The history and culture of China is vibrantly weaved into the tapestry of Los Angeles life and can be experienced first-hand during the festivities of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, in LA’s Chinatown and other communities. Locals and tourists alike attend the events to partake in the colorful costumes, traditional music and intoxicating cuisines of Asian cultures to commemorate the end of a successful year and celebrate the luck and prosperity to come.
Jan. 24-25: Zoodiac Celebration at Los Angeles Zoo
The LA Zoo celebrates the Year of the Horse with its weekend-long Zoodiac event. In addition to a scavenger hunt, dragon and lion dances, themed treats and a Kung Fu demonstration, the event will offer educational talks and activities about animals that are closely related to the horse.
Jan. 25 and Feb. 22: Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting Classes at Pacific Asia Museum
As a major aspect of Chinese history, calligraphy and brush painting classes are held every Saturday at the Pacific Asia Museum. While this activity isn’t exclusive to the Lunar New Year, the holiday is a perfect excuse to learn a new artistic skill and carry on the creative practices of ancient Asia.
Feb. 1-2: 115th Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival at Chinatown
A long-standing Los Angeles tradition, the Golden Dragon Parade and Festival in Chinatown is as engraved in LA history as the holiday itself. For the 115th year in a row, the parade will bring the celebration to the streets with a live entertainment stage, cultural booths featuring candy making, clay portraiture and calligraphy, and over a dozen floats.
Feb. 2: The Great Chinatown Hunt at Chinatown
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to celebrating the occasion, the Great Chinatown Hunt takes place alongside the Golden Dragon Parade and allows participants to explore the area in search of clues. Teams of two are sent all over Chinatown with hints that range from photographs to puzzles. The race may last up to seven hours and the first team to finish is crowned the winner with bragging rights and Internet recognition as their rewards.
Feb. 8: Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive
Known as the city of success, Beverly Hills will spread its good fortune with the Year of the Horse Celebration. Several hotels in the area offer Chinese New Year packages for the month of February, such as the Hao Yun package at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, which includes a welcome of tea and fortune cookies in addition to a complimentary Asian breakfast of congee and dim sum. During the festival, guests can enjoy traditional lion dances and music. Everyone who attends will receive a red “Good Fortune” envelope filled with deals and coupons to local businesses to start the year off with a shopping spree. Rodeo Drive wouldn’t have it any other way.
Feb. 22-23: Firecracker 10K Run at Elysian Park
Named after the explosive that originated in China, the Firecracker 10K Run will start the Lunar New Year with a bang. Day 1 of the event features a 20- or 30-mile bike ride and the Nite and Day Festival with Vietnamese folk dancers, Japanese Taiko drummers
and Chinese music ensembles. Early the next morning, runners embark on a 5K or 10K run followed by an awards ceremony and the second part of the Nite and Day Festival.
