Chinese New Year Activities in the Peninsula and Beyond

In addition to the , which will be held Jan. 29 near Millbrae City Hall (the closest event to Pacifica), there are several other cities in the Peninsula holding their own festivities.

Here is a list of other places to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

Lunar New Year at the San Francisco Zoo. Featuring acrobats, yo-yo tricks, folk dancing and an animal scavenger hunt. People born on dragon years admitted free, otherwize regular Zoo admission applies. Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Redwood City Lunar New Year. Acrobats, lion dances, martial arts, kid-oriented arts and crafts and food. And, free admission to the San Mateo County Historical Museum. Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Courthouse Square in Redwood City. Free admission.

Asian Art Museum Year of the Dragon Celebration. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon with students of the Chinese American International School (CAIS) presenting Chinese classical music and dances from Chinese ethnic minorities, ending with a playful lion dance arranged by the students. Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. Named one of the top 10 parades in the world, it will feature a 250-foot-long dragon. The festival dates back to the 1860's, and is considered the largest celebration of Chinese culture outside of Asia. Feb. 11, at 5:15 p.m. Starts at Market and Second Street, ends at Kearny and Jackson Street. Street viewing is free, grandstand seats are $30.

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