Lunar New Year in San Francisco is filled with fireworks, dazzling displays and delicious food. The yearly parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia, drawing visitors in the hundreds of thousands to millions. Chinatown is the epicenter of much of the action, but festivities do spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods, and even in other regions like the South Bay and East Bay.
We spoke with Corvina Tom, concierge at The Hyatt Regency San Francisco and Parc 55 San Francisco, about the best ways to experience San Francisco’s Lunar New Year. Whether you’re just visiting or a Bay Area local (415, represent!), this interview will tell you all the best ways to celebrate the occasion in SF — plus some great info on what to see and do around Chinatown.
Featured photos: Chinese New Year Parade by Knight Lights Photography, dumplings courtesy of Yank Sing, Chinese New Year Parade by Knight Lights Photography.
Corvina Tom is a member of the Northern California Concierge Association, and has been a concierge since 2016. Corvina spent 20 years in Paris, France, but is a native San Franciscan. Born in the Chinese Hospital and raised in Chinatown, with much of her youth spent living and working in Marin County, Corvina is proud to provide authentic and personalized experiences to all her guests. So, let’s hear it!
What is Lunar New Year, and why is it so important to San Francisco?
Lunar New Year is considered the Chinese New Year based on the lunar calendar, also known as the lunisolar calendar. San Francisco’s population is about 35% Asian or Asian American, with 23% of the population being Chinese. Lunar New Year is estimated to bring thousands of visitors to San Francisco, and the holiday is celebrated by billions of people across the world on the first new moon of the year. This year we will be celebrating the snake.
What events happen in SF for the occasion?
For this event, there are many festivities:
The Flower Market Fair begins the season on Jan. 25 and 26, and Chinese New Year’s Day opening ceremony is on Jan. 29.
There’s also the Basketball Jamboree on Feb. 8, Miss Chinatown USA Pageant and Coronation Ball Feb. 14 and the Chinatown YMCA Run March 2.
The biggest events are the Chinese New Year Parade on Feb. 15 and the Community Street Fair Feb. 15 & 16.
How to get the best view of the parade?
There will be four bleacher sections that can be reserved by purchasing tickets through Eventeny. Ticket prices range from $45–75 each. I personally enjoy watching the parade from Macy’s Union Square. The parade starts at Market and 2nd Streets and goes up Market Street to Geary, before turning right on Powell and down Post Street. It ends at Kearny and Columbus Avenues.
It’s such a vibrant and diverse parade with lion dancers, floats and marching bands — not to mention the 268-foot golden dragon! The new mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie, will certainly be amongst the many of the featured guests.
What are some family-friendly activities during Lunar New Year?
I recommend starting your journey through the gates of Chinatown, located at Bush and Grant Avenue. You will be greeted by the Dragon Gate. Make sure to stop at Jade Chocolates Teahouse & Cafe to sample luscious chocolates and sip tea.
The Wok Shop is a must! It’s a Chinese kitchen supply store packed with woks. Don’t miss the unique Chinatown Kite Shop that offers a plethora of kites that would make anyone proud to fly. Work your way to the KIM+ONO shop to choose your favorite kimono. Treat yourself to some delicious pastries at Eastern Bakery located at Grant Avenue and Commercial Street.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, you would want to enjoy authentic dim sum at City View Restaurant located at Walter Lum Alley near Portsmouth Square. Since you are having fun, you might be in the mood for more Asian specialties. Head to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can discover how fortune cookies are made and purchase as many as you would like.
If you have a sweet tooth, it’s worth the wait at Golden Gate Bakery for their famous custard egg tarts. The line can be long but goes very quickly! And don’t forget the Chinatown Night Market, every second Friday night from 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Best restaurants to eat at during the festivities?
For the best bars, Silk Road is new to Union Square and is located in the Fusion Hotel. The mixologist, Luis, is so creative and makes delicious and unique cocktails and mocktails. Harlan Records next to the gates of Chinatown offers a retro setting with a DJ and exceptional cocktails as well.
Li Po Cocktail Lounge, Buddha Lounge, Lion’s Den Bar and Lounge and Red’s Place are in the heart of Chinatown.
What else is there to do in San Francisco during late January–February?
The San Francisco Independent Film Festival, also called SF IndieFest, takes place Feb. 6–18, and the Mostly British Film Festival at Vogue Theatre is Feb. 6–13.
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon and 5K takes place on Feb. 2 at Golden Gate Park.
There’s also San Francisco Beer Week (Feb. 21–March 2), Tulipmania Festival at Pier 39 and the Noise Pop music festival (Feb. 20–March 2).
