While you may have rung in the New Year Jan. 1, there is still a chance to celebrate with Chinese New Year, Feb. 5. Also called the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, the celebration is observed by more than 1.5 million Angelenos of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean descent and is a great way for visitors to explore some of the unique cultural history of Los Angeles.
This year, 2019, will be the year of the pig, according to the Chinese calendar, which follows a 12-year cycle with each year representing a different animal. The City of Angels has hosted elaborate Chinese New Year celebrations for well over a century.
Thien Hau Temple During Chinese New Year, Los Angeles © James Kirkikis | Dreamstime.com
The festivities kick off the night of Feb. 4, with the Midnight Temple Ceremony
at Thien Hau Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese Sea Goddess Mazu. Attendees of this ceremony, which begins at 10:30 p.m. and runs until shortly after midnight, participate in the burning of incense, watch traditional lion-dancer performances and enjoy the setting off of 500,000 firecrackers.
The Golden Dragon Parade is the most popular event of the festivities. Taking place Feb. 9 and starting at the corners of Hill Street and Ord Street, this colorful parade is part of a full day of festivities. The parade includes local bands, elaborate floats and dragon dancers. Local dignitaries, businesspeople and festival officials also participate in this parade usually attended by thousands annually.
The parade runs along Broadway through the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. Throughout the festival Chinatown will be a hotbed of live musical and dance performances in addition to the many parties happening all over town. Local restaurants will be bustling and will be the ideal place to enjoy some of the best Chinese food LA has to offer. Food has a great deal of significance during the Chinese New Year festivities with chicken signifying family togetherness, noodles symbolizing long life and spring rolls representing wealth.
Red is a popular theme throughout the festivities, as it represents joy, good luck and prosperity. Red posters and lanterns adorn local business and homes throughout the celebration. Those celebrating the holiday exchange red envelopes of lucky money, intended to bring happiness and prosperity throughout the coming year.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Los Angeles is not only a great way to experience the cultural diversity of the city but also to learn about the significance of the holiday as well. As home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country, Chinese New Year is as much a part of the culture of Los Angeles as Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood sign.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026“Kids Free” San Diego Returns for 15th Year
Family travelers will want to take advantage of San Diego Tourism Authority’s month-long promotion this October, offering more than 100 specials at museums, hotels, restaurants and different attractions across the region.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Sep 17, 2026Fort Lauderdale Just Got a Lot More Accessible for Families
Fort Lauderdale is already known for great weather and great beaches, but for family travelers who need accessible destinations, the city just got even better. Greater Fort Lauderdale recently collaborated with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization working to increase sensory awareness, accessibility and inclusiveness in public spaces. Through this partnership, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has recently become the world’s first KultureCity-certified sensory accessible and inclusive beach destination. While that title is bit of a mouthful, it means great things for families traveling with special needs.
ShareThis