San Diego is home to many diverse cultures and celebrates many holidays. If you are in San Diego in late January or early February, you will have the opportunity to enjoy one of many Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year festivals. This year, 2017, celebrates the year of the rooster – also celebrated in 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957 and so forth every twelve years. The rooster symbolizes punctuality and loyalty. Roosters woke people up far before the alarm clock, making them a very dependable and punctual animal.
From weekend-long events to dumpling-making parties, here is your guide to San Diego’s Lunar New Year events. Happy New Year, or in Chinese, Gung Hay Fat Choy!
The 35th Annual Chinese New Year Fair
This weekend-long fair happening in San Diego’s historic Chinatown along Third Avenue and J Street downtown will ring in the year of the rooster with dance and cultural performances, traditional Chinese food, a lantern parade and crafts for children. Free admission, more information here.
When: Saturday (2/11) & Sunday (2/12) from 10am – 5pm
Where: Downtown San Diego on Third Avenue and J Street
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Make Your Own Dumplings Day
Eat your good luck this new year! On Chinese New Year, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum downtown is hosting a dumpling-making party. Skilled dumpling makers will provide you the skills and materials to make this essential new year food, symbolizing wealth and longevity. This event is $10 for adults and $5 for members and children under 12. RSVP to info@sdchm.org.
When: Saturday (1/28) 2pm – 4pm
Where: SDCHM Chuang Archive & Learning Center, 541 B Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
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Lunar New Year Festival
Firecrackers, dancing, martial arts, painting, a variety of Asian food, carnival rides – what’s not to enjoy? Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children. Bonus: Free admission for those born in the year of the rooster or active military personnel in complete uniform (Bring ID). Learn more on their website.
When: Friday (1/20) 5pm – 10pm, Saturday (1/21) & Sunday (1/22) 10am – 10pm
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
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Lunar New Year at SeaWorld
You and your palette will be entertained at SeaWorld’s Lunar New Year celebration! With Chinese acrobat shows throughout the day, lion dancers performing on stage and plenty of Asian food choices – it’s bound to be a great day. Event included with park admission – purchase tickets here.
When: January 28 – February 20th, Weekdays 10am – 5pm, Weekends 10am – 6pm
Where: SeaWorld, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
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12th Annual San Diego Tet Festival
The Tet Festival celebrates the Vietnamese New Year, with concerts, a beer garden, a carvnival and their signature Miss Vietnam San Diego Pageant! Check the Facebook event page for updates.
When: Friday (1/27) 5pm – 10pm, Saturday (1/28) 11am – 10pm, Sunday (1/29) 11am – 6pm
Where: Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem Street, San Diego, CA 92126