Chinese New Year 2018 in Los Angeles: Events & Traditions

If you're wondering what to do for Chinese New Year 2018 in Los Angeles, the answer is rich with cultural festivities, vibrant parades, traditional performances, and community gatherings. Chinese New Year 2018 fell on Friday, February 16, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dog according to the lunar calendar. Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Asian American populations in the U.S., hosted a wide array of public celebrations, especially in Chinatown and nearby communities like Monterey Park and San Gabriel. From the iconic Lunar New Year Parade to temple blessings, food festivals, and family-centered customs, residents and visitors had numerous opportunities to engage with authentic traditions while enjoying modern cultural expressions.

When Was Chinese New Year 2018?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, follows the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In 2018, it began on February 16, which was the first day of the first lunar month. This date shifts annually in the Gregorian calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20. The celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 2, 2018. For those planning to experience what to do during Chinese New Year 2018 in Los Angeles, the peak public events occurred over the first weekend after the holiday—February 17 and 18.

Major Public Celebrations in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offered several high-profile events that welcomed thousands of attendees each year, and 2018 was no exception. Key locations included:

Los Angeles Chinatown: Hosted the annual Lunar New Year Parade and Festival.
Thien Hau Temple (San Pedro): One of the most revered Vietnamese-Chinese temples in Southern California, hosting prayer ceremonies and cultural displays.
Monterey Park: Known as the "First Suburban Chinatown," it held its own grand parade and street fair.
San Gabriel Square and Plaza: A hub for family-friendly activities, lion dances, and traditional food vendors.

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival

The centerpiece event was the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, held on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Starting at 2:00 PM, the parade traveled along North Broadway and featured:

Magnificent dragon and lion dance troupes
Traditional martial arts demonstrations (including kung fu)
Floating floats adorned with red lanterns and floral arrangements
Performances by local schools and cultural organizations
Firecrackers to ward off evil spirits (a long-standing tradition)

After the parade, the Lunar New Year Festival took place in Central Plaza, offering food stalls, craft vendors, children’s activities, and live stage performances. Admission was free, making it accessible to families and tourists alike.

Monterey Park’s Golden Dragon Parade

Held earlier in the evening on the same day (February 17), the Golden Dragon Parade in Monterey Park drew large crowds. It included:

A ceremonial cutting of the eye of the dragon to awaken its spirit
Community group entries from Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese associations
Nighttime illumination with colorful banners and lights
Post-parade banquet options at local restaurants

This event emphasized intergenerational participation and civic pride, reflecting the deep roots of Asian culture in the San Gabriel Valley.

Religious and Spiritual Observances

Beyond public spectacles, many Chinese Americans observed private or temple-based rituals. These practices are central to understanding what to do during Chinese New Year in Los Angeles from a cultural and familial perspective.

Temple Visits and Offerings

On New Year’s Day (February 16) and the following days, temples such as the Thien Hau Temple in San Pedro and the Chuang Yen Monastery affiliate sites saw increased foot traffic. Devotees visited to:

Burn incense and make offerings for good fortune
Receive blessings from monks or spiritual leaders
Participate in chanting ceremonies for peace and prosperity
Ring bells at midnight or dawn for spiritual renewal

These visits often followed family reunions and ancestral remembrance practices, underscoring the holiday’s emphasis on harmony, respect, and continuity.

Family Traditions and Home Celebrations

While public events attracted attention, much of Chinese New Year takes place within homes. Families gathered for reunion dinners on Lunar New Year’s Eve (February 15, 2018). Common traditions included:

Cleaning the house before New Year’s Day – To sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
Decorating with red items – Red envelopes (hongbao), couplets, paper cutouts, and lanterns symbolized joy and protection.
Serving symbolic foods – Dishes like dumplings (representing wealth), fish (for abundance), and niangao (sticky rice cake for higher achievements) were staples.
Giving red envelopes – Married adults gave money in red envelopes to children and unmarried relatives as tokens of blessing.
Avoiding taboos – No sweeping or washing hair on New Year’s Day to prevent losing good luck.

In Los Angeles, many families combined these customs with American lifestyles—some attended church services before dinner, while others recorded video messages for distant relatives.

Shopping and Dining During Chinese New Year 2018

Local businesses adapted their hours during the holiday period. Understanding when stores and restaurants were open during Chinese New Year 2018 in LA was essential for planning.

