The new year on the traditional Chinese calendar starts in 2026 on February 17.

Welcome to the Year of the Horse!

We're fortunate enough to live in an area full of chances to celebrate Spring Festival, and all of the special foods, sights, and traditions it brings.

So put on a new outfit (for a fresh new start!), and start the new year at one of these local events.

Monday, February 9

Rowland Heights

Lunar New Year: Make Walnut Cookies

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a guest-led cookie demo by Phoebe Chow! Teens will learn how to make traditional walnut cookies and explore the meaning behind this festive holiday. Snacks included. Registration required. Ages 13 to 17.

4 to 5:30 p.m.

1850 Nogales St
Lines 178, 289, and 482, Colima Rd and Nogales St

Tuesday, February 10

El Monte

DIY Hongbao Lantern

Make your own hongbao lantern. Materials provided while supplies last. For adults.

1 to 2 p.m.

3224 Tyler Ave
Line 486, Garvey Ave and Tyler Ave

Wednesday, February 11

Covina

Lunar New Year Celebration

Learn about and celebrate the Lunar New Year with stories, trivia, arts and crafts, and refreshments. For ages 5 to 12 with their parent or caregiver. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.

3 to 4:30 p.m.

20540 E Arrow Hwy
Line 492, Arrow Hwy and Bonnie Cove Ave

Saturday, February 14

Pomona

Downtown Pomona Lunar New Year Celebration

Witness the traditional lion dance, enjoy a variety of live performances and traditional dances, and show off your skills in the karaoke and talent shows. The festival will also feature an authentic Poon Choi feast to honor seniors, alongside delicious food and unique vendors and some regular Artwalk vendor regulars.

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shaun Diamond Plaza, 197 W 2nd St
Line 195, 197, 286, 291, 292, 480, 482, 486 and Silver Streak, Pomona Transit Center

Sunday, February 15

Pasadena

Lunar New Year festival

Celebrate the Year of the Horse! The day will feature exciting FREE performances and activities for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy a traditional lion dance, storytelling, crafts, food trucks, free admission to the museum, and a chance to be among the first to see the newest special exhibition, Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry, during its opening weekend. Performers and partners will include Barnsdall Arts, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Association, Korean Classical Music and Dance Company, USC Traditional Chinese Dance, USC Kazan Taiko, and Shirley Wang.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N Los Robles Ave
Line 187, Colorado and Los Robles

Friday, February 20

Arcadia

Lunar New Year Storytime with Oliver Chin

Celebrate Lunar New Year! Children's book author and storyteller, Oliver Chin, will introduce children to Lunar New Year traditions, animals of the zodiac, and share his book Year of the Horse: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. For ages 5 - 12. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required.

4 to 5 p.m.

22 W Live Oak Ave
Line 492, Live Oak Ave and Santa Anita Ave

Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22

Arcadia

Lunar New Year

Get in the spirit of the Lunar New Year and experience authentic Chinese cultural shows like the lion and dragon dance, musical acts, and more. Try your luck with the Wealth Tree; one lucky fan could win $5,000. Enter at the information booth near the stage. There will also be a full card of live racing.

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr
Line 187, Huntington Dr and Holly Ave