Lunar New Year in San Jose 2024

California has a considerable community of Asian Americans, so the Lunar New Year is celebrated on a large scale. Asian restaurants all over San Jose offer specials and entertainment such as lion dances and traditional music. There are also a few popular community events across the area.

LNY: SJ (January 25-26, 2024)

The LNY:: SJ established in 2023, celebrates creativity, culture, and collaboration, uniting generations in San José's Little Saigon. Hosted by the Vietnamese American Roundtable (VAR) in partnership with NorCal UVSA, the 2025 festival will take place at the Grand Century Shopping Mall on January 25th and 26th, from 12 pm to 8 pm each day. This second annual event expects to welcome over 30,000 attendees with 100+ vendors and 500 volunteers, building on the success of its inaugural celebration as a hallmark community tradition.

San Jose New Year Tet Festival (February 7-9, 2025)

San Jose New Year Tet Festival is another event celebrating the arrival of the new moon. Held at Eastridge Center (parking space on the corner of Tully & Quimby Road)., this is one of the largest annual celebrations for the Vietnamese community. This weekend festival offers live music, a 3D theme park, DJ sets, a cooking contest, a dance contest, the Miss Viet Nam California Pageant, lion and dragon dances, carnival rides, as well as numerous food booths with Asian delicacies.

Chinese New Year at History Park (2025 dates TBA)

The largest Chinese New Year Celebration is held at History Park San Jose. Organized by the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, this family-friendly event features arts, crafts, dance, and music and runs from 10 am to 8 pm. The main highlights of this free festival are Dragon Parade and storytelling.