January 28th marks the Year of the Rooster, and Lunar New Year celebrations take place throughout Anaheim. Of course, Disneyland is a must with the beautiful lanterns and Chinese decorations covering Main Street U.S.A. You can also catch performances by traditional dancers, and snap photos of your beloved Disney characters in their own Chinese inspired costumes.
The San Gabriel Valley is a haven for authentic Chinese cuisine from all regions and is a great place to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From whole fish and rice cakes to your favorite mochi ice cream balls, check out a new restaurant or take a cooking lesson to learn how to whip up a delicacy at home (or your guest room!).
The Festivities Go On
The parties don’t stop with Christmas, Hanukkah and the western New Year. The tail end of January is also prime party season. The Los Angeles Saturday Dance Parade for the New Year is a big one, over 100 years old and featuring the famed lion dance. It’s a way to scare off bad spirits for the coming year, and you don’t want to miss it.
A midnight ceremony with firecrackers on January 28th at the temple in Chinatown is a major tradition, but if you missed it, you can visit the temple anytime during open hours. Light a lamp or candle, and enjoy some peace and quiet amidst your hectic travels.