Business Type	Typical Hours (Feb 15–18, 2018)	Notes
Chinatown Retail Shops	Reduced hours Feb 16; normal weekend hours Feb 17–18	Many closed morning of Feb 16 for family time
Supermarkets (99 Ranch, Hong Kong Supermarket)	Open regular hours; extra staff during peak days	Busy Feb 14–15; sold out of specialty items by evening
Restaurants	Mixed: some closed Feb 16, others offered special menus	Reservations highly recommended
Large Malls (e.g., Westfield, Glendale Galleria)	Normal operating hours	Featured Chinese New Year decorations and promotions

To ensure accurate information, visitors were advised to check individual business websites or call ahead, as hours varied significantly based on ownership and location.

Cultural Performances and Museum Events

Several institutions offered educational and artistic programming tied to the holiday:

USC Pacific Asia Museum (Pasadena): Hosted a Family Day with crafts, storytelling, and calligraphy workshops.
National History Museum of Los Angeles County: Presented exhibits on Chinese immigration and festival symbolism.
LA Opera and Music Centers: Some venues featured East-West fusion concerts highlighting traditional instruments like the erhu and pipa.

These programs provided deeper context about the historical roots of Chinese New Year and helped non-Chinese audiences appreciate its significance beyond spectacle.

Regional Differences in Celebration Style

While all events honored core traditions, regional nuances shaped how Chinese New Year was celebrated in different parts of Los Angeles. For example:

Downtown Chinatown focused on tourism and visual pageantry, appealing to broad audiences.
San Gabriel Valley communities emphasized authenticity, multilingual signage, and regional cuisine (e.g., Shanghainese, Sichuan, Cantonese).
Suburban areas often blended American holidays with Lunar New Year, such as combining Valentine’s Day (February 14) themes with red envelope exchanges.

Additionally, newer immigrant groups incorporated elements from Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), and Mongolia, reflecting pan-Asian solidarity during the lunar new year season.

Common Misconceptions About Chinese New Year in LA

Despite growing awareness, several myths persist:

Misconception 1: Chinese New Year is only celebrated by Chinese people.
Reality: Many Asian cultures celebrate lunar new year with shared customs, though names and details differ.
Misconception 2: All businesses close for a week.
Reality: Only some family-owned shops closed briefly; most remained open with adjusted hours.
Misconception 3: The date is fixed every year.
Reality: It changes annually based on the lunar cycle—always between Jan 21 and Feb 20.
Misconception 4: Fireworks are legal everywhere.
Reality: In most of LA County, consumer fireworks are illegal; only professional displays are permitted.

Tips for Visitors and Participants

For those exploring what to do during Chinese New Year 2018 in Los Angeles, here are practical suggestions:

Arrive early – Parades and festivals fill quickly; parking is limited in Chinatown.
Dress warmly – February evenings can be cool, especially outdoors.
Bring cash – Many food and craft vendors do not accept cards.
Learn basic greetings – Saying “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” (Happy New Year) or “Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái” (Wishing you prosperity) shows respect.
Respect sacred spaces – Remove hats, speak quietly, and ask before photographing religious rites.

How to Verify Event Details

Because dates and times may change yearly, always confirm through reliable sources:

Official city event calendars (e.g., lacity.org/events)
Venue websites (e.g., chinatownla.com, montereypark.ca.gov)
Local news outlets like KCET, ABC7, or NextShark
Social media pages of cultural organizations

Even if researching past events like 2018, this method helps understand patterns for future celebrations.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year 2018 in Los Angeles offered a dynamic blend of ancient tradition and contemporary celebration. Whether attending the Chinatown parade, visiting a temple, sharing a family meal, or exploring museum exhibits, residents and visitors found meaningful ways to participate. The city's diverse Asian communities ensured that what to do for Chinese New Year in Los Angeles extended far beyond a single event—it was a multifaceted cultural experience rooted in renewal, gratitude, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Chinese New Year in 2018?

Chinese New Year 2018 began on Friday, February 16, ushering in the Year of the Dog.

Were there parades in Los Angeles for Chinese New Year 2018?

Yes, major parades were held in Chinatown and Monterey Park on February 17, 2018, featuring lion dances, floats, and cultural performances.

Did restaurants and shops stay open during Chinese New Year?

Most supermarkets and malls remained open, but some family-owned shops and restaurants closed on February 16 for private celebrations. It was best to check individual business hours in advance.

Can non-Chinese people attend Chinese New Year events?

Absolutely. Public events in Los Angeles welcome everyone to learn about and enjoy the culture respectfully.

Is Chinese New Year the same as Lunar New Year?

Chinese New Year is a type of Lunar New Year. Other cultures, including Korean, Vietnamese, and Mongolian, also celebrate lunar new year with similar timing but distinct customs.