Ring in the Year of the Snake with these thrilling Lunar New Year events throughout the Bay Area.
1/29
This Wednesday, SF’s City Hall will be transformed into a stunning showcase of red and yellow in honor of Lunar New Year, featuring over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures. 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Franicisco
W San Francisco invites you to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the future this Lunar New Year. Delight in lion dancing by Leung’s White Crane, an origami craft bar by Paper Tree and plenty of Asian-inspired bites and sips. 181 3rd St., San Francisco
1/30
NIGHTLIFE AT CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The California Academy of Science’s Jan. 30 Nightlife event, supported by Local Motion Vodka Sodas, is dedicated to Lunar New Year and features mahjong mayhem, night market thrills, tattoos by Parallax Studio, a lion dance remix and more. 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco
2/1
Bring the whole family to Santana Row Park for a fabulous Lunar New Year fete hosted by the NBC Bay Area. Celebrate with lion dances, cultural performances, surprise red envelopes and more. 377 Santana Row, San Jose
2/1-2
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SILICON VALLEY AT EAST PALO ALTO
Quattro’s special dim sum brunch is the perfect way to celebrate this Lunar New Year. Nosh on a decadent selection of 15 traditional dim sum pieces, from ha gao and bokchoy shrimp dumplings to chicken steamed buns and passion fruit gyoza. Keep an eye out for the vibrant lion dances providing plenty of entertainment. 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto
2/2
Head to SF’s Asian Art Museum for a brilliant performance by LionDanceMe, an American’s Got Talent alum known for blending traditional Chinese culture with modern entertainment. 200 Larkin St., San Francisco
Alongside admission to the stunning SF Botanical Gardens, this cultural event boasts plenty of electric entertainment, from Greg Lum’s Chinese magic tricks to performances by the Jiu Jin Shan Chinese Chorus and San Francisco Sunset District Dance Group. 1199 9th Ave., San Francisco
Westfield Valley Fair is ushering in the Year of the Snake with traditional lion, ribbon and folk dances, plus traditional red envelopes housing lucky chocolate coins and retailer promotions (passed out during the Lunar New Year performances). 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara
2/6
In partnership with Festival Napa Valley, The St. Regis San Francisco plays host to a refreshingly intimate concert by Beijing Guitar Duo (Meng Su and Yameng Wang). 125 3rd St., San Francisco
2/8
San Francisco Centre’s celebration features a lion dance with a 60-foot gold snake, giveaways, complimentary bites and plenty of interactive activities—think personalized calligraphy, face painting, balloons animals and more. 865 Market St., San Francisco
San Francisco Symphony is ringing in the Year of the Serpent with its annual Lunar New Year Concert conducted by Francesco Lecce-Chong. Don’t miss the pre-concert reception and the post-concert banquet dinner in Zellerback Rehearsal Hall in honor of the event’s 25th iteration. 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
2/15
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this fabulous fete, named of the top 10 parades in the world and regularly attracting over 3 million spectators each year. This colorful parade showcases Chinese pageantry via floats, music, dancers and costumes.
2/15-16
Over 120 booths hawking crafts and artisan goods dot the streets of Chinatown during this legendary fair. Entertainment offerings span Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more.
2/24-25
Edge on the Square is a contemporary art hub in the heart of Chinatown, and its Lunar New Year celebration is not to be missed. Expect artisanal candy making with Dragon Papa of Dragon’s Beard Candy and red envelope paper art-making with Jade Wu. 800 Grant Ave., San Francisco
3/2
Wind through Chinatown’s hilly streets for the 47th annual Chinatown YMCA Run, benefiting youth and teen programs, social services for low-income families and financial assistance.
Photography by: KEVIN FRATES/GETTY IMAGES
