I hope you’re hungry for noodles, because it’s time to celebrate Lunar New Year once again at Universal Studios Hollywood! The park is ushering in the Year of the Pig by hosting its usual impressive collection of character interactions and festive decorations inspired by the Asian holiday.
New for 2019 at Universal Studios Hollywood is Hello Kitty in her traditional Lunar New Year-style garb, joining Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda, the Minions from Despicable Me decked out for the occasion, and the always-imposing Mandarin-speaking Megatron from Transformers, all meeting in and around Universal Plaza– which is fully decked out in customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees.
Watch Lunar New Year tour and highlights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2019:
And of course, what visit to Universal Studios Hollywood during the Lunar New Year season would be complete without a visit to Mr. Ping’s noodle shop, which is once again welcoming visitors in the plaza? Mr. Ping, a very impressive puppet based on the character from the Kung Fu Panda series, is happy to chat with guests about whatever they please, but don’t be surprised if he tries to sell you some noodles.
Watch A Visit with Mr. Ping for Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood:
Two stage shows alternate in the main Lunar New Year performance area of the park: “Kung Fu Academy,” in which Po and friends teach a few young martial artists how to perform some basic moves, and “The Tale of Lunar New Year,” which teaches kids and families the story of how the holiday first came to be in Asian culture.
Watch “Kung Fu Academy” full show for Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood:
Watch “The Tale of Lunar New Year” full show at Universal Studios Hollywood:
Plus, guests can learn how to draw Kung Fu Panda characters at Feng the Palace Artist’s Studio, chow down on delicious culturally-themed food (such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls, and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles), and check out some park-exclusive Lunar New Year merchandise.
Adding to the beauty and excitement of this year’s Lunar New Year festivities are new traditional dance and martial arts cultural performances. Select dates and performers are as follows:
- February 9-10: Hangzhou Performance Groups
- February 16-17: Southern Wind Lion Dance
- February 18: Wong Tai Sen Lion Dance
Lunar New Year runs from now through Monday, February 18 at Universal Studios Hollywood. For more information be sure to visit the park’s official website.
More photos:
