Gung Hay Fat Choy!  Happy Lunar New Year!  The Year of the Monkey (4714) officially begins Monday, February 8, 2016. There are several places in San Diego where you too can celebrate the Chinese New Year – some of them start this weekend so let’s take a look at this year’s offerings:

Lunar New Year Festival at Qualcomm Stadium (Jan. 29 – 31, 2016)

This annual Lunar New Year Festival is put on by the Little Saigon San Diego District with many corporate and community sponsors. The official website advertises there will be Asian food, carnival rides, live performances (including Lion Dances), an Asian cultural village, and much more. Entry is reasonably priced – Ages 0 – 2 are Free, Ages 3 – 12 = $4 each, Ages 13+ = $5 each. Free admission for anyone wearing a complete military uniform. Free parking at Qualcomm. Location: 9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108.

Festival Hours:   Friday, Jan. 29^th = 5 – 10 PM; Saturday, Jan. 30^th and Sunday, Jan. 31^st = 10 AM – 10 PM

Sea World’s Lunar New Year Celebration (select dates Jan. 30 – Feb. 21, 2016)

Sea World offers special Lunar New Year events including performances from the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei and Lion Dances inside Mission Bay Theater and Asian-inspired food and drinks at the outdoor festival area. All events are included with general theme park admission. If you happen to be born during the Year of the Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, or 2004) you can get free admission from Feb. 6 – 8, 2016 (read here for more details). Location: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109.

Photo credits: Krista

We went to the Sea World Lunar New Year Celebration last year (in 2015) and are planning to attend again this year. We were amazed by the talented acrobats of Hebei. The Mission Bay Theater is a small venue so plan accordingly for performance times. Our seats were in the front row and were fantastic!

Photo credits: Krista

Also at Sea World is a festival area which is to the right of the main entrance on the way toward the Journey to Atlantis ride. This festival area transforms seasonally – during Christmas it’s “Santa’s Village”, for late January into February it is the “Lunar New Year” area, and so forth. This is where you’ll find the Asian-inspired food, drinks, and décor. One of my favorite parts of this area is the Chinese Wish Tree with the red wish ribbons fluttering in the breeze.

Photo credits: Krista & Lloyd

Jasmine Seafood Restaurant (Kearny Mesa) (Feb. 8 – 21, 2016)

The Jasmine Seafood Restaurant is offering Lion Dances on select dates and times in February at the restaurant. Cameras and lai see (lucky red envelope) money for the performers are encouraged. Also on February 21, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant and San Diego United Lions Club are sponsoring the annual multi-cultural Lunar New Year Charity Gala. The event features an 8-course celebratory dinner, live entertainment, and more! See the restaurant’s website for all the details. Location: 4609 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111.

San Diego Chinese New Year Food & Cultural Fair (Downtown SD) (Feb. 13 – 14, 2016)

Come celebrate the Year of the Monkey at this family friendly event. The San Diego Chinese New Year Food & Cultural Fair will have live cultural performances such as martial arts demonstrations and parades plus crafts, delicious food, and much more! This event is Free and open to the public. Location: Third Ave and J Street (Downtown), San Diego, CA 92101‎.

Food & Cultural Fair Hours: Both days (Feb. 13 – 14) 10:00 AM – 5 PM; Rain or Shine

Beyond San Diego, and if you happen to be a Disneyland fan, you can also join in the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Happiest Place on Earth in early February. Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) will showcase live performances, photo opportunities with select Disney Characters, special event merchandise, limited-time Asian-inspired food and beverage items, and complimentary face painting from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM during the weekend of Feb. 5 – 8, 2016. All events are included with general theme park admission.

Photo credit: Disneyland Resort

These are just a few examples of ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year the Year of the Monkey in San Diego and beyond. We plan on visiting Sea World’s Lunar New Year Celebration and possibly the event downtown in mid-February. We also plan on driving up to Orange County to DCA in early February.

Does your family celebrate the Lunar New Year? What are some of your traditions?

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