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Lunar New Year 2026 Has Begun at Disney California Adventure
It is time to saddle up for a celebration because the Lunar New Year Festival has officially returned to Disney California Adventure! From January 23 through February 22, 2026, Disneyland Resort is honoring Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures with a joyous tribute filled with spectacular entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and—of course—plenty of delicious eats.
Whether you are a festival pro or visiting for the first time, we have the ultimate breakdown of everything you need to see, do, and taste during the Year of the Horse!
The heart of the festival lies in the Lunar New Year Marketplaces. This year, you can find six dedicated booths along the Performance Corridor, each serving up tasting-sized portions of traditional Asian-inspired dishes with a unique Disney twist.
- Bamboo Blessings: Don’t miss the new Five-Spice Popcorn Chicken with sweet chile-garlic sauce!
- Lucky 8 Lantern: A fan favorite returns with the Phở Dip, featuring sliced beef and a savory phở broth.
- Prosperity Bao & Buns: Home to the iconic Char Siu BBQ Pork Bao.
- Red Dragon Spice Traders: Known for bold flavors and creative cocktails like the new Green Apple Soju Cocktail.
- Longevity Noodle Co. and Wrapped with Love also return with a mix of savory noodles and stuffed delights like the Quesabirria Eggroll.
Tip: If you’re planning on snacking your way through the day, grab a Sip and Savor Pass! It includes six digital coupons that can be redeemed for food and non-alcoholic beverages at the marketplaces and select dining locations.
It’s not just about the food! The park comes alive with vibrant performances that celebrate the spirit of the holiday:
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession: Watch as Mulan and Mushu lead a stunning parade featuring dragon dancers, drummers, and beautiful umbrellas.
- Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration: Be sure to catch this heartwarming nighttime water show presented on the World of Color fountains before the main show, World of Color – Happiness!, begins.
- Character Meet & Greets: Look for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their beautiful festival attire. Plus, Horace Horsecollar makes a special appearance this year to celebrate the Year of the Horse!
The biggest news for 2026 is the debut of Panda Mei from Turning Red! For the first time, Mei is meeting guests in her massive, full red panda form at the Pixar Pier Bandshell. She is super excited to share giant hugs and take photos, though keep in mind she does not sign autographs. Check the Disneyland app for her daily appearance schedule!
Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Lucky Wishes Wall. Guests of all ages can write down their hopes for the new year and tie them to the wall, creating a beautiful sea of red and gold messages. You can also find festival-exclusive merchandise including a new Spirit Jersey, Year of the Horse ears, and commemorative pins at Elias & Co.
The 2026 Lunar New Year Festival is a limited-time event, so make sure to head over to Disney California Adventure before February 22 to experience the magic for yourself!
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