How to Celebrate Lunar New Year in San Diego (2026)

San Diego celebrates the Lunar New Year with community festivals, lion dances, theme park programming, library events, and traditional banquets.

Lunar New Year also holds special meaning in our home. My daughter was born in Hong Kong during the Year of the Golden Pig, and it remains the most important cultural celebration there — a 15-day holiday centered on family gatherings, traditional performances, and shared meals.

Whether you’re visiting or planning something local, this guide breaks down what’s happening around the county and helps you decide which celebrations are actually worth your time.

That same spirit carries through in San Diego’s celebrations. In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse.

The Three Biggest Festivals

From lively lion dances to cultural exhibitions and hands-on crafts, San Diego offers numerous ways to embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year. And this year, they are conveniently staggered over three separate weekends so that you can attend all three!

San Diego Lunar New Year Festival (Little Saigon)

Dates: February 13–15, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Location: Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, City Heights
Admission: Free
Website: sdlunarnewyearfestival.com

Hosted by the Little Saigon San Diego Foundation, this is the most community-rooted Lunar New Year festival in San Diego (and a popular San Diego tradition in February). It takes place in City Heights and opens the season with a strong focus on cultural traditions, performances, and food rather than rides or large-scale entertainment.

Most visitors spend their time walking through the Cultural Village, stopping to watch performances, and eating. There isn’t a single headline attraction, as the experience is about moving through the event at your own pace and engaging with different aspects of Lunar New Year traditions.

Why you’d go:

• You want a Lunar New Year event closely tied to the local Vietnamese and Southeast Asian community
• You care about cultural traditions and food more than spectacle
• You’re visiting as an adult or with older kids

Don’t miss:

• Firecracker Celebration (Friday or Saturday night) — loud, brief, and symbolic, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse

Food highlights (a major draw here):

• Pho Eating Contest — one of the most popular events, drawing large crowds
• Bún Bò Huế Challenge — a spicier, higher-stakes contest with serious cheering
• Vietnamese street food vendors throughout the park

Planning tip:
Parking is difficult in this residential area. Skip street parking. Use the satellite lots at Rosa Parks Elementary or rideshare to the Wightman Street entrance.

Best for:
Culturally curious visitors and food-focused festivalgoers.

San Diego Tết Festival (Liberty Station)

Dates: February 20–22, 2026
Location: NTC Park at Liberty Station
Admission: Free
Website: sdtet.com

This is the largest Lunar New Year festival in San Diego. After years in Mira Mesa, the 2026 move to Liberty Station gives it more space and a waterfront setting, and it reinforces what this festival does best: big crowds, enormous energy, and lots to do.

Most people split their time between carnival rides, food vendors, and scheduled stage performances. This is the most activity-packed weekend of the Lunar New Year season.

Why you’d go:

• You’re visiting with kids or teenagers
• You want rides, games, and a high-energy festival
• You’re only attending one Lunar New Year event and want the biggest one

Don’t miss:

• Miss Vietnam San Diego Pageant (Saturday evening) — a high-production cultural showcase

Planning tip:
Parking fills by around 11:00 a.m. Aim for Lot J, or take MTS Route 28, which drops you near the park and avoids Liberty Station traffic.

Best for:
Families, teens, and visitors who want a full-scale festival atmosphere.

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair (Downtown)

Dates: February 28–March 1, 2026
Location: 3rd Avenue & J Street, Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
Website: sdcny.org

This is the closing event of the Lunar New Year season and feels like a proper finale. Hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, the fair takes place in the streets of San Diego’s historic Chinatown.

The event is laid out like a traditional street market, with food vendors, performances, and decorations woven between historic buildings. It’s lively without being overwhelming and easy to enjoy in a few hours.

Why you’d go:

• You want a classic street-fair style Lunar New Year celebration
• You’re visiting with younger kids
• You want to end the season with lion and dragon dances

Don’t miss:

• Dragon Dance — a 100+-foot dragon operated by a large team, usually performing in the afternoons
• Lantern Parade — especially popular with young children

Planning tip:
Public transportation is best. Take the MTS Green Line to Gaslamp Quarter Station and walk two blocks. Downtown parking is limited and often costs $30+ during events.

Best for:
Families with younger kids and visitors staying downtown.

Lunar New Year San Diego Theme Park Celebrations

SeaWorld San Diego: Lunar New Year

When: Select dates January 31–February 16, 2026 (weekends plus Friday, February 13, and Monday, February 16)
Where: SeaWorld San Diego (Mission Bay)
Admission: Included with park ticket/membership
Website: seaworld.com/san-diego

What to expect:
SeaWorld marks Lunar New Year with festive performances and Asian-inspired food offerings woven around regular park activities.

