Lunar New Year marks the start of the year according to the lunar and solar calendar. A significant cultural celebration in China, it’s also widely observed across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and in countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. In Chinese and Vietnamese astrology, the zodiac features 12 animals, each paired with one of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, or earth. The zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years, bringing a unique combination of animal and element with it. This year, we welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, celebrating its wisdom and transformative energy.
Bamboo Garden Wellness Center | Encinitas
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake at Bamboo Garden Wellness on Wednesday, January 29th. Join for a joyful gathering featuring traditional Lunar New Year snacks, festive decor, and a tea tasting experience with The Loose Leaf Tea. Explore Heartsong Vibrational Healing with Mary Jones, enter to win a weekend with a Tesla, and connect with like-minded souls as they embrace the transition from Yang Dragon energy to Yin Snake energy in 2025. [RSVP + Info]
The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch | Carmel Valley
The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch invites the community to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Sunday, February 2nd. Ring in the Year of the Snake with a spectacular Lion Dance performance in the PHR Village Square, honoring this cherished tradition in style. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities and experience the vibrant energy of the new year. [Info]
PHOTO VIA VILLAGE AT PACIFIC HIGHLANDS RANCH
Libraries | Rancho Bernardo + Carmel Valley
Join Lunar New Years celebrations all week long for all-ages fun including (varying by location) hands-on activities like crafting, calligraphy, and photo opportunities with a Fortune God, as well as cultural treats such as maltose crackers and red envelopes with special surprises. Attendees enjoyed live performances, including a Chinese dance showcase by Cici’s Dance Studio and an exciting Lion Dance by the GDPT Chanh Kien Buddhist Youth Association. [Info + Events]
PHOTOS VIA CHIKO + AN’S GELATO + ANDREW C. ON YELP
CHIKO | Encinitas
Chinese-Korean fast casual hot spot CHIKO is offering specials and packages from February 12th to 17th.
Pho Truc Xanh | Vista
Craving Vietnamese? Head to Vista to grab a bite at Pho Truc Xanh, where you’ll find Lunar New Year decor — and maybe even receive a special envelope with a goodie inside.
An’s Gelato | Del Mar
Stop by An’s Gelato (voted best #1 best ice cream in America by USA Today) in Del Mar for Passion Fruit + Thai Basil gelato coming January 29th to celebrate Lunar New Year.
PHOTOS VIA DEER PARK MONASTERY + THIEN VIEN DAI DANG
Thien Vien Dai Dang | Bonsall
Nestled in the hills of Bonsall, Thien Vien Dai Dang Buddhist Temple offers a serene and welcoming space to celebrate Lunar New Year. Visitors are greeted with breathtaking views, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and renewal. On Lunar New Year, the temple comes alive with festive traditions, stunning floral displays, and the occasional firecracker to ward off bad luck. If you don’t park in the top parking lot, be prepared for a steep climb up to the temple, but the experience — and the view — are well worth it.
Deer Park Monastery | Escondido
Tucked away in the hills of Escondido, Deer Park Monastery offers a peaceful and reflective space to celebrate Lunar New Year through mindfulness and community. Founded in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, this serene retreat welcomes all visitors to partake in its special events, including walking meditations through scenic trails and Dharma talks led by monastics. For Lunar New Year, the monastery offers several events, including An Evening of Mindfulness on Lunar New Year’s Eve, Oracle Readings on Lunar New Year’s Day, and a Day of Mindfulness on February 2nd. The monastery’s tranquil setting, filled with oak trees and breathtaking mountain views, provides the perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life. Guests can explore the meditation halls, visit the koi pond, browse the bookstore for mindfulness teachings, or simply sit in stillness.
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Get half-price admission to 70+ museums, gardens, and cultural sites this February with a free Museum Month pass. Explore surf history, science, art, and more.
Spanning 1/26 to 2/2, take a look at the North County restaurants participating in San Diego Restaurant Week 2025.
From creative all-day dining to unique craft beer experiences, explore the top new hot spots in North County, San Diego.
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Downtown Escondido’s got a new Pop-up Roller Rink — but only through December.
