2024 - The Year of the Dragon
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.
2024 Events and Activities:
FREE San Diego Lunar New Year Festival. Dazzling lanterns, folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances, firecrackers and more. Feb. 9-11. Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 4455 Wightman St. www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-sd-lunar-new-year-festival-tickets-763717167607
Chinese New Year Festival. Lion dances, ethnic food, cultural performances, crafts and more. Feb. 17 and 18, 11 am–5 pm. International Cottages, 2191 Pan American Rd. W., Balboa Park. www.chinesenewyearfair.com
FREE Family Craft Day. Lunar New Year Paper Lantern. Celebrate Lunar New Year at this family craft workshop! Children and parents/caregivers will collaborate to create a paper lantern. This craft is limited to one lantern per family. Two adults allowed per each registered child. Registration is required. Space is limited. Class is designed for children ages 4-10 and their parents or caregivers. Jan. 29, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/family-craft-day-lunar-new-year-paper-lantern-329117
FREE Lunar New Year Dragon Storytime by Los Penasquitos Preserve. In celebration of Lunar New Year, enjoy a story about dragons and other reptiles by Los Rancho Penasquitos Preserve Rangers. All ages are welcome. No reservations required. Feb. 9, 11 am-12 pm. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/lunar-new-year-dragon-storytime-los-penasquitos-preserve-352204
FREE San Diego Chinese Historical Museum's Lunar New Year Fan Making Workshop. Jan. 31, 3:30-4:30 pm. Balboa Library, 4255 Mt. Abernathy Ave. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/san-diego-chinese-historical-museums-lunar-new-year-fan-making-workshop-349134
FREE Linda Vista Farmers Market 2024 Lunar New Year. Feb. 15, 2-7 pm. Immerse yourself in vibrant festivities as we welcome the Year of the Dragon. Learn Chinese calligraphy and watch exciting performances. 6939 Linda Vista Rd. www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-lunar-new-year-love-linda-vista-farmers-market-san-diego-tickets-796048682037
FREE San Diego Chinese New Year Faire. Live music, food and fun activities for all ages. Feb. 24 and 25, 10 am–5 pm. Downtown San Diego. www.sdcny.org
Lunar New Year at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Enjoy special snacks, crafts and wildlife care specialist talks throughout the day as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Feb. 17 and 18, 9 am–5 pm. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. Tickets: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/lunar-new-year
Storytellers of San Diego: "Year of the Dragon." Jan. 27, 2-3 pm. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum Garden, Third Ave. https://sdchm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/sdchm/event.jsp?event=18488
FREE Lunar New Year Kids Craft: Dragon Puppet. Join us for a fun craft to celebrate Lunar New Year 2024! We will make a dragon puppet craft led by our friends from the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. Space is limited so register while you can. Feb. 8, 4-5 pm. Mission Hills Library, 215 W. Washington St. https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/lunar-new-year-kids-craft-dragon-puppet-297192
FREE San Diego Tết Festival. The largest Vietnamese New Year event in San Diego with lion dancing, Taiko drums, carnival rides and more. Feb. 16-18. Nominal fee for rides. Mira Mesa Park. Details: www.sdtet.com
FREE AXIS Lunar New Year. Feb. 10, 4:30-7:30 pm. This family-friendly event will celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon with cultural performances by local guest artists, music, arts and crafts, delicious food by local vendors and more! Free General Admission tickets required. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way. www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/arts-engagement/2024/axis-lunar-new-year
Just for Fun
Celebrate by making Chinese food at home. Here are delicious recipes for chicken lettuce wraps and fried rice.
2024 is The Year of the Dragon. Get instructions for a dragon puppet and discover picture books that honor Lunar New Year HERE.
Learn how to make a festive lion lantern for Chinese New Year!
Other Traditions
Firecrackers and fireworks are a traditional and important part of any New Year’s festival in China. 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 2024
