Celebrate the 2012 Chinese New Year’s Celebration right here in Santa Clarita.

The Chinese Year of the Dragon officially starts on Monday January 23, but the free culture and educational event begins Sunday, January 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Santa Clarita Valley Chinese School, 28141 Kelly Johnson Parkway, on the site of the Albert Einstein Academy Charter School.

According to the SCV Chinese School, asian countries and people of Chinese descent worldwide celebrate the New Year not only with fireworks, dragon dances, lanterns and family feasts, but also with spiritual and social pride specifically associated with the Chinese Dragon.

Chinese Dragons symbolize potent, auspicious powers, strength and good luck. People are compared to the dragon for exceptional achievements and high social standings.

Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox.

The 2012 Chinese New Year’s Celebration cultural displays and hands-on activities include:

Traditional Music Instruments

Traditional Foods Showcase

Zodiacs, Puzzles, Stories

Games

Paper Lanterns

Chinese Calligraphy

Game: Drums and the red-flower

Arts, Literature

Performances

Photos/Video

Traditional clothes

Music and story

Door prizes

For more information call 661-505-8020, or click here.