Lunar New Year | San Mateo County History Museum

February 24, 2024 @ 11:00 am 4:00 pm

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon 2024 1200x600

The San Mateo County History Museum will join in Redwood City’s annual celebration of the Asian Lunar New Year. 

Outdoor performances on Courthouse Square and indoor activities within the History Museum will be free to the public. 

Children’s activities within the History Museum will include making traditional New Year’s red envelopes, writing lucky symbols in Chinese calligraphy, making paper lanterns, learning to use chopsticks, adding with an abacus and playing folkloric games.

Please double check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed.

Free
2200 Broadway
Redwood City, CA 94063 USA
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2024 Chinese New Year Parade | SF Chinatown

February 24, 2024 @ 5:15 pm 8:00 pm

San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is the highlight event of the annual Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco. 

The San Francisco Chinese New Year celebration is now the largest Asian event in North America as well as the largest general market event in Northern California. The celebration includes two major fairs, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and Chinatown Community Street Fair. All the festivities culminate with Chinese New Year Parade.

Nowhere in the world will you see a lunar new year parade with more gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, and exploding firecrackers.

Sit along the parade route or secure your seat by purchasing Bleacher Seats in advance.

Please double check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed.

Free Tickets are for sale for bleacher seats.
50 Walter U Lum Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108 USA
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Lunar New Year | San Jose Museum of Art

February 17, 2024 @ 11:00 am 4:00 pm

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon 2024 1200x600

Free admission and family fun! Welcome the Year of the Dragon with art-making activities, cultural demonstrations, and live performances. This celebration honors both international and local Lunar New Year traditions.

Featured Activities:

  • Location: Circle of Palms Plaza
  • 11:30AM: PERFORMANCE BY KOREAN CULTURE CENTER – URISAWE
    From Fan Dance to Samgomu, Urisawe is dedicated to offering the best performances and classes when it comes to Korean Dance.
  • 3PM: PERFORMANCE BY RISING PHOENIX DRAGON AND LION DANCE ASSOCIATION
    For over a decade, Rising Phoenix has been practicing the art of modern Lion Dancing in San José, California. Consisting of high school students and young professionals, they strive to keep the traditional art of lion dance alive.

Hands on Activities at the Museum

  • PAPER DRAGON PUPPET
    Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with this easy puppet project, that will teach you the basics of making many distinct puppets.
  • CHINESE SIGNATURE SEALS
    Make your mark with this easy stamp-making activity inspired by traditional signature seals. Once you have made your stamp, use it to sign your artwork.
  • TÒ HE
    Based on a Vietnamese Tet tradition, Chopsticks Alley will be hosting a sculpting activity in which kids can make their favorite figurine on a stick!

Please double check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed .

Free
110 S. Market St.
San Jose, CA 95113 United States
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2025 National Parks – Free Admission MLK, Jr. Birthday

January 20, 2024 All day

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*

Here’s a tip – many of your 400 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit! Click here to find a park.

Did you know that fourth graders and their families get free admission to federal public lands courtesy of the US Dept. of the Interior?  Check out Every Kid in a Park on Silicon Valley Mom.

Did you know that fourth graders and their families get free admission to federal public lands courtesy of the US Dept. of the Interior?  Check out Every Kid in a Park on Silicon Valley Mom.

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession, and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Double-check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed.

Image credit/image courtesy of US National Park Service

Free
121 Bernal Rd, Ste 80 #1044
CF San Jose, CA 95119 United States

2021 Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose

A much beloved holiday tradition in San Jose that takes place in downtown across the street from the Tech Museum. Enjoy free entertainment, holiday displays and Christmas trees decorated by community groups and businesses in the area. Highlights include free pictures with Santa and entertainment every night.

Fri, Nov 26, 2021 to Sun, Jan 2, 2022 | Noon to midnight.

Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose

Christmas in the Park is across the street from the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown San Jose outdoor ice rink and The Tech Interactive.

Visits with Santa

Santa visits are free, so be sure to bring your own camera for picture opportunities.  Santa’s area will be a festive, outdoor setting located near the park’s North end.

Santa is vaccinated, but will be practicing social distancing per county recommendations. Masks are not required, but are recommended.
More information [LINK]

Movie Nights

Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose Movie Nights

Come to the park each Saturday night for Family Movie Night. All movies start at 6 pm.

Zoom Santa

This is a free experience offered by Christmas in the Park and Zoom Santa. Dates and times available from November 27 – December 23, 2021
RSVP/More Information [LINK]

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt is an on-site scavenger hunt through Christmas in the Park.

Locate the items around the park, complete the form and you will be entered to win a prize package.  More details at Christmas in the Park [LINK]

View our complete holiday calendar of special family events, Santa visits, Nutcracker ballets and more at CelebrateFamily.us Holidays [LINK]