Travel Costa Mesa Blog
2024 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Dragon in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year is nearly here, and Costa Mesa is one of the best places to spend it. From dining to unique experiences, the city is brimming with ways to join in the festivities and welcome in the Year of the Dragon.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a fifteen-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping and spending time with family. The fifteenth and final day of the holiday is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, marked to end the celebration. Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the year of the rabbit into the year of the dragon. The only mythological creature of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon symbolizes good luck, strength, and power.
In 2024, Costa Mesa will kick off with several celebrations and special events on the weekend of February 9–11th, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month.
The Lunar New Year Experience at South Coast Plaza
Shop, Dine, and Celebrate
South Coast Plaza eateries will feature unique menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, special shopping deals, and events throughout the month. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed year of the dragon installation.
South Coast Plaza Lunar New Year Flavors
Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty will offer six specialty dishes designed by their chef, including Singapore-style stir-fried black pepper lobster, steamed Chilean sea bass, braised pork, Paradise salted duck, and Dynasty sticky rice. Specialty dishes are available through March 31st. Hot Tip: If you arrive for the Lunar New Year, you will receive a lucky red envelope with a certificate for 20% off a future visit.
Afternoon Tea at Knife Pleat
This Michelin-starred restaurant is adding Lunar New Year-inspired additions to its Saturday afternoon tea service on February 10th, 17th, and 24th. Some of the unique items will include mini mooncakes, black sesame balls with mandarin filling, and chocolate gold coins. Hot Tip: For something stronger try their commemorative year of the dragon cocktail.
Lucky Dishes at Din Tai Fung
Known for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is a great stop for the whole family, where they will be serving up lucky Lunar New Year dishes. Adding to the luck, every guest will receive a red envelope with a surprise inside. Hot Tip: Arrive early to put in your name then explore South Coast Plaza while you await your call back.
For Sweet Temptations
Laderach, Sugarfina, and See’s Candies will all feature limited-run Lunar New Year sweets. All make great gifts to take home to share the Lunar New Year cheer with friends and family.
More Year of the Dragon Specials
- Terrace by Mix Mix: Offering a three-course prix fixe menu with Asian fusion flavors throughout February. Featuring shrimp spring roll lettuce wraps, glazed duck breast, and coconut panna cotta.
- AnQi: Featuring a prix fixe Good Luck Menu February 10–11th, either as six courses or à la carte. Dig into crispy quail, Wagyu “pop tarts,” shrimp and lobster money bags, and more.
- Water Grill: An immersive experience with festive decor, symbolic à la carte dishes, and garlic noodles (for luck and a long, joyous life). Ongoing from February 8–24th.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Pacific Symphony Lunar Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 10th
8pm
Experience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A total of more than 200 performers will showcase their talents, including distinguished soloist Fei-Fei Dong performing Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy. Other performers of note include:
- Acclaimed pipa player Yu Liu
- Zither player Brian Bùi
- Pacific Choral
- The American Feel-Young Chorus
- Armonia Singers
- The Ya Ya Dance Academy
- Wendy Hua’s Violin Studio at Orange County Music and Dance
Tết Festival at OC Fair & Event Center
February 9th–11th
Hours vary by day
Experience the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival at the OC Fair & Event Center from February 9th through the 11th. This family-friendly celebration offers a memorable experience where you can merge fun and education, learning about Vietnamese culture in the best ways possible—through delectable food, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions. General admission is $8, and children 2 years old and under get in for free.
Event parking is $12.
OC Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 2nd
11am–4pm
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on March 2nd is the OC Lantern Festival held at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and the dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Then, it all culminates with a thrilling dragon dance held in the plaza!
Shen Yun at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
March 13th–17th
If the Lunar New Year celebrations have sparked your interest in learning more about the vibrant cultures across the continent of Asia, a performance of Shen Yun is a must see. This performance explores China’s rich 5000-year history through inspiring performances of classical Chinese dance and music with stunning costumes and backdrops.
