From lion dances to cultural fairs, discover the best community events in San Diego to welcome the Year of the Snake.

When Lunar New Year kicks off on Jan. 29, events will be held throughout San Diego to mark the year of the snake in the Chinese and Vietnamese zodiac calendars.

SeaWorld San Diego's Lunar New Year celebration. Courtesy photo SeaWorld San Diego  announced it will host its annual Lunar New Year over two weekends

The Year of the Snake is upon us as communities across the Bay Area celebrate Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year and Tet. Here’s just a sampling of ways to join in the celebrations.

Whether you want to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Giant Pandas, or watch Lion Dances, San Diego has various events to honor the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29, beginning the start of a new lunar cycle. The celebration period of Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the year and ends on the date of the first full moon.

Three local restaurants are serving up special menus and lively celebrations during the Lunar New Year holiday that begins Jan. 29.

For some, the new year begins as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31. Throughout East and Southeast Asian countries and the respective diaspora, however, the new year starts with the first new moon.

Mobius will also host a "Year of the Wood Snake" headband craft activity, and Panda Express will also host a coloring activity.

Lunar New Year, which is being celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 29 this year, is a more than 2-week long celebration and will mark the transition into the Year of the Snake. Here are some events around the DMV that will be celebrating the Year of the Snake.