Lunar New Year 2026 at Disneyland | Dates, food, characters
Lunar New Year is back at Disney California Adventure Park, ringing in the Year of the Horse for 2026.
The popular Lunar New Year celebration, inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions, returns Jan. 23 – Feb. 22, 2026, at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.
Characters & entertainment
Guests can enjoy new entertainment offerings for Lunar New Year throughout California Adventure this 2026 festival season.
For the first time, Panda Mei from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Turning Red” will hold meet & greets at the Pixar Pier Band Shell.
Classic Disney characters will debut all-new costumes, including Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in traditional Chinese attire, along with Goofy and Clarabelle Cow wearing garments inspired by Vietnamese traditions.
In honor of the Year of the Horse, Horace Horsecollar will lead “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” with Chip and Dale joining the fun in new Chinese-inspired outfits.
To light up the night, “World of Color Happiness!” will feature a six-minute pre-show with Mulan and friends: “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration.” Guests can catch Little Lantern’s journey home for the annual celebration, accompanied by a magical score by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun.
Food
Foodies will find plenty of options for culinary adventures with more than 50 limited-time menu items and novelties available across Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District, and the hotels of Disneyland Resort.
Along with fan favorites, this year’s festival features 35 brand-new food and beverage items. Highlights include:
- Japchae noodles with grilled short rib from Longevity Noodle Co.
- guava dragon fruit cocktail from Bamboo Blessings
- spicy pork belly grilled cheese from Pym Test Kitchen
- Mandarin orange cream puff from Red Dragon Spice Traders
Photo by David Nguyen / Disney
Photo by David Nguyen / Disney
Photo by David Nguyen / Disney
Photo courtesy of Disney
For more information on the festival’s fare, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Park guests looking to try multiple festival items can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, available in three collectible, limited-edition designs. Each pass includes six coupons that can be scanned and redeemed for select food items and nonalcoholic beverages from participating marketplaces and locations in Disney California Adventure Park.
Novelty items
New for the Year of the Horse are two novelties featuring the star of the Disneyland Resort’s Lunar New Year celebration, Horace Horsecollar. The resort-exclusive Lunar New Year stainless steel tumbler and straw clip (sold separately) can be found at various locations at Disney California Adventure Park, and the tumbler can also be purchased at The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel. Additional commemorative merchandise is available throughout the park.
Family activities
As in years past, this season’s festival offers a variety of family activities. Vibrant Lunar New Year décor adorns select areas of California Adventure, providing multiple celebratory photo opportunities.
Guests can have their new year’s wishes turned into a one-of-a-kind Chinese calligraphy souvenir by a talented park artist.
The Lunar New Year Wishing Wall in Paradise Gardens Park allows guests to add their dreams and hopes to the joyful display.
Click here to learn more about Disneyland Resort’s Lunar New Year celebration, happening Jan. 23 – Feb. 22, 2026.
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