Stay the Night to Continue the Celebration
With Lunar New Year celebrations lasting fifteen days it’s a beautiful time of the year to extend your stay to experience everything this holiday has to offer. Start the Year of the Dragon with comfort and extensive amenities when you book an overnight stay at one of our eleven Costa Mesa hotels.
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Posted in Events
7 Ways to Celebrate the Year of the Dog in Orange County
February 16, 2018, kicks off the Year of the Dog and many celebrations of the 2018 Chinese Lunar New Year in Costa Mesa and around Orange County. Families and friends gather in many ways during this spring event to enjoy cultural traditions, parades, food festivals and entertainment. Through March 4, 2018, here’s 7 fun ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Orange County.
With so many opportunities to celebrate, a weekend escape to OC makes it easy to visit all of the events. Costa Mesa, in the heart of Orange County, is a perfect central location to call home during Lunar New Year and many hotels offer great deals during this time.
South Coast Plaza Floral Displays and Free Entertainment
Visit South Coast Plaza’s eye-catching floral display featuring bold colors of gold and red, plus eight carefully crafted dogs and puppies in and around Jewel Court (just outside of Macy’s). Discover the Tales of Tradition throughout the Center, which feature special symbols of the traditions of the Chinese. South Coast Plaza’s Chinese New Year celebration is an ideal place to spend the afternoon, enjoying free entertainment on weekends and capturing photos in celebration of the holiday.
Tet Festival to Celebrate the New Year
Once again, the popular Vietnamese tradition of welcoming spring will be celebrated at the annual Tet Festival, returning to the OC Fair & Event Center during the weekend of February 16-18, 2018. There is no other cultural experience likes this, where attendees can immerse themselves in the traditional foods, performances, interactive games and music of the Vietnamese culture. Cap off the celebration with a spectacular fireworks show to bring good fortune in the New Year. Admission is just $6.00 and on Saturday, those choosing to wear traditional Chinese attire, or a military uniform will be admitted free.
Themed Lunar New Year Products
South Coast Plaza is home to the largest collection of retailers and restaurants of any luxury shopping center in the U.S. Many of the boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget offer themed products and in-store experiences. Be sure to visit Prada Spirit, a pop-up that’s a U.S. exclusive, located in front of the Prada boutique. Visitors to South Coast Plaza between February 13 and March 4, 2018, who make a minimum purchase will receive a limited-edition crystal jar in the shape of a dog. Dior has designed the exclusive red calfskin Stars Wallet, Card Holder and Phone Case embossed with goldtone stars. Each is sold separately.
Outlet Shopping and Lunar New Year Discounts
If you love shopping and finding a great deal, look no further than The Outlets of Orange, just 20 minutes form Costa Mesa and the next city over from Anaheim. On Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., shoppers and visitors to the center will enjoy live entertainment, cultural performances, and lucky red envelopes to celebrate the Chinese tradition. The Outlets of Orange is a great place to get outside, enjoy the SoCal winter weather and explore this indoor/outdoor entertainment center. Through February 23, visit the on-site concierge for a lucky red envelope stuffed with discounts and deals to stores like Nike Factory Store, Steve Madden, BJs Restaurants, Lucky Strike Bowling and more.
Lunar New Year at Disney’s California Adventure
Does it get much more exciting than celebrating a holiday at the Happiest Place on Earth? If you’re a fan of Mickey and Minnie and the magic of this world-famous Southern California attraction, head to the Disney’s California Adventure through February 18 for a festive multi-cultural celebration. Follow Mulan, Mushu and their friend the lantern in a special performance of World of Color.
