Lunar New Year festival located in Disney California Adventure park is festival and celebration that commemorates the traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. Disney announced dates for the event this year, January 20th to February 15th in 2023. This festival includes live entertainment, delicious food, characters and this year is the Year of the Rabbit. Let’s take a look at the details of the event below. Plus a FREE printable checklist with all the food, activities and entertainment at the end of this post.
Lunar New Year entertainment
Don’t miss “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” with a Chinese dragon puppet, brave warriors, bold drummers and elegant dancers with Mulan and her loyal sidekick, Mushu. Performances daily in Paradise Gardens Park. The procession follows the parade route from near Guardians of the Galaxy down Hollywood Blvd down along the path to the pier and ends over near Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. No need to show up early there’s plenty of spots along the parade route. The show is about 5 minutes long. As always check the Disney app for performance times on the day you’re there!Most of the event takes place over in Paradise Gardens Park along the parade route and near Goofy’s Sky School. You’ll find the massive Lunar New Year sign that lets you know you’ve arrived at all the fun as seen in the photo above.
Over in this area you’ll find special appearances by popular Disney Characters dressed in colorful event costumes including Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, Mushu, and new this year Oswald and Ortensia!Enjoy more Lunar New Year traditions in this area including the Lucky Wishing Wall where you can add your own wish. Plus they will have an area with kid-friendly crafts and activities for free!
Raya meet and greet
Again this year, Raya from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, “Raya and the Last Dragon” will be appearing during the celebration! You’ll be able to see Raya in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area.
Magic Key holders
Magic Key holders get a small discount on the Sip and Savor pass. See more information below about this pass. Also Magic Key holders can get a Lunar New Year button under the Silly Symphony Swings.
Lunar New Year food and marketplaces
Additionally, there will be special Lunar New Year-inspired food and beverage offerings for those looking to feast on authentic Asian fare. Check out the 6 delicious Asian marketplaces paying homage to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. Plus several dining locations will have Lunar New Year offerings. The marketplaces are …
- Longevity Noodle Co.
- Lucky 8 Lantern
- Prosperity Bao and Buns
- Red Dragon Spice Traders
- Wrapped with Love
- Bamboo Blessings
Below is the Mickey Purple Sweet Potato Macaron a red macaron filled with purple sweet potato buttercream with Creme Fraiche center at the Bamboo Blessings marketplace. And the Dancing Firecracker drink is from Red Dragon Spice Traders. It was spicy, but I loved the flavor combinations.
We also tried the Mickey Chinese hot dog bun last year and I was not a fan, but I don’t like hot dogs. The garlic noodles were delicious and the spicy noodles were too spicy for me. The following dining locations will have Lunar New Year Food as well. For a full menu at each location click on the FREE printable down below and print the full checklist.
- Lucky Fortune Cookery
- Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart
- Pacific Wharf Cafe
- Paradise Garden Grill
- Sonoma Terrace
- Lamplight Lounge
- Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
The Sip and Savor Pass will also be back this year, for extra enjoyment as you taste your way through the 6 marketplaces and select dining locations throughout the park. The pass includes 6 entitlement tabs to redeem for eligible food and beverage offerings. The Sip and Savor for this year costs $45 for guests to purchase. If you’re a Magic Key holder it costs $42 and comes with a special lanyard.
Sip and Savor passes are available for purchase at the following locations.
- Julius Katz and Sons (near the entrance best spot no line)
- Sip and Savor Cart
- Seaside Souvenirs
- Lunar New Year Marketplaces
- Merchandise Pergola
FREE printable Lunar New Year food list and guide
For a complete list of food offered this year in 2023 for Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure print the FREE food checklist here.Enjoy the Lunar New Year celebrations, it’s a short one, so plan your visit soon.
If you are looking for discounted tickets and/or discounted hotel room rates head over here. Pin this post to your Disneyland pin board.