2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse
Celebrate Lunar New Year, a festival that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and includes religious ceremonies, family gatherings, traditional dances, fireworks and more.
2026 Lunar New Year Events and Activities Around San Diego:
Lunar New Year at SeaWorld. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with eight days of festive performances and vibrant décor. Feel the power of the taiko drummers, experience the excitement of the lion dance and pick up your red envelope. Feb. 1, 7–8 & 13–16. Included with admission. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworldsandiego.com
FREE San Diego- North County Lunar New Year Festival 2026. Feb. 28, 12-5 pm. Civic Center Library Community Rooms- 330 N Coast Hwy., Oceanside. Challenges and games,
Chinese Calligraphy writing, crafts, face painting, Lion Dance, photo booth, red envelopes, traditional snacks and more. www.facebook.com/events/862024716559323
FREE Lunar New Year Festival. Folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances, firecrackers and family fun activities for kids. Feb. 13-15. Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave. www.sdlunarnewyearfestival.com
FREE Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with cultural performances, crafts, lion dances and more. Feb. 21-22, 11 am–5 pm. International Cottages Balboa Park. www.chinesenewyearfair.com
FREE San Diego Tết Festival. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, celebrating spring’s arrival. Feb.20-22. NTC Park, Liberty Station. www.sdtet.com
Lunar New Year at the Kroc. Crafts, games, cultural performances and more. Feb. 16, 4:30 pm. Adults, $5; kids free. 6845 University Ave. www.facebook.com/events/1179672397672919
Stories of Us: Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year storytime, a lively lion dance performance from Hoa Nghiem Lion Dance Group, create red envelopes and paper lantern crafts and enjoy an ube treat from Matcha Cafe Maiko. Free with admission. Feb. 14. Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N. Broadway, Escondido. www.visitcmod.org
FREE Lunar New Year Lion Dance. Enjoy a spectacular Lunar New Year Lion Dance performed by the GDPT Chanh Kien Lion Dancers. Feb. 7, 3 pm. Linda Vista Library, 2160 Ulric St.
FREE Lunar New Year Lion Dance. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a traditional Lion Dance performance. Feb. 8, 10:30–11:30 am. The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch Village Square, 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Pkwy. www.phrvillage.com
FREE Lunar New Year Celebration. Make a Year of the Horse necklace, a goldfish ornament and a windmill craft. Feb. 10, 5 pm. Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr.
FREE Mission Valley Mall's Lunar New Year Celebration. Enjoy live music by violinist Amy Serrano Burcombe and pianist Megan Nguyen, traditional Chinese folk dance performed by students from Hua Xia Chinese School, calligraphy station hosted by House of China San Diego, crafts and face painting, Panda Express samples and more. Feb. 15, 11 am-1 pm. Nordstrom Rack Court, 1640 Camino Del Rio North. www.mission-valley.com/event/34858-lunar-new-year-at-mission-valley
Just for Fun
Celebrate by ordering take-out from your favorite Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai or Filipino restaurant. Want to make something at home? Here are recipes for delicious chicken lettuce wraps and fried rice.
Learn how to make a festive lion lantern for Chinese New Year!
Find instructions for a Fire Horse marionnette at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/lunar-new-year-art-project.
Other Traditions
Firecrackers and fireworks are a traditional and important part of any Lunar New Year’s festival. The loud sounds of firecrackers are believed to scare away bad spirits, ensuring prosperity and good luck in the New Year. Similarly, the colorful lion and dragon dances are believed to frighten away the ferocious monster “Nian,” bringing peace and protection in the coming year.
Families and restaurants prepare a special menu to bring good fortune in the New Year. Fish signifies abundance, and chicken represents happiness and a long marriage. Sweets such as sesame balls and tangerines are served to bring prosperity. Making dumplings is a traditional New Year’s activity and these scrumptious treats symbolize wealth and good fortune.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy New Year!
Updated: January 2026
