Chinese New Year in Orlando 2024

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and joyous occasion in Orlando, filled with a variety of celebrations and cultural showcases. The city comes alive with traditional parades, multicultural festivals, and events that highlight the rich heritage of Asian communities. You can experience activities, including dragon dances, musical performances, and cultural displays that immerse you in the festive spirit.

Celebrate Lunar (January 18-19, 2025)

The 4th annual Celebrate Lunar festival will take place over two days, January 18 and 19, 2025, at Luminary Green Park in Downtown Orlando. The event celebrates diverse Asian cultures, with a particular focus on Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Japanese heritage. The festival showcases ethnic cuisines and artistic talents, offering vibrant performances, dances, and music. Admission to the festival is $15 for adults and $10 for kids (ages 6-13). Children under five get in for free.

Saturday

The first day will feature five hours of live performances, showcasing a mix of traditional and contemporary acts from Florida's diverse Asian-American community. Highlights include cultural dances, musical performances, and martial arts demonstrations. Over 40 vendors will offer authentic cuisines, handmade goods, and unique services, creating a lively and immersive experience.

Sunday

The second day introduces the new Lunar Market, where visitors can explore an array of stalls offering diverse flavors, artisanal crafts, and cultural treasures. This marketplace provides an opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed and interactive experience.

Central Florida Dragon Parade (February 16, 2025)

The largest Lunar New Year celebration in Orlando takes place during the Central Florida Dragon Parade. The 13th Annual Dragon Parade Lunar New Year will be held on Sunday, February 16. The parade route begins at 11 am at the corner of Lake Highland Drive and N. Mills Avenue, proceeding south, and concludes at N. Thornton Avenue and Colonial Drive.

The Multicultural Festival, following the parade, takes place in Orlando’s Mills 50 district and stands as one of Central Florida's signature events, showcasing the diverse cultures of East Asia. The festival features a variety of captivating activities including martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, and vibrant dragon and lion dances. Attendees can also savor delicious offerings from authentic food vendors.

Avalon SpringFest (February 15, 2025)

The 3rd annual Avalon SpringFest will take place at Avalon Park Orlando on Saturday, February 15, 2025. This free celebration of the Lunar New Year promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience for everyone. Enjoy traditional dragon and lion dances, an arts & crafts market, and a delightful array of authentic foods and drinks from various countries. The festival also features live cultural dance and music performances, celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of our community.

Chinese New Year Gala (January 18, 2025)

Hosted by the Orlando Chinese Association, the Orlando Chinese New Year Gala will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 3 pm to 5 pm at 555 Martin Street. Enjoy two hours of traditional Chinese cultural performances and vibrant celebrations. This is an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year. Tickets are available for general admission at $10 plus a $2.51 fee and VIP tickets for $50 plus a $5.20 fee.

In addition to these events, Disney stores in Orlando join the celebration by offering Chinese-themed merchandise, allowing visitors to embrace the Lunar New Year festivities even within the magic of the parks.