Ring in Lunar New Year 2026: Orange County’s Community Celebrations & Events
As we welcome the Lunar New Year, Orange County is offering an exciting array of ways to join in the celebration. Discover local festivals, performances, and special activities taking place across the community.
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Westminster Library
Date: Friday, February 7
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Westminster Library — 8180 13th St., Westminster
Ring in the Year of the Horse with a joyful morning at the Westminster Library. This family‑friendly celebration brings together the sights and sounds of Lunar New Year, featuring energetic lion dance and drum performances that fill the space with excitement and tradition. Guests can also enjoy hands‑on festive crafts and receive traditional red envelopes, adding a meaningful cultural touch to the day.
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Richard Nixon Library
Date: Sunday, February 9
Time: 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Richard Nixon Library & Museum — 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an evening full of culture, flavor, and community at the Richard Nixon Library. This festive cultural fair brings together traditional music and dance performances that highlight the richness of Asian heritage and the joy of the season. Guests can stroll through the grounds while sampling a variety of Chinese food offerings from local vendors, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere.
Date: February 13–15
Location: Golden West College — 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
Kids under 3 free • General admission $8.95
Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with one of Orange County’s most vibrant cultural traditions. The USVA Tet Festival transforms Golden West College into a lively gathering space filled with heritage, community, and celebration. Guests can explore a detailed replica of a traditional Vietnamese village, offering a glimpse into daily life, customs, and artistry.
Throughout the festival, visitors can experience an ancestral altar procession, a meaningful tradition honoring family and heritage. The event also features a full lineup of musical performances, cultural showcases, and entertainment that highlight the richness of Vietnamese culture.
Lunar New Year Storytime in Anaheim
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 1–2 p.m.
Location: Anaheim Haskett Branch Public Library — 2650 W. Broadway, Anaheim
Families are invited to enjoy a festive Lunar New Year storytime at the Anaheim Haskett Branch Public Library. This special program features themed stories perfect for young children, creating a warm and engaging space to learn about the traditions of the season.
Adding to the excitement, the Western High School Lion Dance Team will deliver a lively performance, bringing the energy and symbolism of the lion dance right into the library. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids and caregivers to celebrate together, experience cultural storytelling, and enjoy a memorable afternoon in the community.
Golden Gathering at The Market Place
Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Location: The Market Place — 2961 El Camino Real, Tustin
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an afternoon of culture, community, and festive performances at The Market Place. In partnership with the South Coast Chinese Center, this special event brings together a dynamic lineup of traditional entertainment, including lion dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and other heritage‑rich showcases that highlight the spirit of the season.
Lunar New Year Night Market in Irvine
Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 4–7 p.m.
Location: Woodbury Town Center — Irvine Blvd., Irvine
Experience a vibrant Lunar New Year evening as Woodbury Town Center transforms into a lively night market filled with flavor, music, and celebration. More than 20 culinary booths will offer a wide range of delicious bites, giving visitors the chance to sample foods from across different cultures.
The festivities continue with energetic sets from K‑Pop DJs, adding a modern twist to the night’s cultural atmosphere. As the sun sets, a dazzling drone performance will light up the sky, creating a memorable finale to the celebration.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 12 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Fashion Island — 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
In the Garden of Good Fortune, visitors will be able to watch calligraphy demonstrations from the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, participate in Chinese cultural crafts, and watch a lion dance show.
OC Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall — 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with light, music, and community at the OC Lantern Festival, hosted at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This daytime event invites families and friends to take part in the symbolic lighting and release of lanterns — a tradition that honors hope, renewal, and togetherness. In addition to the lantern ceremony, guests can enjoy live musical performances, traditional dance showcases, and a variety of cultural food offerings that reflect the richness of Asian heritage.
Whether you’re continuing long‑held traditions or discovering them for the first time, these community celebrations offer a warm and welcoming way to honor the Lunar New Year, with a wonderful opportunity to gather, learn, and share in the spirit of the season.