Chinatown in Los Angeles boasts a wide Chinese New Year celebrations. However, you'll find a worthwhile alternative in Monterey Park, a city located some 8 miles (13 km) east of Downtown LA. Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival lures tens of thousands of revelers from all over the So Cal each year. You will surely like this vibrant street bash featuring five blocks of exclusive Asian entertainment. Expect shopping, dining, amusement rides, a huge carnival fun zone, plenty of family-friendly activities, and free admission.
Usually, Monterey Park Chinese New Year runs on a weekend before the Lunar New Year Day. You can join the festival on Garvey Avenue between Alhambra and Garfield Avenues. The activities will be available from 10 am through 9 pm on Saturday and 10 am through 7 pm on Sunday. Make sure to come early on Saturday morning to capture the vivid kick-off of the celebration—lion and dragon dances.
Speaking of amenities, you can benefit from shuttle buses departing to the event every 20 minutes. Plus, free parking lots will be available at the Garvey and Lincoln Avenues intersection. If you're getting there by private vehicle, do take into account certain street closures.
