SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured is Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Celebration, complete with foods, costumes and entertainment to celebrate. This year as theme parks put away the wreaths and Santa stuff, some are shifting gears into yet, another festive event celebrated by 20% of the world’s population — Chinese or Lunar New Year.

California has the largest ethnic/racial minority population in the United States. 20% of the national total of minorities (100.7 million) live in California, which also has the highest number of Asian Americans by state. California’s Asian population is estimated at around 5 million, approximately one-third of the nation’s estimated 15 million Asian Americans.

It’s no wonder that celebrations such as the Asian Lunar New Year go mainstream at theme parks during ‘shoulder season’ when attendance is lighter. Globally, the most fireworks of any one event are set off on the night in which this holiday begins.

Disneyland

At Disney California Adventure Park Lunar New Year Fest runs Jan.25-Feb.17, 2019. It includes Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, entertainment, costumes, merchandise and food such as Mickey Chinese Hot Dog (Bao) Bun.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Lunar New Year Feb.2-17, 2019 includes Kung Fu Panda, Hello Kitty, and a host of entertaining characters, including the Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld Lunar New Year Celebration Feb.2-18, 2019 welcomes the return of The Chinese Acrobats of Hebei performing in an incredible 25 minute show at Mission Bay Theater. Asian-inspired stir fry, spring rolls, bao sandwiches, ramen and green tea are just part of the theme park’s effort to make Lunar New Year bright.