Chinese New Year Activities in the Peninsula

Next week, Chinese New Year celebrations begin for the Year of the Dragon. Here's a rundown of nearby festivals and celebrations.

The San Francisco Botanical Gardens Society invites people to its 13th annual festival, feautiring flowers, flowers and more flowers. It will also include classical stringed instruments, lion dancers and a puppet show from the Chinese Historical Society. Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Francisco County Fair Building on 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way. Free admission.

The  will be held Jan. 29 near Millbrae City Hall and includes performances, a street fair, a ping pong tournament and food vendors. Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of Millbrae City Hall, 621 Magnolia Ave, Millbrae, CA. Free.

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.

 on will present a Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve Celebration that will feature presentations from arts and cultural groups throughout the Bay Area. The event will be held Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lagoon Room of the Recreation Center. Admission is free.

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.