Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Happy New Year! I know that usually sounds like champagne, resolutions and magnum sized hangovers. But this is second New Year’s – the one with dragons, firecrackers and dumplings. Chinese New Year!

If you have never been to LA’s Chinatown, this would be the perfect reason to visit.

Here are some highlights

one

Firecracker 5K/10K run/walk (Sunday Feb 13) – whether you need a warmup for the LA marathon or just want to see the neighborhood while getting some exercise, this is a great reason to get out of bed on Sunday.  There is also a bike option on Saturday Feb 12 – so if tight spandex is your thing, Saturday is your jam.

two

Midnight Temple Ceremony (Wednesday Feb 2) – this is the event that officially rings in the New Year. This happens on the eve of Chinese New Year and is filled with lion dancers, firecrackers, and incense to honor the ancestors and bring… MOOLAH. Good Fortune! These celebrations will continue all through the week, but this is the one that begins it all!

three

Golden Dragon Parade (Saturday Feb 12) – If Chinese New Year was a sporting event, the Golden Dragon would be its mascot. It is not Chinese New Year without the firecrackers and dancing lion and dragon. There is a full day of events – bring the fam and stay all day – see the event calendar here There will be Traditional Chinese Lion Dancers, Jazz Music & food trucks, natch.

three plus one (the bonus round)

but really because 3 + 1 is better than the unlucky number that it adds up to…

Chinatown stop on the Gold Line – Chinatown is a small area & parking can be tough, especially with so many events which will spill into the city streets – so take the subway.  It’s the Chinatown stop on the Metro Gold Line & you will be dropped right off into the heart of the action.

last tips

This is not the time to try DimSum. If you NEED to have hargao on Chinese New Year, then GO EARLY. After the runners/walkers finish their 5K/10K, they are VERY HUNGY. Must not get in their way.