A Giant Ferris Wheel, Stilt Walkers and Fortune Cookies
Our neighbors at Irvine Spectrum Center have a fun-filled day planned on February 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. to celebrate The Year of the Dog. Meet other families at the Giant Wheel Courtyard for dance performances, face painting, entertainment and a chance to receive a free Lucky Red Envelope. At Irvine Spectrum you’ll be surrounded by outdoor walkways and dozens of retailers, like H&M and Nordstrom, plus Dave & Buster’s for more entertainment. It’s a great place to let the little ones run around and enjoy this cultural event.
Lantern Festival, Chinese Folk Dancing and More
A final Lunar New Year event is the Lantern Festival on March 4 from 12 – 6 p.m. In its third year this free event is presented by Pacific Symphony in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School. This family-friendly event allows attendees to make their own lanterns, which will transform and light up the new Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Local dance and music groups will entertain guests during this afternoon celebration.
We wish everyone good fortune and good health as we usher in springtime in Costa Mesa!
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Posted in Events, Food, Misc, Music & Art
Valentine’s Day Special Events in Orange County
Whether you’re looking for a night out to celebrate with your love, or weekend away for Valentine’s Day with that special someone, look no further than Costa Mesa, Orange County’s City of the Arts™. Oysters, champagne, “Shakespeare in Love” on stage; how does that sound for a classic date night? Or, get a little funky and check out the hit show from Lincoln Center in New York – “Kinky Boots.” Both shows are running through the weekend of February 10 to get you in the mood for cupid’s favorite holiday!
Dinner and a Show, through February 10
Plan to dine out before the show at one of these popular Costa Mesa restaurants:
Make reservations at Leatherby’s Café Rouge and enjoy their new mouthwatering Pre-Theater Menu, including a selection steak, fresh seafood and specially crafted cocktails from the bar. Leatherby’s is the dining concept from celebrated Chef and Patina Restaurant Group Founder Joachim Splichal and Executive Chef Greg Stillman. A passionate meat expert and The French Laundry veteran with more than two decades of culinary experience, Stillman presents a menu that focuses on steakhouse classics with a contemporary approach. Dine in luxury with a view overlooking the gorgeous Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
If dining on February 14, a special Taste of Love Valentine’s Day menu is available at Leatherby’s Café Rouge. Be sure to make reservations.
After dinner, stroll through the spectacular performing arts center to South Coast Repertory – Orange County’s Tony Award-winning production house. Pick up your tickets to “Shakespeare in Love” and head inside for a pre-show cocktail then prepare to fall in love. “Mistaken identities, ruthless scheming, and backstage theatrics make this romantic feast a joyous celebration of theatre,” according to the Daily Telegraph.
“Kinky Boots” follows the true story of a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from a dancer in need of some sturdy stilettos. The music from this six-time Tony Award winning Broadway hit is by none other than, Cyndi Lauper.
I HEART The OC MIX, February 10
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to by for a friend or sweetheart, head over to SOCO and The OC Mix for a day of shopping, special offers, tastings and live music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The OC Mix is a collection of boutiques offering clothing, jewelry, spices, coffees, libations and more. We think it’s a perfect place to find unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Some of Costa Mesa’s favorite restaurants are also located here.
ARC Food and Libations and ARC Pizza House
Located at SOCO, Chef Noah creates delicious salads, one of the biggest burgers you’ll ever see and carefully crafted libations for lunch and dinner at ARC Food and Libations, as well as a selection of wood-fired pizza’s at the ARC Pizza House. If you want to go on Valentine’s Day, an extra special menu has been curated for couples. Start with The Goose is Loose cocktail made with fresh blackberries, tequila and citrus, followed by savory appetizers, a Wedge salad for two and champagne. The main entrées being offered are grilled wild salmon or a 14 oz. filet mignon, accompanied by a glass of cabernet sauvignon, followed by apple cobbler and an after-dinner desert cocktail. Dinner for two is $200. Make reservations soon before they are booked.
Want a little more quality time together, how about a cooking class with a multi-course dinner as the finale?
