Mission Valley Mall is hosting a free Lunar New Year celebration that’s perfect for families looking to experience the holiday without committing to a full day out.

The event takes place in the open-air Nordstrom Rack Court and brings together live performances, hands-on activities, and plenty of visual spectacle to ring in the Year of the Snake.

Lion and Dragon Dances, Live Music, and Traditional Folk Dance

The Southern Sea Dragon & Lion Association will perform traditional lion and dragon dances, which are always a highlight of any Lunar New Year celebration.

Violinist Amy Serrano Burcombe and pianist Megan Nguyen provide live music throughout the event, and students from Hua Xia Chinese School will perform traditional Chinese folk dance. It’s a solid lineup that covers both the ceremonial and musical sides of the holiday.

Hands-On Activities for Kids

House of China San Diego is setting up a calligraphy station where kids (and adults) can try their hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy. There are also crafts and face painting available, which should keep younger visitors engaged between performances.

Panda Express will be offering samples throughout the event, so you can snack while you watch.

Community-Focused and Easy to Access

The whole thing runs for two hours in the middle of the day, making it easy to drop in without rearranging your entire Sunday. Mission Valley Mall is centrally located and has plenty of parking, so logistics are straightforward.

It’s the kind of event that works whether you’re deeply invested in Lunar New Year traditions or just curious and looking for something different to do with the family.

See you there!

Free cultural events like this are rare, and Mission Valley Mall is putting together something that feels genuinely welcoming and community-focused.

📆 Sunday, February 15, 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!