Lunar New Year refers to the celebrations traditionally known as Spring Festival in China, Seollal in Korea and Tết in Vietnam. This festival is celebrated across much of Asia and, due to the growth of diaspora communities, in countries like the United States, Canada and more. San Diego Public Library is proud to celebrate this important cultural holiday.

In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. 

About the Holiday

In Chinese and Vietnamese astrology, there are 12 zodiac animals, each associated with one of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire or earth. While the zodiac animals cycle every 12 years, each animal-element combination reappears every 60 years. The date for the new year is determined by calculations off a lunisolar calendar—usually beginning the second new moon following the winter solstice. 

Celebrations in the U.S. carry deep cultural meaning, blending centuries old Asian traditions with the unique experiences of immigrant communities. These festivities have evolved into vibrant public events that honor heritage, strengthen community identity and highlight the long-standing presence of Asian Americans across the United States. Cities across the U.S. host parades, family gatherings and cultural performances that reflect both the holiday’s ancient origins and its dynamic evolution within the American cultural landscape. 

Lunar New Year’s roots in the U.S. date back to February 1, 1851, when Chinese businessman Norman Assing hosted the first recorded celebration in San Francisco. Over time, celebrations expanded beyond Chinese traditions to include Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian American communities, each contributing their own cultural practices. Today, cities across the U.S. host parades, family gatherings, and cultural performances that reflect both the holiday’s ancient origins and its dynamic evolution within the American cultural landscape.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

SD Lunar New Year Festival at City Heights
Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park | All Ages
This 3-day celebration features festive decor, a lineup of cultural performances, exhibitions, lion dances, firecrackers and plenty of fun activities for all ages. The festival takes place in the park next to the City Heights/Weingart Library.

• Friday, Feb. 13 | 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14  | 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 15 | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at SDPL 
Branches all over the city will be celebrating Lunar New Year with crafts and family-friendly activities. Details vary by location. Join us at one of these branches:

Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 5 p.m. | Carmel Valley Library 
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 4 p.m. | Central Library 
Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 4 p.m. | Rancho Bernardo Library 
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 1 p.m. | North University Community Library

Lion Dances

These traditional Lunar New Year performances welcome good luck and fortune. Join us for one of these boisterous dances at any of these SDPL locations:

Saturday, Feb. 7

• 10 a.m. | Scripps Miramar Ranch Library
• 3 p.m. | Linda Vista Library 

  Saturday, Feb. 14 | 1 p.m. | Balboa Library 
  Tuesday, Feb.17 | 4 p.m. | North Park Library 
  Friday, Feb. 20 | 1:30 p.m. | San Ysidro Library 

 

Saturday, Feb. 21

• 10 a.m. | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library
• 1 p.m. | Clairemont Town Square
• 2 p.m. | San Carlos Library
• 3 p.m. | College-Rolando Library  

 

Crafts & More

SD Chinese Historical Museum Craft | University Heights Library
Monday, Feb. 2 | 5 p.m. | Adults

Fabric Fortune Cookies | Central Library IDEA Lab (4^th floor) 
Feb. 2–14 | Monday – Saturday | 1 – 5 p.m. | All ages

Lunar New Year Storytime | Mira Mesa Library 
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 10 a.m. 

Healthy Cooking Class | San Ysidro Library
Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 2 p.m. | Grades 3^rd-8^th

Dragon Streamer Puppet | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library
Wednesday, Feb. 18| 2 p.m. | Ages 5 – 12

Lunar New Year Paper Crafts | Central Library
Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 3 p.m. | Ages 5 - 12

Asian Story Theater Performance | Mission Hills/Hillcrest-Knox Library
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 1 p.m. | Ages 5 - 12

Chinese Zodiac Flower Pots | Carmel Mountain Ranch Library
Saturday, Feb. 23 | 4 p.m. | Teens & Adults

Lunar New Year Crafts | Carmel Mountain Ranch Library
Saturday, Mar. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | Ages 5 – 12

 

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