Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure

A family guide to one of our favorite festivals

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure has become a tradition our family genuinely looks forward to each year. While this is not a holiday we personally celebrate at home, both my husband and I have spent time in Asia, including being present during Lunar New Year celebrations while traveling. Those experiences gave us an early appreciation for the meaning, symbolism, and care behind the holiday, so when we eventually experienced Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure, it immediately resonated with us.

The first time we attended, it felt like our family was beckoning adventure in a more intentional way. Not rushing. Not trying to do everything. Just slowing down and experiencing the park differently. The colors, the music, the food, and the way multiple cultures were honored together made it clear this festival had depth and heart behind it. Since then, it has become our favorite Disney California Adventure festival and one we prioritize every year we are able to attend.

TLDR

• Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year runs January 23 to February 22, 2026 and celebrates the Year of the Horse with food, characters, and cultural experiences honoring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions.
• This is our family’s favorite DCA festival for its energy, atmosphere, and consistently excellent food.
• The Sip and Savor Pass is worth it for this festival and can be shared. Ordering all items at once saves time and reduces lines.
• Pacing matters. Pick priorities, expect sensory overload for kids, and be ready to adjust plans as needed.

Lunar New Year 2026 at a glance

Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure from January 23 through February 22, 2026, celebrating the Year of the Horse.

The festival honors Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures through food, entertainment, décor, and special experiences across the park. While offerings can change year to year, many guest favorites are returning in 2026, along with updated décor and character appearances themed to the new year.

Festival highlights include:

• Marketplace food and beverages inspired by Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine
• Lunar New Year décor throughout the park
• Special character appearances in culturally inspired attire
• Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
• Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration, shown as a pre-show to World of Color Happiness
• Commemorative Lunar New Year merchandise

As always, offerings are subject to change, but this overview helps set expectations before you arrive.

Why this festival feels different

There is a distinct energy in the parks during Lunar New Year. The lanterns, music, and décor transform familiar spaces, and even the cooler winter weather seems to add to the atmosphere. What we appreciate most is how thoughtfully the festival is presented. It feels respectful, celebratory, and genuinely welcoming, even if this is not your cultural background.

For our family, it has always felt like an opportunity to learn while participating, rather than simply observing. That intention is what keeps us coming back.

Festival activities our family never skips

Some of our most meaningful Lunar New Year moments have nothing to do with food.

Our kids love writing their wishes for the year and hanging them on the wishing wall. It has become a simple tradition that encourages reflection and conversation, especially at the start of a new year.

We also love watching the calligraphy artists write blessings. It is calming to observe, and taking home a blessing written just for you feels special. The sugar art vendors are another highlight. Watching the designs come together is fascinating, and the fact that they are edible makes it even better.

Character experiences are a huge part of why we love this festival. Seeing characters like Mulan and Raya feels especially fitting, and the addition of Turning Red characters in recent years has made the event even more exciting for our kids. This year, we are especially looking forward to seeing Horace in his Year of the Horse outfit.

Food booths and returning marketplaces

Lunar New Year consistently has our favorite food of any Disney festival. The flavors are bold, comforting, and thoughtfully done, and there are always a few items we make a point to revisit.

Returning marketplace locations for 2026 include:

• Bamboo Blessings
• Wrapped with Love
• Lucky 8 Lantern
• Prosperity Bao & Buns
• Red Dragon Spice Traders
• Longevity Noodle Co.

Menus vary year to year, but these locations have become staples of the festival.

How the Sip and Savor Pass works

This is the one Disney festival where we always purchase a Sip and Savor Pass if it is available.

For Lunar New Year 2026, the Sip and Savor Pass includes six digital entitlements that can be redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating locations. Passes are available in three collectible designs, each honoring Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese cultures and featuring Disney characters in culturally inspired outfits.

Pricing for 2026:

• $49 including tax
• $46 for Magic Key holders with valid ID

You do not need to use all entitlements yourself. One pass can easily be shared among family members or friends.

Our biggest Sip and Savor strategy tip

This is the tip we give everyone.

Instead of standing in line at each booth individually, order all of your Sip and Savor items at once when possible. Disney allows you to purchase items ahead and then pick them up at their respective locations by showing your receipt.

This saves an incredible amount of time, especially on busy days, and helps reduce frustration for kids who may not want to stand in multiple long lines. Just make sure you pick everything up the same day.

Pacing, sensory needs, and realistic expectations

Pacing is everything during this festival.

Between food booths, entertainment, characters, and the Lunar New Year procession, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially for families with younger kids. The procession alone is vibrant and energetic and can be a lot if you catch it multiple times in one day.

For our family, success looks like:

• Picking a few top priorities
• Scheduling breaks
• Checking in often and being willing to pivot

You cannot do everything in one day, and trying to will usually take away from the experience. Having a plan matters, but being willing to abandon that plan when needed matters just as much.

What we are most excited for this year

We are returning with a short list of favorite foods, a plan to get a Sip and Savor Pass, and excitement for character interactions. Our youngest already has his eye on a Turning Red panda plush, and we are fully prepared for that to be part of the day.

We will be sharing updated food, character, and overall festival experiences in short-form content after our visit next weekend, but this guide serves as both our family’s prep and a resource for anyone attending this year.

Final thoughts

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure remains one of the most joyful and meaningful festivals we experience as a family. It blends culture, food, entertainment, and reflection in a way that feels intentional and welcoming.

With a little planning, a flexible mindset, and a focus on what matters most to your group, it is a festival that rewards slowing down and being present to escape the ordinary.

And every year, it reminds us why this one continues to stand out.

If you’re planning more theme park experiences, I keep all of my long-form guides organized under Resources.