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The annual Orange County Lantern Festival returns on March 7 at the prestigious Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and the outdoor Argyros Plaza.
Co-presented by Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, this free community celebration marks its 11th anniversary with expanded programming and vibrant cultural experiences for all ages.
Celebrated on the 15th day of Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival symbolizes renewal, light, and family reunion.
For over a decade, Orange County’s signature Lantern Festival has brought together music, dance, martial arts, and traditional arts—becoming one of Southern California’s most beloved multicultural events.
East Meets West · Arts in Motion
Inside the concert hall, audiences will enjoy East-West orchestral collaborations, Chinese dance, lion and dragon performances, martial arts demonstrations, and Vietnamese and Korean cultural performances.
The celebration also features calligraphy, art exhibits, lantern painting, riddles, hands-on crafts, and Asian food vendors—offering guests an immersive cultural experience beyond the stage.
Dragons Rise · Lanterns Glow
At Argyros Plaza, community groups will present live performances and interactive booths throughout the afternoon.
The outdoor finale features a dynamic dragon parade, where families carrying handmade lanterns are invited to join the procession for an unforgettable up-close experience.
The concert hall lobby will be adorned with colorful lanterns and festive décor—perfect for photos and New Year memories.
Register Online · Enter with E-Tickets
Important Ticket Update:
This year, all indoor admission requires advance online registration. Physical tickets will no longer be distributed at the cultural center.
Anyone entering the indoor concert hall—including infants and children—must reserve free electronic tickets through the Pacific Symphony website. Outdoor plaza activities remain open to the public without tickets.
Due to limited seating capacity, early registration is strongly encouraged. Guests may also choose to make an optional donation when reserving tickets to help sustain this community tradition.
On March 7, music, culture, and lantern light will once again illuminate Orange County—bringing families together to celebrate heritage, artistry, and the promise of a bright new year.
