Disney California Adventure Park is once again lighting up the season with its vibrant Lunar New Year 2026 celebration, honoring the Year of the Horse with a colorful, culture-rich festival running January 23 through February 22, 2026. The 31-day celebration is included with regular park admission and takes place primarily in Paradise Gardens Park.
This annual event celebrates Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures through food, entertainment, décor, and special character appearances, creating one of the most visually striking and meaningful seasonal festivals at the Disneyland Resort.
Festival Highlights Across the Park
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure blends tradition with Disney storytelling, offering experiences for all ages. Guests can expect festive décor and glowing lanterns throughout Paradise Gardens Park, special appearances by Disney characters in culturally inspired attire, Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration as a nighttime water pre-show before World of Color Happiness!, commemorative Lunar New Year merchandise, and interactive cultural experiences with live entertainment.
Celebrate with Lunar New Year Flavors
Food is a centerpiece of the celebration, with Asian-inspired bites and beverages offered at marketplaces across the park. Dishes highlight the flavors of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine, each with a signature Disney twist.
Returning Lunar New Year marketplace locations include Bamboo Blessings, Wrapped with Love, Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns, Red Dragon Spice Traders, and Longevity Noodle Co.
A full Lunar New Year Foodie Guide is expected to be released soon, detailing all menu items and returning favorites.
Sip and Savor Pass
Guests looking to sample multiple dishes can purchase the 2026 Lunar New Year Sip and Savor Pass, available in three collectible designs honoring each culture celebrated during the festival.
Entertainment Rooted in Tradition
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession celebrates family, friendship, and good fortune with Mulan, performers, and a traditional dragon puppet weaving through Paradise Gardens Park.
Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration plays nightly before World of Color Happiness! and tells a heartfelt story about returning home to family for the New Year, set against water screens, music, and animation.
Guests can also enjoy live cultural performances featuring music, dance, and traditional instruments throughout the day.
Disney Characters in Lunar New Year Attire
Fan-favorite characters appear throughout the celebration in outfits inspired by traditional cultural styles, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Korean-inspired attire, Goofy and Clarabelle in Vietnamese-inspired áo dài, Donald and Daisy in Chinese-inspired hanfu, and Horace Horsecollar in a special Year of the Horse ensemble.
Hands-On Cultural Experiences
Guests can have New Year wishes written in traditional Chinese calligraphy by a skilled artist or visit the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall to write wishes for health, luck, and prosperity in Paradise Gardens Park.
Limited-Time Lunar New Year Merchandise
The Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Collection features themed apparel and collectibles including a Lunar New Year Spirit Jersey, Lunar New Year Minnie ear headband, and commemorative pins. Items will be available while supplies last at locations such as Elias & Co., Festival Gifts, and Acorns Gifts & Goods.
PhotoPass and Magic Key Extras
Guests can capture an all-new Disney PhotoPass Lunar New Year Magic Shot on Buena Vista Street, while Magic Key holders can enjoy exclusive perks and keepsakes during the celebration.
Plan Your Visit
Lunar New Year 2026 runs from January 23 to February 22 at Disney California Adventure Park and is included with regular park admission. California residents can also take advantage of the California Resident Ticket Offer, saving over 50 percent on a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket for a limited time.
With stunning décor, meaningful traditions, and some of the best seasonal food offerings of the year, Lunar New Year 2026 remains one of the must-see celebrations at Disneyland Resort.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.