Sur La Table’s “Night Out – French Romance” is all about creating your own crave-worthy romantic French food at home. On the menu are French Onion Soup, Seared Chicken with Mustard and Bacon and Roasted Winter Vegetables. Classes are $85 per person excluding tax and gratuity. For more information please call 714.549.1280 or 714.241.0118 at South Coast Plaza.
Antonello Ristorante owners Antonio and Fiorella Cagnolo are also cooking a special Valentine’s menu where at the conclusion of class, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner featuring the evening’s selected menu items. Classes cost $65 per person excluding tax and gratuity. From February 9 – 15, the restaurant will also serve a Valentine’s menu. Reservations required, please call 714.751.7153.
Williams-Sonoma is also offering a fun-filled afternoon of Valentine’s baking for adults or kids.
South Coast Plaza is not just a top-shopping destination; it is home to more than 30 restaurants and cafes, many of which are serving up special menus just for Valentine’s Day, February 14.
A Valentine’s Day five-course menu and live entertainment await you and your guest. Start with an appetizer selection of Ossetra Caviar with Pan-Seared Day Boat Scallop or Filet Mignon Pot stickers with Foie Gras. Next, enjoy Endive and Five-Spiced Walnut Salad or Hamachi Sashimi, followed by Misoyaki Butterfish or An’s Famous Garlic Noodles with Colossal Tiger Prawns. The final savory course is a choice of Herb Roasted Filet Mignon or A-5 Wagyu Steak. Conclude with a dessert duo of Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Cardamom Ice Cream and Passion Fruit Parfait with Lychee Sorbet. Enjoy all of this for $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Served from 5 – 10 p.m. For reservations please call 714.557.5679.
Darya Fine Persian cuisine will be offering a specialty three-course Valentine’s Day menu for $59.95 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Enjoy live entertainment in the evening by singer Laura Angelini. Reservations required, please call 714.557.6600.
In addition to Vaca’s full à la carte dinner menu, award-winning chef Amar Santana will offer select Valentine’s specials including ceviche mixto, terrina de unagi y foie gras terrine, paella de veira with braised lamb neck, oysters on the half shell with bloody marry sorbet, house cured Mediterranean sardines and Valrhona dark chocolate ganache with churro toast and olive oil ice cream for dessert. Specials range from $13-$45; à la carte prices vary per selection (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Served from 5 – 10:30 p.m. For reservations, please call 714.463.6060.
heART bEAT Mixer on Valentine’s Day
Want to meet your match? You might have luck and at a little bit of fun at the Center 360 Heartbeat Singles Mixer at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This is a great opportunity to experience the City of the Arts™ with live entertainment, karaoke and giveaways on the recently opened outdoor Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Bring your friends, or a date. The Center 360 Café has a full bar serving spirited libations, craft coffees, along with a variety of appetizers, entrees and dessert! The event runs from 5 – 9 p.m. on February 14.
See the Premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA
Show your endless love by planning ahead and getting tickets to the hottest new show coming to the stage in Costa Mesa – LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil, premiering February 21 at OC Fair & Event Center. Tickets are available to shows running through March 25. LUZIA brings multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico to the stage in a surreal dream-like performance. If you need more reason to see the show, here are Five Reasons you won’t want to miss this spectacular performance under the big top.
Celebrating the weekend after Valentine’s Day has its perks, and comes with a bit of luck! Lunar New Year celebrations begin the weekend of February 16 with performances, special offers and activities for the whole family to bring in the Year of the Dog. South Coast Plaza has a schedule for the celebrations taking place through March 24.
With so much to celebrate, we hope to see you soon! Costa Mesa hotels have created many special offers to help you extend your stay.
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Lunar New Year Celebrations in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, we celebrate the Lunar New Year almost as much as the traditional American New Year’s Eve is celebrated! Whether you’re planning a visit for a day or multiple days, there are many reasons why you won’t want to miss celebrating the Year of the Rooster here. Stay and relax with us for a few days while you enjoy the beginning of a New Year!