Performances and décor take place in and around festival areas (often near Wild Arctic Plaza), with taiko drumming and lion dancing by community groups bringing energy to park pathways. Red envelopes with surprises are handed out to guests, a nod to tradition.

Why you’d go:

• You want family-friendly Lunar New Year activities inside an all-day theme park visit
• You enjoy cultural performances integrated with rides and shows
• You want seasonal Asian-inspired food as part of the park experience

Don’t miss:

• Taiko drumming and lion dance performances — scheduled periodically throughout the celebration
• Red envelope giveaways — traditional good-luck tokens distributed around the event areas

Food highlights:

• Asian-inspired menu items like pork belly bao, beef chow mein, kimchi fried rice, wonton soup, spring rolls, and Asian-themed desserts
• Festive drinks such as Lucky Dragon Punch and seasonal beer/cocktail options

Planning tip:
Because SeaWorld events run on specific days and weekends during this period, check the park’s online schedule before planning your visit. Activities are included with admission but may only run on certain days/times.

Best for:
Families and visitors who want a theme park day plus Lunar New Year programming.

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park: Lunar New Year / Wild Weekend

When: Mid-February 2026 (dates not yet posted; typically weekends around Lunar New Year)
Where: San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Admission: A standard park ticket includes activities
Website: zoo.sandiegozoo.org and sdzsafaripark.org

What to expect:
Both the Zoo and Safari Park have historically tied Lunar New Year celebrations to their Wild Weekend: Asia programming.

Activities usually feature animal-themed crafts, wishing trees where guests hang tags with greetings or hopes for the year, and conservation-focused experiences in Asian animal habitats. The events are themed to wildlife and habitats native to Asia, and often coincide with Lunar New Year weekends.

Why you’d go:

• You want a zoo visit with Lunar New Year touches rather than a full festival
• Your group enjoys animal encounters and learning about conservation
• You’re visiting with kids who like hands-on activities like crafts and wishing trees

Don’t miss:

• Wishing tree activities — hang your tag and receive a red envelope or small gift
• Asia Passage areas — highlights include species like giant pandas (at the Zoo) and other Asian wildlife

Planning tip:
Event specifics (timing and exact 2026 weekend dates) aren’t public yet. Check the Zoo and Safari Park websites as February 1 approaches.

Best for:
Zoo lovers and families who want a casual, animal-focused way to mark the Lunar New Year in San Diego.

I have tons of advice on buying discount San Diego Zoo tickets and discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets, but the quickest way is to use my promo code.

Cultural & Educational Lunar New Year Events

House of China at Balboa Park

When: February 21–22, 2026 (11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Where: International Cottages, Balboa Park
Website: houseofchinasd.com

What to expect:
Hosted by the House of China, this is a small, approachable Lunar New Year celebration focused on cultural demonstrations rather than a festival atmosphere.

Most visitors stop in for 30–60 minutes while exploring Balboa Park, making it easy to combine with nearby museums, the playground, or lunch.

Why you’d go:

• You want a simple, educational Lunar New Year experience
• You’re visiting with younger kids
• You’re already planning time in Balboa Park

Don’t miss:

• Sichuan Face-Changing (Bian Lian) performance on the outdoor lawn stage thatconsistently draws a crowd
• Calligraphy inside the cottage, where volunteers often write names on red cards at no cost

Planning tip:
Arrive earlier in the day for performances and calligraphy; lines build as the afternoon goes on.

Best for:
Families with young kids, first-timers, and visitors who want a low-commitment cultural stop.

House of China Lunar New Year Banquet (Ticketed Evening Event)

When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Where: Diamond Palace Restaurant, San Diego
Hosted by: House of China

What to expect:
A seated Lunar New Year banquet with dinner, lion dance entertainment, cultural performances, and a lucky drawing. It’s a formal evening event rather than a walk-around celebration. Asian dress is encouraged.

Good to know:

• Ticketed event (advance purchase required)
• Multi-course banquet dinner
• Separate from the free House of China cottage celebration at Balboa Park

Price:

• $100 per person (early bird)
• $118 per person (standard)

Best for:
Adults, couples, and families looking for a traditional Lunar New Year banquet experience.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (30th Anniversary)

When: Throughout February 2026
Where: 404 Third Avenue, Downtown (Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District)
Website: sdchm.org

What to expect:
2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. Rather than a single event, Chinese New Year programming is typically spread across the month, with exhibits and occasional walking tours that focus on the history of San Diego’s Chinese and Asian American communities.

