A Guide to 2025’s Chinese New Year Celebrations in San Diego

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in San Diego. From traditional dances to dumpling making, Chinese & Asian culture take center stand to celebrate the Wood Snake.

Key Takeaways

Amanda Rosa
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Chinese New Year in San Diego
What is Chinese New Year?
Where to Celebrate
Go City Pass & Save
Attractions, Events, Acts
2025: Year of the Snake
Stay Nearby

What is Chinese or Lunar New Year?

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Gaslamp Quarter San DiegoThe Beautiful Salt and Whiskey Bar at the Horton Grand Hotel

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, the Tét Holiday, or the Spring Festival is the celebration of the start of the new year based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

San Diego’s diverse culture is never easier to see on display than during the holidays and the Lunar New Year cultural celebrations are part of the fun!

From the vibrant Día de los Muertos celebrations in Old Town San Diego to the upbeat live music of Mardi Gras and of course the upcoming multi-day Lunar New Year celebrations in 2025, San Diego celebrates diversity, culture, and holidays unlike any other city.

If this is your first time celebrating the Chinese New Year - or Lunar New Year - in San Diego, then you need only know one thing. In our humble opinion, no U.S. city does it better!

While in China, residents celebrate a 16-day Chinese New Year festival culminating in a lantern festival, San Diego will kick-off many events on the weekend of January 24th - 26th. But that doesn’t mean the fun stops there!

What is the Theme For 2025?

This year, the Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, which culminates with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals and an element. Each animal and element runs on a 12-year cycle.

For example, 2024 was the year of the Wood Dragon. 2025 will continue the wood element and introduce the next animal in the cycle - the snake, making 2025 the year of the Wood Snake, or Green Wood Snake.

Why green? Green is associated with the element of wood. It symbolizes growth, balance, and a connection with nature.

The snake itself is a complex character, symbolizing good fortune while recommending caution, making 2025 a year filled with exciting promise, potential, and introspection.

Fun fact! The snake is also known as the “little dragon” and is considered a lucky charm in China!

How to Celebrate

Most Lunar New Year Festival celebrations include traditional elements like lion dance performances, a fireworks display, and gifts from family members in red envelopes.

Many celebrations have decorations and parade floats themed around the current Chinese Zodiac year.

Our founder Todd has said he’s excited to take his kids to learn about one of the most important cultural events our world has to offer. It’s one that can be overlooked but has real significance to many of our neighbors in San Diego and he’s looking forward to the experience and education.

One thing is for sure - he can expect to see lots of snakes!

Will There Be Family-Friendly Activities?

Absolutely! Check out the San Diego Chinese New Year Fair to see a lantern parade and take part in children’s crafts.

Or you can visit the San Diego Zoo for both an educational and fun celebration that also highlights endangered ecosystems and what we can do to help them.

Nighttime Show at the San Diego Zoo
Nighttime Show at the San Diego Zoo

Where To Stay in San Diego for Lunar New Year?

With so much going on, you’ll want to be, and stay, in the heart of the action!

The Horton Grand Hotel is located in the vibrant and beautiful Gaslamp Quarter. You’ll be minutes away from most of the New Year celebrations, plus just a short drive away from Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

With its historic charm, luxury boutique feel, and easy access to many of San Diego’s most popular locations, the Horton Grand Hotel is perfect for couples and small groups looking to explore. I think it’s the perfect location to stay to fully immerse yourself in the cultural richness of San Diego's Chinese New Year celebrations!

Local Tips
Good Hotel Option!
If you're celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Diego, don't miss the opportunity to stay at the Horton Grand Hotel. Class, luxury and a perfect location makes Horton the ideal place to stay and fall in love with this charming city.

Where to Celebrate the Chinese New Year in San Diego 2025

As the city comes alive in a celebration of Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and Asian culture, there are plenty of ways to join in the 2025 New Year’s festivities!