The Westin South Coast Plaza wants to make your visit to Costa Mesa extra special with this special Lunar New Year Package. With all the comforts you enjoy at home, you can stay in Costa Mesa and receive complimentary breakfast, a $100 gift certificate to South Coast Plaza and in-room tea service, plus other special amenities. Book a room at Westin today and celebrate the Lunar New Year with us.
Just across the way, you can walk to South Coast Plaza where the Lunar New Year celebration begins January 28 and hosts a robust schedule of events through February 12, 2017. Celebrate the New Year with traditional cultural performances, live entertainment, and crafts and activities for the whole family. Many of the stores sell Lunar New Year-inspired merchandise like the Oscar de la Renta red silk dress with gold belt created especially for South Coast Plaza, a Ferragamo shoulder and hand bag, or the Rooster embossed writing instrument at Montblanc.
With more than 250 unique boutiques, designer retailers and nearly 30 restaurants under one roof, you can spend the day shopping with plenty of options for dining. AnQi Asian Bistro located near Bloomingdales serves some of the best garlic noodles around and features a menu of items from Southeast Asia. Din Tai Fung is a casual restaurant famous for xiao long bao (Asian pork dumpling) and was named one of the “top ten gourmet restaurants in the world“ by New York Times. Also nearby, East Borough prepares Vietnamese favorites like banh mi and spring rolls.
Getting into the festive mood will be easy with the dazzling Year of the Rooster decorations found throughout South Coast Plaza. Be sure to visit Jewel Court as it is transformed with a custom-built display into a vibrant exhibit of decorations filled with symbols of luck and good fortune to welcome the New Year.
Each day during the three-week celebration, scheduled performances will take place throughout South Coast Plaza. There are many opportunities to bring good luck for the New Year through prize giveaways for shopping extravaganzas and special gifts-with-purchase commemorating the 2017 Lunar New Year.
Children will enjoy scheduled entertainment by Bing Bing’s Magic House and an activity to assemble their very own lanterns.
Families can explore a variety of experiences including weekend entertainment by Wu Fei, a native of Beijing and a current Nashville resident, and a master of the guzheng, the ancient 21-string Chinese zither.
“Lucky Eight” Promotion January 28 to February 4, 2017
Users of Weibo and WeChat will have daily opportunities to participate and win prizes from popular South Coast Plaza boutiques. Enter to win a shopping spree by visiting one of the concierge desks throughout South Coast Plaza, and visit the ACCESS VIP Suite near Saks Fifth Avenue on Level 2 to see this year’s exclusive gift with purchase – a commemorative LIULI vase.
2017 TET FESTIVAL AT OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER
One of the largest Lunar New Year festivals in the world will happen again this year in Costa Mesa, the weekend of January 27-28, 2017, at the OC Fair & Event Center. Beginning Friday evening, visitors will be immersed in a vibrant array of traditional foods, contests, live entertainment, cultural displays, festive games and rides and a fireworks show celebrating the New Year.
The 36th Annual Tet Festival is presented by the nonprofit organization Union of Vietnamese Student Associations, and is coordinated entirely by student and adult volunteers. The Tet Festival is an entertainment event where family and friends can celebrate the Lunar New Year and share hope and prosperity for a new year. Admission is just $6 and children 2 and under are free. Proceeds from this event help to serve the Vietnamese community by building leadership skills and cultural awareness as well as support for strong civic responsibility.
What Lunar New Year events do you plan to attend? Let us know in the comments!
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The Year of the Horse at South Coast Plaza
You don’t have to travel to China to celebrate the Lunar New Year. With a variety of festive events including live entertainment, exhibits, prizes and more, all you have to do is visit South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa to commemorate the Year of the Horse. This year will be the fifth consecutive year that South Coast Plaza celebrates the Lunar New Year by incorporating dazzling Chinese displays throughout the shopping center, with many individual retailers offering shopping specials.
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