2026 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Horse in Costa Mesa

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping, and spending time with family. The 15th and final day of the holiday is observed as the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the celebration. Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse. The symbolism of the snake represents a complex interplay of elements. Its meaning can range from luck and authority to craftiness and mysteriousness. In 2026, Costa Mesa will feature numerous celebrations and special events throughout the festival, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month, from celebratory menus to unique shopping experiences.

South Coast Plaza eateries will feature festive menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, shopping deals, and events throughout the entire span of the festival. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed installation and atmospheric decorations featuring a mechanically animated horse.

Horses are galloping into your favorite luxury boutiques, bringing good fortune for the Lunar New Year. From an embroidered horse on a Montblanc briefcase to beaded AllSaints horse sweatshirt , you can embrace the style as detailed or boldly as you like. Other luxury favorites like Moynat are celebrating with playful Labubu bag charms by Kasing Lung. Window shop all the Lunar New Year merchandise at South Coast Plaza on their website. Image via South Coast Plaza

It’s not often that South Coast Plaza offers a sale or promotion, so when they do, we know it’s going to be good. Now might just be the time to splurge on that handbag or watch you’ve been saving up for. This year, South Coast Plaza is teaming up with LIULI Crystal Art for an exquisite wine glass set, available as a gift with purchase. LIULI Crystal Art’s gallery is located in Bloomingdales, and the company is known for reinvigorating a style of glass art that dates back to the Han Dynasty in China. Purchases of $4,888 are eligible to receive the exclusive tea set. View the details and more information on the exclusive item here.

Every year, we can’t wait to see what our favorites like Paradise Dynasty, AnQi, and Michelin‑recognized Knife Pleat are cooking up. If our highlights have you feeling hungry, explore all the specials at South Coast Plaza’s dedicated dining page. Image via Paradise Dynasty

Paradise Dynasty is celebrating with a special banquet menu featuring chicken broth with wontons, braised lobster with vermicelli, slow-braised pork knuckle, and an exclusive Lunar New Year cocktail by award-winning mixologist Chris Amiam made with D’USSÉ Cognac, yuzu honey, green tea plum, and lemon.

1:00 – 6:00 PMLunar New Year celebrations take over Centennial Park for a family-friendly, free-to-attend event. Celebrate Asian and Vietnamese culture with live dance performances, cultural exhibits, and food vendors. At 5:45 PM, the celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.

8:00 PMExperience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Watch as hundreds of performers showcase their talents, including virtuoso guzheng player Bei Bei Monter. Other performers of note include: Carl St.Clair, conductorRon Banks, emceeCao Kefan, emceeXiangdong Kong, pianoShunxiang Zhang, jinghuDennis Kim, violinYaya Dance Academy, Yaya Zhang, artistic directorT.O.P. Awards DancersOCMD Violin Studio of Wendy CastillAmerican Feel Young Chorus — Sam Wei-Chi Sun, directorPacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director

11:00 AM – 4:00 PMAt the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on March 7th is Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and then dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Admission is free, but remember to reserve your tickets ahead of time.