The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival is the biggest single-day festival in Southern California, returning to Downtown Alhambra on February 8 this year with new features and attractions. Bring your family and friends for a day out celebrating the Year of the Snake — and if it’s your year, don’t forget to wear red.
Last year marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival, one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in the area, representing the San Gabriel Valley’s strong Asian American community. Presented by New Century Autos, this year’s festival will have new additions to the time-honored traditions of past festivities.
There’s something for everyone, from food vendors and an Artist Alley to a Zodiac-inspired art exhibit from Gallery Nucleus and a temporary Buddhist temple for people to offer prayers and wishes for the new year. New this year in addition to the Zodiac art exhibit will be a rock wall and other interactive entertainment experiences for attendees of all ages.
2025 will be the third year of the festival in its expanded Main St. location, following last year’s record turnout of over 10,000 people to Alhambra’s Main St.
The Lunar New Year Festival welcomes people hailing from all cultural backgrounds, whether this is your first time celebrating the holiday or deep family traditions. An updated cultural passport, sponsored by Scan Health, will be available for attendees to learn about different Lunar New Year traditions around the world.
This year’s Kids Zone features a rock wall and a line of booths with activities for children to enjoy. Everyone is invited to stroll through the Artist Alley to support local artists and small businesses, the Wellness Walkway for ways to start your year on the right foot, the Sustainability Area to learn about environmental consciousness, and the Non-Profit Area to support our community.
Of course, you can’t leave out the food when visiting Alhambra. Vendors from all over San Gabriel Valley and beyond are coming to serve delicious food throughout the day, with a variety of menu options available covering sweet and savory, snacks, and drinks. Grab something to fuel yourself as you walk through the festival or enjoy the live cultural performances on the center stage. The shops and restaurants along Main St. will still be open for visitors, too, for a more formal sit-down meal to rest your legs. The 2025 Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival promises a full day of fun, cultural learning, food, and community!
