by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Disneyland Resort kicked off its annual Lunar New Year celebrations on Friday, transforming the park into a vibrant showcase of Asian cultures, cuisine and traditions that continues to attract growing interest from U.S. visitors.
The annual celebrations at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Southern California, have drawn visitors from around the world in recent years.
The 2026 Lunar New Year celebration, running from Friday through Feb. 22, ushers in the Year of the Horse and pays tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions through themed entertainment, art and culinary offerings.
Across the park, festive red and gold decorations -- symbolizing good fortune, health and prosperity -- set the tone for the holiday. Lanterns, floral displays and cultural motifs line walkways, creating a lively atmosphere and popular photo spots for visitors.
Food remains a major highlight of the celebration. This year, Disney expanded its Lunar New Year marketplaces, offering more than 30 Asian-inspired dishes and beverages.
Among the selections are crispy chicken bao, Japchae noodles with kalbi short rib, spicy pork belly grilled cheese and the guava dragon fruit sparkler.
Entertainment and cultural performances also play a central role in the festivities. A Lunar New Year Procession, led this year by Horace Horsecollar in honor of the Year of the Horse, celebrates family, friendship and good fortune. The parade is joined by spirited dancers and martial artists performing powerful rhythms along the route.
Disney characters, including Donald and Daisy Duck, as well as Chip 'n' Dale, appear in newly designed Chinese-inspired outfits, greeting visitors from around the globe.
Clarione Gutierrez, a visitor from San Diego, told Xinhua that among Disneyland's many seasonal events, the Lunar New Year celebration is his favorite.
"Having performers who come from the culture itself really helps bring it to life," he said. "It allows visitors to have a more immersive experience and learn more about China in a meaningful way."
The event goes beyond surface-level displays, Gutierrez added, noting that traditional performances add a strong sense of authenticity and cultural depth.
Beyond stage performances, hands-on cultural activities have also attracted strong interest. At the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall, visitors write messages of hope and happiness for the year ahead. Chinese calligraphy demonstrations allow guests to engage more directly with traditional art forms.
Jenny Chen, a Chinese calligrapher who has participated in the event for many years, told Xinhua that American visitors show strong curiosity and appreciation for Chinese characters. Many guests, she said, are eager to learn the meanings behind individual strokes and symbols, and she hopes such cultural exchanges can help deepen Americans' understanding of China through art and tradition.
A nighttime water show titled "Hurry Home -- A Lunar New Year Celebration," with music by Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun, tells the story of a lantern's journey to reunite with family, adding an emotional storytelling element to the festivities.
Nicky Tang, marketing and sales director for Greater China and Southeast Asia at Disney Destinations, told Xinhua that the Lunar New Year celebration has expanded significantly over the years, growing from a one-week event into a month-long festival.
She said the growth reflects Disney's long-term commitment to honoring Chinese and broader Asian cultures. "We hope this celebration can serve as a window for American audiences to better understand Chinese and Asian traditions," Tang said. ■
