. The two-day festival, February 1-2, at the Huntington Library and Gardens includes lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts, Chinese music and dance, painting and calligraphy demonstrations, children’s activities and more. All the Chinese New Year activities begin at 10:30 a.m. Regular admission prices apply.

– Alhambra Lunar New Year

On February 1, the Alhambra Lunar New Year street celebration will take place on Valley Boulevard between Varga and Almansor Streets. Admission is free. On the stages, there will be all-day entertainment with lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, and other ethnic performances.

– San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival

– San Gabriel will celebrate on Saturday, February 8, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, in the Mission District, with the center of the activities at the Mission Playhouse Plaza. The San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival combines tradition with modern celebrations, resulting in a unique festival that is enjoyable for all. The festival will consist of the Street Food Fair & Marketplace, carnival games, chalk art contest, and the Kids Zone! Admission is free.