Lunar New Year lands on Jan. 29 this year and 2025 is the Year of the Snake, which is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac.
The snake is associated with being alert, calm, and smart. And to celebrate the occasion, here are 10 events happening around the area that will mark the Year of the Snake.
2ND & PCH Lunar New Year Celebration
When: 1 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach
Information: 2ndandpch.com
The celebration includes the Lunar New Year Dreamers Market which features artisanal vendors. There will be live performances, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities.
Cerritos Town Center
When: Noon-2 p.m. Feb. 1
Where: Edwards Stadium Courtyard, 12731 Towne Center Drive, Cerritos
Information: cerritostc.com/
This afternoon event will include Lion Dane performance plus stilt walkers, photo ops and craft activities for kids and giveaways.
Disney California Adventure
When: Through Feb.16
Where: Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd,. Anaheim
Information: disneyland.disney.go.com
Park admission will be required to celebrate the Year of the Snake with The Mouse at Disney’s annual event. It will include Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, Asian food specials and Disney characters dressed in special costumes,
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker
When: 8 a.m. Feb.1-2
Where: Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza, 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles.
Information: firecracker10k.org/
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker has been happening for 47 years and is one of the largest and oldest-running races in the country. Registration is now open for participants who can compete in running, walking, cycling and dog walking events at the historic Los Angeles Chinatown Plaza. People don’t have to compete in order to have fun since the weekend also includes the Lunar New Year festival in Chinatown that celebrates the new year with lion dancers, vendors, live entertainment and more.
Queen Mary
When: 5 p.m. Jan. 29
Where: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Information: Queenmary.com
The festivities at the ship start at 5 p.m. with a lantern making workshop ($39 per person). There’s also a Reptile and Animal Workshop put on by Raptor events that will include up close encounters with snakes and other creatures. For those who want to grub there’s a dinner and a show that includes performances by the Qing Wei Lion and Dance teams and a buffet ($149 per person) with dishes like braised pork belly, dumplings and more Chinese fare.
Riverside Lunar Festival
When: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26
Where: 453 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
Information: riversideca.gov
The 13th annual free festival will not only include Lion Dancers and acrobatic performances but also carnival rides, a car exhibit and an Asian artisan market.
Santa Monica Place
When: 2-5 p.m. Feb. 8
Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
Information: santamonicaplace.com
Santa Monica Place will be decorated with red and gold lanterns in the Center Plaza. Then on Feb. 8 there will be a free celebration that will include Lion Dancers, live music, cultural artists and more.
San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb 1 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb.2
Where: San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel
Information: sangabrielcity.com
People can check out lantern displays, see live performances and grub on street foods.
The District at Tustin Legacy
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where: 2437 Park Ave., Tustin
Information: https://thedistricttl.com/
You might get lucky here since organizers will be handing out red envelopes with $2 inside and other deals to the first 500 people who attend. Guests can also expect to see martial arts and musical performances and of course Lion Dancers.
Tết Festival
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
Information: santa-ana.org
The second annual festival includes cultural performances, a scavenger hunt and a fireworks show starting at 5:45 p.m.