SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Soon, homes will be adorned with red decorations, families will gather by the sound of firecrackers and loved ones will exchange red envelopes filled with money to signify good luck.
Those are just some of the traditions of the Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunisolar calendar. This year, it falls on Feb. 10 and families will usher in the Year of the Dragon, the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs. Celebrations typically span 15 days.
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China, but it's widely celebrated across other East and some Southeast Asian cultures. Across Northern California, celebrations are kicking off as early as this month.
Is there an event we missed that we should add? Email ABC10's Race and Culture team, raceandculture@abc10.com. We will update the article as more events are scheduled.
Saturday, Jan. 27
The Creative Space will present its third annual Lunar New Year celebration, which will feature more than 50 small businesses, performances and a lion dance from the Teng Fei Lion Dance team. You'll be able to shop seasonal products from local vendors while indulging in foods and pastries from different cultures. You can stay on top of the latest updates for the event HERE.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Old Town Plaza Elk Grove, 9615 Railroad St., Elk Grove
Cost: Free
Saturday, Feb. 3
Join Asian Resources Inc. for their Lunar New Year celebration, which will include craft activities and a lion dance. Cultural attire is encouraged!
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: ARI Headquarters, 6270 Elder Creek Rd., Sacramento
Cost: Free
Saturday, Feb. 10
Ring in the Mien New Year with Iu Mien Community Services! Each year, the organization puts together a Mien New Year event that attracts around 250 community members, all dedicated to celebrating culture with free food, vendors, information booths and live entertainment. Special performances, such as ones that will showcase traditional and modern Iu Mien musical and dance performances, will start at 11:45 a.m. You can learn more about the vendors and booths HERE.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento
Cost: Free
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 10-11
Join this two-day, action-packed celebration to ring in the new year in Elk Grove with the Nor Cal Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce. Festivities will kick off Feb. 10 with a parade showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the community, featuring floats, traditional music and performances. On Feb. 11, you can watch the Mrs. Vietnam Sacramento pageant. Throughout the weekend, enjoy a wide array of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and cultural exhibits. You can learn more HERE.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Rd., Elk Grove
Cost: Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Kick off the new year by making new connections! The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce will host a Sip N' Socialize event to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The event is open to both members and non-members and is an opportunity to socialize with small business owners while learning how the chamber supports businesses. You can learn more and get tickets HERE.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Spaces, 1610 R Street #3, Sacramento
Cost: Free for Chamber members, $15 for general admission
Sunday, Feb. 18
Ring in the new year in the historic town of Locke. Festivities will begin with a dragon and lion dance, followed by several demonstrations, such as martial arts and calligraphy, as well as performances. The first 100 attendees will also receive red envelopes. You can learn more HERE.
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: Main St., Locke
Cost: Free
Saturday, Feb. 24
The Chinese New Year Culture Association (CNYCA) will host its 27th annual Chinese New Year celebration for the greater Sacramento community, a tradition that started in 1998. Several thousands of people are expected to attend the family friendly event, which will include traditional Chinese performances, cultural displays, activities and food. You can learn more HERE.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Luther Burbank High School, 3500 Florin Rd., Sacramento
Cost: Adults ($10), Children under 12 ($3)
Saturday, March 9
Don't miss out on the biggest Chinese New Year party in the Central Valley! The annual Stockton Chinese New Year Celebration will include performances from three lion dance teams, a drag dance team and other talented musicians. There will also be martial arts demonstrations. You can learn more HERE.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church, 33 W. Alpine Ave., Stockton
Cost: Adults ($10), Seniors ($5), Children 10 or under (Free)
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