Chinese New Year Fair

  • When: February 15th -16th | 11:00am – 5:00pm
  • Where: 2191 Pan American Rd. West, Balboa Park

Hosted by The House of China at Balboa Park, this celebration brings time-honored traditions directly to the community.

You get to enjoy a variety of performances, including the iconic lion dance. With crafts, calligraphy, and plenty of food, this beloved celebration is a cornerstone of the city-wide festivities.

Dating back to 1935, The Chinese New Year Fair is the classic definition of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Diego.

SeaWorld Exit at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld Exit at SeaWorld San Diego

Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego

  • When: Weekends, February 1st - 9th | 10:00am – 7:00pm
  • Where: SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is known for its holiday celebrations from Howl-O-Scream, which Todd said his kids really enjoyed in 2024, to the park’s Christmas Celebrations.

So it’s fair to say that their Chinese New Year celebration is set to be filled with the “sights, sounds and aromas of Asia.”

Head to the Lunar New Year Festival Stage at Wild Arctic Plaza to watch performances from local artists featuring traditional dancing and drumming. And be sure to save space for both the new and returning Asian-inspired dishes. Including my faves the Pork Belly Bao and Lucky Dragon Punch!

Loving the Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung at the Westfield UTC Mall
Loving the Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung at the Westfield UTC Mall

Lunar New Year Dumpling Party

  • When: January 25th | 1:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Where: Taiwanese American Community Center, 7838 Wilkerson Ct. San Diego

Did you know that the Convoy District is the biggest pan-Asian business in the US? Well it is and it’s also the site of my personal favorite Lunar New Year celebration!

An afternoon creating both traditional and vegan friendly dumplings? Sign me up!

Hosted by the Taiwanese American Professionals San Diego, attendees can make tasty dumplings, play games, and win raffle prizes.

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

  • When: February 8th – 9th | 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Where: Downtown San Diego | 428 3rd Avenue, San Diego

Downtown San Diego is set to come alive with music, performances, and food, all in celebration of the Wood Snake.

Celebrating its 42nd year, Chinese New Year Fair San Diego and her hosts, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, promise this year will be bigger than ever. It’s always one of San Diego’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations.

My personal recommendation would be that if you can only attend one event that this long running celebration could be the one for you and your family!

San Diego - Lunar New Year Festival 2025

  • When: January 24th – 26th | 10:00am – 11:00pm
  • Where: Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park | 4455 Wightman Street, San Diego

This three-day event features plenty of fun family-friendly activities that celebrate Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

You’ll get to watch traditional folk dances, dragon dances, eating contests, a colorful lantern wall, and so much more. Definitely make time to see the impressive Cultural Village, which recreates a traditional village, complete with vintage vehicles from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

But, I predict the standout will be the BE KIND Snake. For every pledge of kindness, six inches will be added to the snake. I think there’s a good chance guests will make this the largest snake in the city.

San Diego Tét Festival

  • When: Jan. 31st - Feb. 2nd | Friday 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 9:00pm
  • Where: NTC Park, Liberty Station, 2640 Cushing Rd., Little Saigon

Held in Mira Mesa, the Vietnamese celebration of the Wood Snake is a vibrant spring festival filled with live music, fun competitions, games, and rides. Admission is free!

From dance battles to a kid’s talent show, a Cultural Village filled with unique historical Vietnamese crafts, and lion dancers that weave through the crowd, there will be so much to do that you’ll need all three days to do it all!

Fun fact: One of our team members was in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam for last year’s Tét Holiday celebrations and he said he’s never seen more fireworks in his life!

Sidewalk in Front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Sidewalk in Front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

San Diego Zoo Lunar New Year

  • When: February 1st – 2nd | 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Where: Asia at the San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Dr.

If you’ve read any of our articles about my favorite attractions in San Diego, you’ll know that I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo and attending during the Chinese New Year could be a real treat! The Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend: Asia at the San Diego Zoo expertly combines conservation efforts, traditional crafts, and holiday dishes.

