Celebrate Lunar New Year in Orange County: Community Activities and Events
The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and Orange County has a fantastic lineup of events to help you celebrate! From vibrant festivals to cultural parades and lantern displays, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top Lunar New Year activities happening in the community.
Santa Ana Tết Lunar New Year Festival
Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 1 PM – 6 PM
Location: Centennial Park, Santa Ana
Website: Santa Ana Tết Festival
Kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations at the Santa Ana Tết Lunar New Year Festival! This free event invites the community to come together in celebration of the Year of the Snake and the rich Asian and Vietnamese cultures that thrive in Santa Ana and Orange County. Enjoy cultural performances, food, and family-friendly fun as the city celebrates its second annual Tết Festival.
UVSA Tết Festival
Dates: January 31 – February 2, 2025
Location: Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Blvd, Garden Grove
Website: UVSA Tết Festival
The UVSA Tết Festival is the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration in the United States! Now in its 43rd year, this iconic event is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a mix of traditional and modern festivities. Highlights include cultural performances, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and an array of local vendors.
- Admission: $8 (free for infants 2 years and under or visitors in traditional outfits, military uniforms, or scout attire).
2025 Tết Parade
Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Little Saigon, Westminster
Website: Tết Parade
Start the second weekend of the Lunar New Year with the spectacular Tết Parade in Little Saigon! This annual event celebrates not only the Lunar New Year but also the vibrant Vietnamese-American community in Orange County—home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam. The parade draws over 15,000 attendees each year and features cultural floats, lion dances, marching bands, and more. Arrive early to grab a prime spot along the parade route!
Pacific Symphony’s Lantern Festival
Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
Website: Lantern Festival
Wrap up your Lunar New Year celebrations with the Pacific Symphony’s Lantern Festival! This free, family-friendly event honors a 2,000-year-old tradition that marks the end of Lunar New Year festivities and welcomes the spring season. Enjoy music and dance performances, storytelling, riddles, art-making activities, and the lighting of beautiful lanterns. Admission is free, but space inside the hall is limited—arrive early for the best experience!
Lunar New Year Celebration: The Wood Snake Festival
Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 12 PM – 3 PM
Location: The Market Place: Courtyard near Mathis Home
Website: Wood Snake Festival
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake at The Market Place’s Lunar New Year Celebration! This family-friendly event features martial arts demonstrations, choir performances, lion and dragon dances, and much more. It’s a fun and festive way to welcome in the new year and shed the past.
With such a wide variety of events, Orange County is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the traditions and festivities of the Lunar New Year. Don’t miss the chance to join your community in celebrating the culture, food, and spirit of this joyful holiday.
Happy Lunar New Year!