Here’s how you can usher in the Year of the Water Tiger in L.A.
February 1, 2022, is Lunar New Year, marking the first day of the Year of the Water Tiger. This coincides with the new moon and a host of vibrant festivities across the city. From drool-worthy buffets of dumplings and noodles to sparkling firecrackers, concluding with a Lantern Festival on February 15. It’s predominantly a Chinese celebration but it’s observed by many other Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea. At its core, the holiday is about bringing family together through traditions. While the year of the Ox brought a slew of restrictions, vaccination drama, and Omnicron, here’s hoping the Tiger brings only good fortunes.
So now that you’ve wolfed down some gao (festive new year cake), cleaned your house, and cut your hair, it’s time to haul out everything red and hit the town. Whether it’s a procession of lion dances, mailing red envelopes, or heading to a pop-up, here are the best ways to ring in the year in L.A.
1. Stock Up On Red Envelopes At The Adorable Chunky Paper
The bright yellow art shop, celebrating Asian culture and artists is the perfect place to stock up on red envelopes. Red symbolizes good luck, prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture and its traditions to gift close friends and family with red envelopes filled with money. At Chunky Paper you’ll find a designer range with a pop-culture twist and shimmering gold accents. Along with that, they have a range of special tiger prints and merch, ranging from cute to ferocious.
Website2. Head To Disney California Adventure Park For A Magical Parade
From themed treats to arts and crafts, there’s no doubt that the “happiest place on earth” is going to be a festive delight. You’ll find all you’re favorite characters celebrating with traditional garments through February 13, culminating with Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.
Find out more here.3. Join The Festivities At The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival
While the street festival is back in its full capacity, its fattened up the programming for 2022. You’ll get to fill up on noodle cups, waffles and Chinese dragon candy from incredible food trucks and stalls while you watch mesmerizing traditional dances and performances. It takes place on February 20 and it’s completely free to go.
4. Indulge In Decadent Offerings At Dear Bella Creamery
Head to this cute Hollywood ice cream spot and enjoy the Taiwanese-American, plant-based offerings of owners Alice Cherng and Belinda. This Lunar New Year they’ve made limited edition, savory-sweet ice cream kits to celebrate at home with. Expect everything from cute jars of red bean sauce to Chinese New Year candies to create your unique dessert heaven.
Website5. Browse Colorful Crystal Tiger Sculptures At South Coast Plaza
Browse the intricate crystal sculptures by LIULI on display at the South Coast Plaza. The roaring creations come in a rainbow of colors, all with their symbolism and charm. You can also stop by the Stop by Jewel Court to check out the Year of the Tiger botanical display and remember to make a wish for the new year.
6. Tie A Wish To A Cherry Blossom Tree In Santa Monica
Santa Monica Plaza is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a week of festivities ending on February 8. You can stop by the gorgeous avenues of cherry blossom wishing trees and tie your wish to one, pick up a red envelope with special deals from participating shops and restaurants or collect some craft kits and fortune cookies. Plus, there’s be tons of cute photo opportunities with most of the place decked out in red and gold traditional emblems.
7. Have High Tea At Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia
If street food and fireworks aren’t your thing, settle for a refined high tea at this stunning hotel. Enjoy tried towers spilling over with traditional Asian treats like red-date mochi and peanut sesame candy. You’ll have a mix of sweet and savory items served alongside incredible teas and sparkling wines. It will set you back $95 per person, but you’ll enter into the new year in utter Zen.
8. Browse The Cơmbap Mart Pop-Up Shop At Blossom Market Hall
Browse one-of-a-kind pieces from Asian American creators and makers at Cơmbap Mart’s first pop-up shop. The L.A. online mini-mart will be taking of space in the new Blossom Market Hall on Saturday, February 5. You can browse their Instagram account for a little sneak peek at all the limited edition items you’ll find, from cute tote bags and candles to teas, you’ll struggle to leave empty-handed.
Website9. Catch The Chinese New Year Celebrations At The Huntington
It’s hard to think of a better way to start the Year of the Tiger than with an array of Chinese New Year activities at one of our favorite botanical gardens. The Hunting Museum and Library will be hosting martial arts talks, processions of lion dances, live music to calligraphy, and floral art workshops. The celebration will take place from February 5th to the 6th with advanced reservations required.