Ring in the Year of the Horse with Celebrations

Ring in the Year of the Horse with Celebrations at The Market Place, Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum, and more — Where Good Fortune Awaits

Featuring 15 days full of activities, including traditional lion dancing, family-friendly workshops, a lively night market showcasing K-pop DJs, a spectacular drone show, and cultural demonstrations across Irvine Company Retail Properties

IRVINE, CA (January 23, 2026) — In celebration of Lunar New Year, Irvine Company Retail Properties welcomes the Year of the Horse with a 15-day lineup of cultural programming, community performances, and culinary delights. From February 17 to March 3, select retail centers transform into festive destinations where good fortune awaits, featuring a variety of offerings including traditional lion dancers, art installations, and additional family-friendly moments designed to honor the season.

A notable addition to this year’s highly anticipated and beloved celebration is the innovative and friendly helper “Ask Chitu.” Utilizing AI technology, Ask Chitu is available to use online and at select celebration events, providing visitors personalized recommendations on shopping, dining and activities. The platform also showcases a playful spin on a personality quiz with “Find Your Festive Flavor.” By simply answering a few questions, Ask Chitu will reveal a curated Festive Flavor profile, where users receive customized celebration profiles. For example, a user may be titled a “Dumpling,” which includes a description of how you’d celebrate Lunar New Year: “You skip the loud crowds to build a sanctuary of comfort.” Each result features eateries, products, events, and your perfect flavor partner.

Honoring the culture and legacy of many cherished retailers and business owners throughout the popular centers, several outstanding merchants are highlighted in this year’s programming, showcasing their immense pride for their community, as well as commitment to offering deeply meaningful services and experiences. Featured merchants include Stephanie Lin, owner of KESTAN at Irvine Spectrum Center, Ryan Yang and Rina Zhang, founders of Orange Market Tableware at Culver Plaza, and Khanh Mong, co-owner of Junbi Matcha & Tea at Culver Plaza, among others.

The Market Place
2961 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92782

• EVENT: From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, witness a Golden Gathering featuring lion dancing, traditional entertainment, martial arts and a variety of multigenerational activities.
• DINING: Discover a large variety of flavorful cuisine, including 399 Vietnamese Kitchen, BenGong’s Tea, Class 302 Tea Cafe, EverSpring Modern Chinese, I Can Barbecue Korean Grill, JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings, Panda Express, Sushi Rev, and more.
• PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Tustin’s and Irvine’s community hub for shopping, dining and family-friendly experiences, The Market Place honors one of the most poetic symbols of Lunar New Year — the lantern. Symbolizing continuity, love and harmony, bask in the glow of the illuminated installation at Paradise Park near Regal Edwards, as it lights the way to good fortune and a prosperous spring.
• NEW OPENING: Attendees can savor authentic Cantonese flavors at the recently opened Palette Dim Sum, combining modern ingredients and a local atmosphere, featuring traditional classics and fresh seafood, including xiao long bao, live Dungeness crab, and Maine lobster.

Neighborhood and Community Centers
Throughout Irvine, CA

• EVENT: From 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, a Lunar New Year Night Market takes over the Woodbury Town Center, featuring a variety of 20+ culinary booths offering delicious tastings from your favorite restaurants, lively music from K-pop DJs, and a spectacular drone show that lights up the night sky.
• DINING: Experience epicurean delights from Pho Tasia (Parkview Center), Junbi Matcha & Tea (Culver Plaza), Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar (Cypress Village Shopping Center), Bag of Cakes (Cypress Village Shopping Center), and Bopomofo Cafe (Alton Square).
• PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: At Woodbridge Village Center, visitors can set their intentions for the new year at the serene Wishing Wall and discover picture-perfect moments at the Lunar New Year-decorated pergola within Culver Plaza.

Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660

• EVENT: Celebrate Lunar New Year from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at the Fire Horse Wishing Workshop within the Garden of Good Fortune. The event, located near Nordstrom, will transport attendees to a sanctuary adorned by olive trees. Enjoy live calligraphy demonstrations presented by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, cultural crafting activities, including bracelet-making to inspire intentions, and a traditional lion dance performance. In addition, discover a unique pop-up experience titled, "Chinese New Year: Discover Winter China,” sponsored by the China National Tourist Office Los Angeles, located within the Fashion Island Hideaway in between Nordstrom and Macy's.
• DINING: Orange County’s premier open-air shopping and dining destination, Fashion Island in Newport Beach invites visitors to taste bold flavors with inventive offerings at Hana Grill, Happy Lemon, Kaleido Rolls, Mochinut, Panda Express, P.F. Chang’s, and Sushi Roku.
• SHOP-AND-STAY PACKAGE: Welcome the Lunar New Year with a luxurious coastal escape at VEA Newport Beach and exclusive shopping benefits at Fashion Island. Enjoy a $100 Fashion Island gift card to indulge in your favorite brands, along with a festive welcome gift bag from Fashion Island upon check-in. Enhance your stay with a $50 resort credit to savor exceptional dining. Some restrictions may apply. To book, please visit veanewportbeach.com.

Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618

• EVENT: A grand spectacle and community favorite, A Festival of Tradition returns from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, featuring over 15 traditional performances courtesy of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, including lion and dragon dancers, drum teams, chorale, and martial arts demonstrations.
• DINING: While strolling through the scenic atmosphere, visitors have a wide selection of delicious dining options, including 85°C Bakery Cafe, The Alley, Blk Dot Coffee, Hello Kitty Cafe, J&G Fried Chicken, Kalbi Social Club, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, Little Sister, Manaao Thai Comfort Food (opening soon), Panda Express, Pepper Lunch, P.F. Chang’s, Pho Saigon Pearl, Robata Wasa, Somi Somi, and Silverlake Ramen.
• PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: The epicenter for entertainment in Southern California, Irvine Spectrum Center decorates the bustling Regal Courtyard with a stunning display of orange trees, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in the Lunar New Year, and encourages visitors to capture memories within this festive photo opportunity.
• COMING SOON: Get ready for the arrival of buzzworthy Din Tai Fung, coming soon to Irvine Spectrum Center, and serving acclaimed Taiwanese cuisine to foodies and hungry shoppers alike.

For more information on Lunar New Year celebrations, as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment across Irvine Company Retail Properties, please visit GoodFortuneOC.com. 

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About Irvine Company Retail Properties
Since opening its first neighborhood retail center in 1963, Irvine Company Retail Properties has created a renowned portfolio of retail destinations throughout coastal California, featuring three distinguished regional centers – Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, and The Market Place – and a diverse collection of more than 40 neighborhood and community centers. Irvine Company’s retail destinations are noted for their exceptional locations, open-air ambiance and trend-forward collection of retailers and dining experiences. For additional information, please visit IrvineCompanyRetail.com.