Our Lunar New Year Celebration kicked off this past weekend with festivities on both Saturday and Sunday. The fun will continue every weekend in February as we ring in the Year of the Snake. This is the Garden’s third year hosting this festive event, and this year feels especially special. Inspired by traditions from China, Korea and Vietnam, we’ve created a special experience for all to enjoy. Each culture celebrates with unique customs—from festive meals and red envelopes in China to fireworks in Vietnam during Tết and kite flying, fortune-telling, and other Seollal rituals in Korea. Take a look at how we celebrate here at South Coast Botanic Garden through the photos below, then make sure to grab your tickets to experience it! 

All photos taken by Axel Koester

Lunar New Year 2025 in Photos


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).

  
Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment performs during our Lunar New Year live show which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a small additional fee ($6 for Members, up to $23 for non-members which includes GA).


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment invites the audience to interact and take pictures after the show.

 

 
Wushu Shaolin Entertainment invites the audience to interact and take pictures after the show.


Wushu Shaolin Entertainment invites the audience to interact and take pictures after the show.

 
The South Bay Chinese American Association of California added to the festivities with their presence on the Lower Meadow.

 
The South Bay Chinese American Association of California added to the festivities with their presence on the Lower Meadow.


Guests set their intentions for the year on our wishing tree.


Guests of all ages made paper snakes to honor the Year of the Snake.


Guests participated in kite making, inspired by the Korean tradition of flying kites.


Guests participated in kite making, inspired by the Korean tradition of flying kites.

 
Guests participated in kite making, inspired by the Korean tradition of flying kites.


Many guests added to the celebration with their own festive attire.


Guests enjoy the 88 lanterns hanging from the Garden’s courtyard.  


A volunteer reads the legend of the Great Race.


Guests get their pictures taken in front of a festive photo opp.


Guests enjoyed specialty food and beverage items from Dottie’s at the Koi Pond.


Guests enjoyed pop-up appearances throughout the day in the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden.