The Chinese Lunar New Year takes place this Sunday, Feb. 10 and is regarded as the longest and most important celebration of the year in Chinese culture.

This Lunar Year is the Year Of The Snake, which represent the 6th spot on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Those born in this animal’s year are said to be wise, charming, gregarious, introverted, generous, and smart. Past years include 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, and 2001, and famous figures born during the Year of the Snake includes Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Audry Hepburn and Bob Dylan.

In honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year this Sunday, we found a few celebrations happening around Los Angeles that brings the spirit of this traditional Chinese holiday to the City of Angels.

Traditional New Year Kick-Off Ceremony at Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown

The Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown will open the Year Of The Snake with traditional activities like incense offerings, Taoist and Buddhist monks, dragon dancers and 550,000 firecrackers on the eve of the New Year.

• When: Saturday, Feb 9, 2013, 11 pm
• Where: Thien Hau Temple, 750-756 N Yale St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Cost: Free
• Info: chinatownla.com

Lunar New Year at Disneyland

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Happiest Place on Earth will feature traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese musicians and dancers in front of “It’s A Small World” ride. There will also be a Chinese New Year Procession led by Disney Princess Mulan multiple times a day.

• When: February 8-11, 2013, 10 am – 5 pm
• Where: Disneyland
• Cost: Standard Disneyland Admission
• Info: disneyland.disney.go.com/events/lunar-new-year/

114th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown

L.A.’s biggest Chinese New Year celebration, this two-day fest in Chinatown features a colorful parade with dancers and of course a visit by the bright dragon to ring in the Lunar New Year. Grand Marshals in the parade include Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

• Where: Parade route goes north on Hill from Ord to Bernard, then south on Broadway to Cesar Chavez.
• Cost: Free to view from the street, $25 grandstand tickets available, festival is free.
• Info: www.lagoldendragonparade.com or chinatownla.com

The Chinese American Museum Lantern Festival at Olvera Street

Enjoy free entrance to the Chinese American Museum plus live entertainment throughout the day, including lion dancers, acrobatics, dance performances and craft workshops.

• When: Saturday, March 2, 2013, Noon-7 PM
• Where: 425 Los Angeles Street at El Pueblo Historic Site/Olvera Street
• Cost: Free
• Info: www.camla.org