On Saturday, February 10, fireworks, paper lanterns, and cheerful tidings will usher in the Lunar New Year. This is the Year of the Dragon, a powerful and passionate symbol that will have millions of people come together to celebrate. To join in the festivities, here are citywide Lunar New Year events, fairs, and community gatherings taking place in San Diego over the next few weeks.
Courtesy of the City of San Diego
February 6
San Diego Chinese Heritage Museum Presents: Lunar New Year Lantern Craft
On Tuesday, February 6 from 5 to 5:30 p.m., the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library is hosting a lantern-making craft event for ages 5 to 11. No registration is required. This free celebration is a great way to ring in the Lunar New Year for the whole family.
Lunar New Year’s Eve: Evening of Mindfulness (Tet)
The Deer Park Monastery is hosting a free Evening of Mindfulness to kick off the Lunar New Year on February 9 from 3 to 10 p.m. Activities include a walking meditation, Dharma talk in Vietnamese, and Lunar New Year’s Eve ceremony. Registration for the event is required in advance, and they ask that all guests dress modestly (long sleeves and long pants or skirts) to respect their dress code.
2499 Melru Lane, Escondido
February 9–11
2024 San Diego Lunar New Year Festival
One of the largest annual Lunar New Year celebrations in San Diego, this free festival goes all out with traditional performances, firecrackers, and boba-drinking and dumpling-wrapping contests. It’s a three-day event, starting February 9 and ending February 11.
SeaWorld is celebrating the Lunar New Year on February 10 and 11 with local performers, Taiko drumming, and a wide variety of Asian-inspired food in the Wild Arctic Plaza. A one-day ticket costs $70, but if you want to indulge in the cuisine throughout the day’s celebrations, you can purchase an all-day pass for $110.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
Courtesy of Linda Vista Farmers Market
February 15
Linda Vista Farmers Market 2024 Lunar New Year
The Linda Vista Farmers Market will be celebrating the Lunar New Year on February 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., where all ages can come to participate in arts and crafts, learn Chinese calligraphy, and listen to live music for free. Plus, there will be a free bouncy house open from 2 to 7 p.m.
6939 Linda Vista Road, Linda Vista
February 16
Traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year
The San Carlos Public Library is hosting a celebratory event on February 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Winer Family Community Room and Art Gallery. They are welcoming guests from the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum who will tell traditional stories of the holiday. This event is free and open to all ages.
7265 Jackson Drive, San Carlos
February 16–18
Welcome to the Year of the Dragon
Fashion Valley is ringing in the Lunar New Year on February 16 from 7 to 7:45 p.m. with live performances, including a jong high pole routine, dragon dances, and a parade around the mall. From February 16 through 18, shoppers can also receive dragon bracelets and red envelopes with any purchase from Ding Tea, LEGO, and Parfait Paris, along with a complementary sweet with a purchase from Devil & Angel and Läderach Chocolate.
7007 Friars Road, Mission Valley
San Diego Tet Festival
The annual San Diego Tet Festival is back to celebrate the Year of the Dragon from February 16 through 18 with many traditional Vietnamese dances, carnival rides and games, and the highly anticipated Miss Vietnam San Diego Pageant. This festival is free and open to all ages, though tickets for the carnival rides will need to be purchased upon arrival.
8575 New Salem Street, Mira Mesa
February 17–18
San Diego Zoo Lunar New Year
On February 17 and 18, the San Diego Zoo is commemorating the Lunar New Year in their Asian Rainforest. You can write your wish for the new year and hang it on one of the zoo’s wishing trees, create your own paper lantern, and enjoy unique delicacies at the Hua Mei Café. Day passes at the zoo start at $72 for adults and $62 for children.
2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park
Chinese New Year Festival
Lion dances, Chinese food, arts and crafts, calligraphy, and cultural performances are offered at this year’s Chinese New Year Festival. Located at the International Cottages in Balboa Park, this free event will take place on February 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2191 Pan American Road West, Balboa Park
February 20
Southwestern College Inaugural Lunar New Year Celebration
With more than 50 commercial booths, plus arts and crafts, Asian food vendors, lantern parades, and martial arts, this cultural fair celebrates the Lunar New Year from February 24 to 25. The events begin at 10 a.m. and go until 5 p.m., and there is no entrance fee.
Amanda Parmele is a third year undergraduate student at UCSD and works at SD Magazine as a Photography/Visual Editing intern. She takes photos for her school newspaper, is a writing mentor, and loves surf photography, though she cannot surf to save her life.