Guests can learn about Asia’s lush ecosystems and make a traditional rattle drum.

Our favorite event for little ones, the Wishes for Conservation, lets them share their future hopes and wishes for wildlife.

And in honor of Lunar New Year, be sure to stop by to see the giant Chinese pandas, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan!

Don’t forget to grab a Go City San Diego pass before you arrive and use the discount code GVSD50FF to save on San Diego Zoo admission!

Other Area Celebrations

The San Diego Library will hold dozens of events for the Lunar New Year between January 25th and February 12th, 2025. They include arts and crafts workshops, story times, and kid-friendly lessons on what the holiday is and why it’s important. An excellent resource for parents!

Save BIG with Go City!
Orangutan at San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Explore the top zoo in America! The San Diego Zoo is located in iconic Balboa Park, and features over 3,500 animal in their habitats. Bundle with other attractions in Balboa Park for top savings - like the Air and Space Museum!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Attractions, Events & Performers are at This Year’s Festivities

The New Year Festival draws in crowds excited to browse the offerings of dozens of vendors lining the streets and to watch or partake in singing and dancing.

The Opening Ceremony

Opening ceremonies at each event are a huge crowd-pleasers! At their centerpiece are often performances of Lion Dancers.

The large lion dances and weaves through crowds, inviting everyone to take part and kicking off the rest of the festivities.

Local Performers

Many of the cultural performances scheduled for these events showcase traditional Chinese and Asian culture through song and dance. Appearances include shows by the Lucky Lion Dancers and the Chinese Dance Association.

The Tét Festival in particular is set to include Vietnamese singers, lion dancers, the Miss Vietnam of San Diego pageant, plus Step-Up Dance and Golden Voice.

Displays of different martial arts are also common. Previous years have included performances of Tai Chi, Qigong, and other forms that have been practiced in China for centuries.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
$199
Learn More
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
$189
Learn More
La Quinta by Wyndham SeaWorld / Zoo
$188
Learn More
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
$184
Learn More

2025 is The Year of the Snake

Get ready to welcome in 2025 with a dash of adaptability and some positive transformation!

Qualities Associated with the Snake

The Wood Snake is all about being easy-going, stretching those creative wings and introspection. The snake is known to be intuitive, thoughtful, and loyal.

Qualities of wisdom and intelligence are front and center. The year of the snake is also charming, creative but secretive and even a bit ruthless at times!

Join the Party in 2025

Think of this new year as the universe’s way of saying, ‘This is your year for unforgettable experiences!’

So, why not join the celebration in San Diego?

Whether you’re a local or just flying in, come for the vibrant festivities and stay a few days for the unique charm of our city. San Diego is not just a spot on the map; it’s where the little dragon’s heart beats in the rhythm of joy and celebration.

Let’s welcome the Year of the Snake with open arms and a spirit of adventure.

Happy New Year Everyone - Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Featured Hotel
Horton Grand Hotel
Horton Grand Hotel
Boutique
Boutique
Families
Families
Near Bay
Near Bay
3 Stars3 Stars3 Stars
From famous guests like Wyatt Earp and King Kalakaua of Hawaii to its 1880s Victorian architecture, learn about the history of San Diego’s oldest hotel.
Prices Starting at $142
Check Availability
Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
Explore all that San Diego has to offer & save up to 55% on attractions
This Month's Forecast
49°F / 69°F
Sunny in February
Mar
52°F / 70°F
Sunny in March
Apr
55°F / 73°F
Partly Cloudy in April
May
58°F / 70°F
Partly Cloudy in May

Stay Nearby

Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
Near Petco Park
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt
from $199 / night
View Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Near Petco Park
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
from $189 / night
View Hotel
La Quinta by Wyndham SeaWorld / Zoo
Near San Diego Zoo
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
La Quinta by Wyndham SeaWorld / Zoo
from $188 / night
View Hotel
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
Near Camp Pendelton
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
from $184 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
Looking for Something Different?
More What's New >> Events & Activities