Southern California rings in Year of the Horse

As Southern California welcomes the Year of the Horse, the region has come alive with festivals, performances and community gatherings that celebrate the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and many other Asian communities around the world. From Anaheim to Los Angeles county, Riverside and Irvine, this year's festivities highlight not only cultural heritage but also the growing appreciation of Asian traditions among diverse local audiences.

At Disney California Adventure Park, Chinese New Year has transformed Paradise Gardens into a dazzling landscape of red-and-gold lanterns, symbolizing good fortune, health and prosperity. Running from Jan 23 to Feb 22, the annual multicultural celebration has become one of Southern California's most anticipated seasonal offerings, drawing visitors eager to experience Asian cuisine, art and entertainment in an immersive setting.

This year's festival features new culinary creations, including japchae noodles with kalbi short rib, crispy chicken bao, and a guava dragon fruit sparkler that has quickly become a crowd favorite.

"I come every year because here I can experience Asian culture to life in such an authentic and joyful way," said Amanda Lee, a teacher from Orange county who has attended the festival for the past five years. "The food, the dances, the colors, it feels like a celebration that truly respects the traditions."

Disney's beloved characters also appear in newly designed cultural attire. For the Year of the Horse, Horace Horsecollar leads Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession, accompanied by performers who celebrate family, friendship and the promise of a prosperous new year. Red Panda Mei from Pixar's Turning Red makes her first-ever full-costume debut at Pixar Pier, delighting children and parents alike.

"We're thrilled to bring experiences that honor Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions while creating meaningful moments for families," said one event organizer. "Chinese New Year is about connection and culture, and that's what we aim to foster here."

Just miles away, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting one of the region's broadest community-centered Chinese New Year programs yet, with celebrations at 59 parks from Feb 12 to 28. These free events include lion and dragon dances, traditional music and dance, crafts for children, cultural workshops and food tastings, ensuring families across the county can still participate in the holiday spirit.

"Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, connection and shared tradition," said Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, director of LA County Parks. "Our parks bring communities together by creating welcoming spaces where families can celebrate culture, learn from one another, and begin the new year feeling connected and supported."

In Riverside, the weekend-long Chinese Festival returned for its 14th year, bringing classic Asian street food, an artisan market, live entertainment and cultural performances, interactive workshops and more.

"2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength, confidence and forward movement. This year is all about taking bold steps, embracing independence and chasing what sets your soul on fire," festival organizers said on social media.

The region's universities are also embracing the holiday in meaningful ways. University of California, Irvine is hosting a daylong celebration featuring cultural games, arts-and-crafts workshops, a dragon parade, lion dance and performances by student groups showcasing East Asian cultural diversity.

A highlight is the special talk with Janet Yang — an award-winning Hollywood producer, former Academy president and widely known cultural bridge-builder — who will reflect on storytelling and the shared experiences that unite communities across cultures.

At UCI's Wishing Tree, students and visitors write wishes for health, prosperity and good fortune on colorful ribbons, creating a striking display of shared hopes for the year ahead.

South Coast Plaza, one of Southern California's most iconic shopping destinations, is also marking the holiday with festive decor and cultural programming, including the Second Annual Lucky Lunar Fest at Macy's on Feb 7 and themed installations throughout Jewel Court. Organizers say the Year of the Horse celebrations will continue to elevate the center's long-standing commitment to showcasing Asian arts, traditions and consumer experiences.