Why you’d go:

• You’re interested in local history, not just celebration
• You’re attending the Downtown Chinese New Year Fair and want context
• You prefer museums to outdoor festivals

Don’t miss:

• Guided walking tours of the Asian Pacific Historic District (often held on the first Sunday of the month)
• Anniversary-related exhibits highlighting Chinatown history

Planning tip:
Check the museum’s February calendar in advance. Tours and special programs don’t run daily and may require advance registration.

Best for:
History-focused visitors, adults, and anyone attending the Downtown Chinese New Year Fair who wants a deeper context.

Lion Dances and Gala at Jasmine Seafood

The popular Cantonese restaurant also has multiple days where diners can enjoy lion dances during dim sum lunch and dinner service. We’ve been, and it’s quite fun. However, food and drink service stops during the dances, so just be prepared for that. People also brought red envelopes to give to the dancers.

Last year, the Lunar New Year Charity Gala raised funds for SoCal wildfire relief efforts and other community projects of the Lions Club International Foundation. It’s an 8-course dinner with live performances, opportunity drawing, and a silent auction.

The restaurant will also host Lucky Lion Dances performed by various local groups. The 2026 dates have not yet been released.

Visit Jasmine Seafood online for more information.

Lunar New Year Celebrations at San Diego Libraries

San Diego’s public libraries host a wide range of short Lunar New Year programs throughout February, including lion dances, crafts, storytimes, and small celebrations.

These events are free, typically last 30–60 minutes, and are especially well-suited to families with young children or locals looking for a low-commitment way to participate.

Lion Dance Performances (Very Popular)

These draw the biggest crowds and are often loud — arrive early.

• Linda Vista Library
  Lunar New Year Lion Dance — Saturday, February 7 | 3:00–3:45 p.m.
• Balboa Library
  Lunar New Year Lion Dance — Saturday, February 14 | 1:00–1:30 p.m.
• San Ysidro Library
  Lunar New Year Lion Dancers — Friday, February 20 | 3:00–3:45 p.m.
• Del Mar Library
  Lunar New Year Celebration with Lion Dance — Saturday, February 21 | 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Library Lunar New Year Celebrations & Crafts

These are quieter than lion dances and good for younger kids.

• Central Library
  Lunar New Year Celebration — Tuesday, February 10 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
• Carmel Valley Library
  Lunar New Year Celebration — Tuesday, February 10 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
• North University Community Library
  Lunar New Year Celebration — Saturday, February 28 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Pacific Beach/Taylor Library
  Afternoon Crafting: Lunar New Year Dragon Puppet — Wednesday, February 11 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Storytimes & Early-Childhood Programs

Designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.

• Encinitas Library
  Lunar New Year Storytime — Thursday, February 5 | 10:30–11:00 a.m.
• Mira Mesa Library
  Bilingual Vietnamese/English Lunar New Year Storytime — Saturday, February 14 | 10:00–10:45 a.m.

Planning tips

• Lion dances are noisy and capacity-limited, so arrive early
• Many programs are branch-specific and won’t repeat
• February calendars continue to update as the month approaches

For the most current listings, check the official calendars:

• San Diego Public Library Event Calendar (city branches)
• San Diego County Library Event Calendar (county branches)

Best for:
Families with young kids, local residents, and anyone looking for short, free San Diego Lunar New Year activities between bigger events.

Restaurants to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in San Diego

Why not enjoy a delicious Asian meal to celebrate the Lunar New Year? Aside from Jasmine Seafood mentioned above, here are a few San Diego restaurants to consider.

• Emerald Chinese Cuisine: They usually have special Chinese New Year menus for a la carte ordering or set menus for groups. And let’s not forget the karaoke room you can reserve for a small group.
• Haidilao San Diego: Head to Haidilao, a famous Chinese hot pot restaurant from Sichuan province. Last year, during Chinese New Year, performers (such as traditional face-changing performers) handed out lai see to guests.
• Golden Island Dim Sum: This Mira Mesa hotspot is also popular for Chinese New Year in San Diego, as they typically have lion dances.

Celebrate Chinese New Year on Your Own at Home

Chinese New Year is an important holiday in our house. In fact, I’m headed to 99 Ranch for our usual stash of candy and dried fruit, part of a traditional eight-part Tray of Togetherness to snack from throughout the season (I’ll share details for what to include shortly). You can also celebrate at home with crafts.

You can also use the opportunity to leave bowls of citrus on the table for the family to eat, or even put Chinese New Year citrus trees on each side of your doorstep.

It’s also fun to put together Chinese New Year red envelopes for the kids in your life. You can order red envelopes on Amazon or find them at markets like 99 Ranch.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

How do you celebrate Lunar New Year in San Diego? If there are activities that I’ve missed, please leave them in the comments.