Lunar New Year celebrations are officially underway at Disney California Adventure Park, honoring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures during a limited-time festival. This festival runs January 23 through February 22, 2026. This year’s celebration welcomes the Year of the Horse with food, entertainment, merchandise, and character moments. These experiences are found only at Disneyland Resort.
What to Expect During Lunar New Year at DCA
Paradise Gardens transforms with bold red and gold décor symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and health. Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy live performances, character appearances, and seasonal experiences that reflect the traditions and artistry of the cultures celebrated.
One standout addition this year is Red Panda Mei from Pixar’s Turning Red, greeting guests in her full red panda form for the first time at the Pixar Pier Band Shell.
Lunar New Year Food and Marketplaces
Guests can explore Asian-inspired flavors at six Lunar New Year marketplaces and select dining locations across Disney California Adventure Park. New menu highlights for 2026 include:
- Japchae noodles with kalbi short rib from Longevity Noodle Co.
- Spicy pork belly grilled cheese from Pym Test Kitchen
- Crispy chicken bao from Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone
- Guava dragon fruit sparkler from Bamboo Blessings (nonalcoholic)
To sample multiple offerings, guests may purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which includes six digital coupons redeemable for select food or nonalcoholic beverages. The pass also features one of three collectible designs by artist Ann Shen, representing Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese cultures.
Merchandise Celebrating the Year of the Horse
Limited-time Lunar New Year merchandise highlights the Year of the Horse with special nods to Horace Horsecollar. He is featured prominently across apparel and accessories. Additionally, the collection includes lantern-inspired details honoring the three cultures celebrated during the festival.
Festival merchandise is available at Festival Gifts and Elias & Co. inside Disney California Adventure Park, as well as Acorns Gifts & Goods at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, while supplies last.
Characters and Entertainment
Several Disney characters debut new Lunar New Year outfits designed to reflect cultural traditions. Highlights include:
- Horace Horsecollar leading Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse wearing Korean hanbok-inspired attire
- Goofy and Clarabelle Cow dressed in Vietnamese áo dài–inspired looks
- Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Chip ‘n’ Dale appearing in traditional Chinese-inspired outfits
Daily entertainment offerings also include:
- Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration nighttime water short on Paradise Bay before World of Color Happiness!
- Live music and dance performances at Paradise Garden Bandstand
- Character greetings at Paradise Gardens Gazebo and the San Francisco Historic District
- Lunar New Year Wishing Wall and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
Lunar New Year continues to be one of Disney California Adventure’s most thoughtful seasonal celebrations. From authentic food offerings to meaningful cultural representation and standout entertainment, the Year of the Horse brings both tradition and energy to the park.
With unique character moments, exclusive merchandise, and a limited run through February 22, Lunar New Year remains a must-see winter festival at Disneyland Resort.
