Lunar New Year what to expect at Disney California Adventure

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 23 to February 22, 2026. This festival includes live entertainment, delicious food, characters and this year is the Year of the Horse. 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!

Another entertainment offering is during the pre-show for World of Color. Enjoy Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year celebration show that happens each night just before World of Color starts.

Most of the event takes place over in Paradise Gardens Park near Goofy’s Sky School. You’ll find the massive Lunar New Year sign and other fun photo ops in the area. Plus special appearances by popular Disney Characters dressed in colorful event costumes including Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, Mushu, and more!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!

You can also get your new years wishes artistically written in Chinese calligraphy by one of the talented calligraphers new the Lucky Wishing Wall as shown below.

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 an exclusive Lunar New Year button under the Silly Symphony Swings.

Lunar New Year food and marketplaces

Additionally, there are 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. For a complete list and printable scroll to the bottom of this post. The marketplaces are …

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

I have eaten many of the Lunar New Year offerings. The Mickey shaped macaron is a Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron, very good! I’ve also tried the Mickey Chinese hot dog bun 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.

Aunt Cass
Award Wieners
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
Boudin Bread Cart
Cappuccino Cart
Clarabelle’s
Hollywood Lounge
Lamplight Lounge
Paradise Garden Grill
Pym’s Test Kitchen
Sonoma Terrace
Studio Catering Co.
Select Outdoor Food Carts
Churros at Hollywood Land
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School

The Sip and Savor Pass is 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 digital coupons to redeem for eligible food and beverage offerings (alcohol not included). Last year the Sip and Savor costs were $48 for guests to purchase. And Magic Key holders cost were $45 and comes with a special lanyard. I will update 2026 pricing when we know.

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
Elias & Co.
Festival Gifts

FREE printable Lunar New Year food list and guide

Here is the FREE printable food guide for Lunar New Year 2026. For a complete list of food offered in 2026 print this list for your trip. Print the FREE food checklist here.