The Lunar New Year is upon us — this time, it’s the Year of the Snake. In San Diego, you can celebrate Lunar New Year at several local festivals — many of which are free.
San Diego Public Library: Lunar New Year Programming | Dates vary | Local library branches | Free | SDPL will offer Lunar New Year Storytimes, lion dances, and craft workshops across several branches on select dates through Wednesday, Feb. 12. Lunar New Year festivals will be held at the Oak Park + Carmel Valley branches on Saturday, Jan. 25.
San Diego Lunar New Year Festival | Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26 | Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park | Free | The Little Saigon San Diego Foundation will host this community fest featuring lion dances, folk dancing, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities, and food vendors.
Lunar New Year Dumpling Party | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Taiwan Center | $15 | Head to the Convoy District to enjoy an afternoon of dumpling making, origami, and games presented by the Taiwanese American Community Center of San Diego.
AXIS: Lunar New Year | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Old Globe | Free | Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the theater’s Copley Plaza with live performances, music, food, and arts + crafts.
San Diego Tết Festival | Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | NTC Park Liberty Station | The Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance and Vietnamese Federation of San Diego will highlight the Year of the Snake with lion dances, live entertainment, a pageant, vendors, and arts and crafts. Take note: The festival’s normal location at Mira Mesa Community Park is under construction this year, so be sure to head to Liberty Station instead.
Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego | Saturday, Feb. 1 + Sunday, Feb. 9 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | SeaWorld San Diego | Included with admission| The theme park’s celebration will feature decorations, local performers, and specialty food and beverages.
A past Chinese New Year celebration at the House of China in Balboa Park.
Photo via @sotnwaffle
San Diego Zoo: Lunar New Year | Saturday, Feb. 1 + Sunday, Feb. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | San Diego Zoo | Included with admission | During this special weekend, visitors can expect Lunar New Year-inspired foods, activities like hanging your wish for wildlife conservation on a wishing tree, a chat with a conservationist, crafts, and the spotlight on the organization’s Asian Rainforest Conservation Hub. You can book an early morning walking tour to visit the pandas, too, which starts at $92.
Celebrate Lunar New Year | Friday, Feb. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Fashion Valley | Free | Head to Macy’s Court on the mall’s first level to check out lion + dragon dances.
San Diego Chinese New Year Fair | Saturday, Feb. 8 + Sunday, Feb. 9 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Third Avenue and J Street, downtown San Diego | This 42nd annual fair will fill the streets with performances, crafts, a lantern parade, art displays, and food vendors aplenty.
Chinese New Year Fair | Saturday, Feb. 15 + Sunday, Feb. 16 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | International Cottages, Balboa Park | The House of China will lead this celebration filled with entertainment, fun activities, and vendors in the heart of the historic, multicultural hub.