Orange County welcomes good fortune for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year celebrates the Year of the Horse in 2026, and Orange County has multiple events going on to mark the occasion, beginning Feb. 17 and ending Feb. 27.

The holiday, recognized in many Asian cultures including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, is full of special traditions that welcome good luck, joy and prosperity. Enjoy a free, family-friendly event, take in a musical performance or indulge in a lucky dish at a local restaurant. No matter where you choose to celebrate in O.C., good fortune awaits.

 

 

Lunar New Year Prix Fixe Menu at Terrace By Mix Mix

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bear St., #316, Costa Mesa
Available through March 1

In honor of Lunar New year, Chef Ross Pangilinan prepares a special three course menu priced at $50 per person. Choose between tamarind steamed mussels or soy braised pork cheek for a first course followed by shrimp garlic noodles or Korean BBQ glazed hanger steak for a second course. The meal finishes with a green tea ice cream sandwich and sorbet with fruit. Reservations are recommended. (Not available Feb. 13-14.)

 

 

Paradise Dynasty Lunar New Year Menu

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St., BLM, 1 Bloomingdale’s, Costa Mesa
Available through March 3

Paradise Dynasty’s limited-time Lunar New Year menu features celebratory banquet-style dishes designed for sharing. Choose from specials like braised lobster with vermicelli and golden garlic sauce or imperial chicken broth with wontons. For dessert there is a sweet mochi duo in the complementary flavors of matcha and black sesame and diners can even cheer the new year with a themed cocktail dubbed the Fire Horse. Taking inspiration from the energy and action of the Fire Horse Year, the drink is a twist on a Gold Rush–style cocktail, made with D’ussé cognac, yuzu honey, green tea plum and fresh lemon.

 

OC Lantern Festival

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,
Saturday, March 7

Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival is a free, day long family-friendly event that features music and dance performances by local community groups and Pacific Symphony musicians. Attendees can enjoy lantern decorating, photo opportunities, food and more, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lantern Festival is a tradition that takes place on the first full moon night in the lunar calendar, which marks the return of spring. The lobby will be transformed with festive lanterns while the concert hall will be open for performances. This special event is co-hosted by Pacific Symphony and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and presented in cooperation with Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

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