Year of the Horse gallops into Southern California

As Southern California welcomes the Year of the Horse, the region has come alive with festivals, performances and community gatherings that celebrate the rich traditions of Spring Festival, one of the most important holidays for Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian communities around the world.

From Anaheim to Los Angeles County, Riverside and Irvine, this year's festivities highlight not only cultural heritage but also the growing appreciation of Asian traditions among diverse local audiences.

At Disney California Adventure Park, Chinese New Year has transformed Paradise Gardens into a dazzling landscape of red-and-gold lanterns, symbolizing good fortune, health and prosperity. Running from Jan 23 to Feb 22, the annual multicultural celebration has become one of Southern California's most-anticipated seasonal offerings, drawing visitors eager to experience Asian cuisine, art and entertainment in an immersive setting.

This year's festival features new culinary creations, including japchae noodles with kalbi short rib (Korean dish), crispy chicken bao (Chinese dish), and a guava dragon fruit sparkler that has quickly become a crowd favorite.

"I come every year because here I can experience Asian culture in such an authentic and joyful way," said Amanda Lee, a teacher from Orange County who has been attending the festival for the past five years. "The food, the dances, the colors, it feels like a celebration that truly respects the traditions."

Disney's beloved characters also appear in newly designed cultural attire. For the Year of the Horse, Horace Horsecollar leads Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession, accompanied by performers who celebrate family, friendship and the promise of a prosperous new year. Red panda Mei from Pixar's Turning Red makes her first full-costume debut at Pixar Pier, delighting children and parents alike.

"We're thrilled to bring experiences that honor Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions while creating meaningful moments for families," said the event organizer. "Chinese New Year is about connection and culture, and that's what we aim to foster here."

In Los Angeles County, the Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting one of the region's broadest community-centered Chinese New Year programs yet, with celebrations at 59 parks from Feb 12 to 28.

Holiday spirit

These free events include lion and dragon dances, crafts for children, cultural workshops and food tasting, ensuring families across the county can still participate in the holiday spirit.

"Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, connection and shared tradition," said Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, director of LA County Parks. "Our parks bring communities together by creating welcoming spaces where families can celebrate culture, learn from one another and begin the new year feeling connected and supported."

In Riverside, the festival returned for its 14th year, bringing classic Asian street food, an artisan market, interactive workshops and more.

"2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength, confidence and forward movement," festival organizers said on social media.

The region's universities are also embracing the holiday in meaningful ways. The University of California, Irvine, will host a daylong celebration on Monday featuring cultural games, arts-and-crafts workshops, a dragon parade, a lion dance, and performances by student groups showcasing East Asian cultural diversity.

A highlight is a special talk with Janet Yang, an award-winning Hollywood producer and former president of Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, who will reflect on storytelling and the shared experiences that unite communities across cultures.

South Coast Plaza — one of Southern California's most iconic shopping destinations — is also marking the holiday with festive decor and cultural programming, including the Second Annual Lucky Lunar Fest at Macy's on Feb 7 and themed installations throughout Jewel Court.