Disney Parks Celebrate Lunar New Year with Themed Merch, Food, a 'Mulan' Parade and More

The California theme park will hold festive celebrations of the multicultural holiday starting Friday

Published on January 15, 2020 02:41 PM

Disney Parks are gearing up for a major celebration of the Lunar New Year!

To ring in the new year — which is celebrated by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, and around the world on Saturday, Jan. 25 this year — Disney California Adventure Park will host a series of events and offer limited-time merchandise starting this Friday through Feb. 9.

Live entertainment lined up during the 24-day period includes nighttime water and light shows, plus a Mulan parade held several times a day. (Disney’s animated Mulan, which retells a historical Chinese legend, was released in 1998, with the studio’s live-action reimagining slated for release this March.)

For the procession, which will showcase dance and martial arts demonstrations, costumed characters will wear new celebration attire, including Goofy in his “god of Good Fortune” outfit, according to a Disney press release.

We’re heading into the year of the rat according to the Chinese zodiac, however Disney Parks are celebrating the “Year of the Mouse,” given its ubiquitous mascots, Mickey and Minnie.

Disneyland Resort in California welcomes a year of good fortune with Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney California Adventure from Jan. 17 – Feb. 9, 2020 — Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Exclusive merchandise tied to the multicultural festivities range from apparel to headwear and more. A limited edition Lunar New Year mug, bobble-head figure and keychain are among the many offerings.

Disney’s resorts in Hong Kong and Shanghai, which are also being transformed to celebrate the major holiday, will feature a collection of brand-new merch, including plush Disney characters in festive attire and home decor.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

This Lunar New Year Spirit Jersey can be found at Disney California Adventure Park as Disneyland Resort celebrates the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020 — Disneyland Resort

Lunar New Year Disneyland — Disneyland. Disneyland Resort

The festivities wouldn’t be complete, of course, without special food — menus throughout the parks will offer special dishes and treats during the season. Some of the items include a Mickey Chinese Hot Dog Bun, Firecracker Three Cup Chicken Wings and Pork Belly Egg Rolls.

Alcoholic beverages like Tsingtao, Hitachino Nest Beer and Orange Blossom Cocktail will also be available.

This smoked beef bulgogi short rib on rice cake can be found at Disney California Adventure Park as Disneyland Resort celebrates the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020 — Smoked Beef Bulgogi Short Rib, Disneyland. David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort

This mango mousse can be found at Disney California Adventure Park as Disneyland Resort celebrates the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020 — Mango Mousse, Disneyland. David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort

This char siu pork bao with barbecued pork, pickled red onions and jalapeño can be found at Disney California Adventure Park as Disneyland Resort celebrates the Year of the Mouse this Lunar New Year, Jan. 17 through Feb. 9, 2020 — Char Siu Pork Bao, Disneyland. David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort

“This unique Lunar New Year celebration comes alive with a touch of Disney magic as transformative Asian celebrations dedicate the new year,” states a Disneyland press release. “Guests will experience inspired food, music and entertainment with loved ones as they celebrate the Year of the Mouse together.”

The first of the zodiac animals, rats are culturally associated with wealth and surplus, and represent those born in the years 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020. Last year was the Year of the Pig.