Lunar New Year at Disneyland

updated Jan 21st, 2025

Lunar New Year at Disneyland is a fairly new offering. To be honest, February was never at the top of my list for going to Disneyland. I’ve been countless times in the Summer, Fall, a couple of times at Christmas, and a few times in the Spring. February though was just one of those times that wasn’t overly appealing to me.

However, Disney as a company is amazing at seeing holes in the schedule, and filling it with amazing content. They noticed it there wasn’t a specific draw to go at that time of year. And now, what was once the lowest season of the year, has an incredible draw to go to Disneyland during January or February – and that is the Lunar New Year Celebration!

This festival exceeded every expectation I had. The food was the best I’ve ever had. The processional was adorable. The Wish Wall was deeply moving. If you’ve never considered going to Disneyland in January or February – what are you waiting for?

What to expect in January and February at Disneyland

Firstly, it can get a bit chilly. And by a bit – I was very chilly for me, personally – I found layers to be great. I wore a sweater, jeans, shoes with socks and then had on a wind breaker and that combo worked great for me. I could’ve used soft gloves as well, and a toque (beanie for those of you not in Canada) isn’t the worst idea if your ears get cold!

Crowd wise it was very decent. I was pleasantly surprised by this! Because of this, the hours are less for weekdays especially. However I find that even with things closing early, you get a LOT done! Some of the shorter days I got more done before 10pm than the weekends open to Midnight.

Heads up – in the off season, Fireworks only show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – weather permitting. This is also true for Fantasmic! But not for World of Color – that is almost always nightly. But don’t worry too much because the same show will show with music and projections and it’s still worth seeing!

This year, Mickey’s Mix Magic is what is playing from Jan 8th to March 21st. This nighttime Fireworks and projections show has been around for nearly 7 years and is a good one! Another thing to pay attention to during this time of year is that there are also Sweetheart Nights in Disneyland – which means Disneyland closes at 8pm on those nights.

Sweetheart nights are Disneyland* – Open at 8am all days and until 10pm and Midnight every night.
Closes at 8pm* on the sweetheart nights. Sweetheart nights are already sold out for the year! If you are interested in attending them, purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale next year.

I highly recommend purchasing a park hopper add on to your ticket to allow for you to go to the other Park on these nights.

Disneyland otherwise is business as usual!

Lunar New Year Celebration in Disney California Adventure

The big event happens in the second park, Disney California Adventure. This is a beautiful and honoring celebration of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Traditions. There is no additional cost to participate, and there are a variety of options.

The atmosphere

You walk past Grizzly Peak area, and you are in the beautifully decorated cherry blossom lane. I don’t know if it’s called that but if it’s not it should be! It’s SO beautiful! It’s also really beautifully decorated in Paradise Pier area. There is several booths to buy exclusive themed merch (limited time only) as well!

Inside Paradise Gardens was the Wishes Wall. There is a whole bunch of ornamental lanterns where you can make a wish and “dare to dream big during the new year”.

There are also kids-friendly crafts and activities!

The characters

One of the things I got the most excited about what the exclusive characters. I got to meet Oswald (because it was the Year of the Rabbit!) Traditionally, though, there is Mickey, Minnie, Mulan and Mushu dressed in their Lunar New Year best! Find them at Paradise Gardens. Heads up: you won’t know who you will get because they switch out every 20 min or so.

It is newly announced that “Turning Red” Meilin and Ming will have a meet and greet ahh!!!!!

The entertainment

The delightful Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession is a delightful short parade celebrating all things Lunar New Year! Check the daily schedule to make sure that it’s showing, but it should be showing at 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, and 6:45pm. You will see some Disney pals and a spirited group of entertainers—a Chinese dragon puppet, warriors, drummers and dancers.

Additionally, before World of Color, there will be “Hurry Home” – a delightful 6 min pre-show to the World of Color: ONE Show – which, if you haven’t seen, is absolutely worth going for!

The food

The very best part of the entire festival for me was the food offerings that are exclusive to the celebration. I was absolutely blown away! There wasn’t a single booth that didn’t have at least 1 thing I wanted to try! We are still waiting for them to reveal the options for this year, but here are some of my favourites from last year!

Be sure to check out the sip and savor option. This is where you can buy a lanyard and then pull off tabs to get food. I take these things exceptionally seriously and only would buy it if I did the math on the things I wanted to try, and then only used the pass for the most expensive items.  Last year it was 6 tabs for $45 – so in order for it to be worth it, you want things to be at least $7.50 each on average.

You can do sip and savor or just buy things as you please. You can also purchase something at one booth that’s not busy – then go to the other booth to pick it up. Heads up – you need to not lose the slip between booths. Ask me how i know.

I had peaked at the menus to know what I wanted to purchase – and there were a LOT of things. Then I made a note on my phone (I really recommend this – you think you will remember but when you are hungry you won’t remember!) And most of the booths didn’t open tll 11am as well. As the day went on, it got busier, so keep that in mind as well.

Here are some items I tried – once i go again in a couple of weeks, i will update my favourites from 2025!

Bamboo Blessings
Mickey Mouse shaped hot dog bun $7.50
Rated 8.5/10
This was delicious and so fun! Great for sharing

Mickey Mouse shaped purple sweet potato macaron $7.00
Rated 9/10
Anything Mickey shaped gets top marks from me, and I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth – and because this was so unique I absolutely loved it.

Lucky 8 Lantern

Quesabirria Egg Roll with Guajillo Pepper Consume $9
rated 8/10
This was something I was really excited about but wasn’t as good as I hoped – but still totally unique.

Coconut Lavender Matcha Foam Iced Coffee $6.50
rated 10/10
If only because I’ve never had anything like it, this was absolutely fun, unique and delicious.

Longevity Noodle Co

Garlic Noodles $7.50
rated 10/10

LOVED these. Flavourful and tasty!

Dan Dan Noodles $8.50
rated 7/10
These were classic – not the best I’ve had and not the worst.

Paradise Garden Grill

Banh Mi
rated 8/10
Another classic choice – good, safe.

Have you ever been to Disneyland for the Lunar New Year Celebration? We’d love to hear what you thought!

Have a magical day,
Erica