Where to Stay Near the Chinese New Year Parade: Hotel Julian, San Francisco

Each winter, San Francisco lights up with firecrackers, lion dancers, red lanterns, and the joyful sounds of celebration as the Chinese New Year Parade winds through downtown streets. Recognized as one of the largest Lunar New Year parades outside of Asia, this cherished tradition blends history, spectacle, and community in dazzling fashion.

For those planning to attend, Hotel Julian offers a stylish and convenient stay just blocks from the action—an artful downtown retreat where the spirit of the city meets the serenity of a boutique hotel.

About the Chinese New Year Parade

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade dates back to the 1860s and remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the event welcomes over 1 million spectators annually and features over 100 entries—including martial arts troupes, elaborate floats, traditional dancers, and the legendary Golden Dragon, which stretches over 280 feet.

???? When it Happens:

The parade typically takes place on a Saturday evening in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2025, the parade is expected to occur on Saturday, February 8, celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Parade highlights:

• Vibrant lion and dragon dances

• Chinese marching bands and stilt walkers

• Firecracker shows and nighttime spectacle

• Parade route runs through Union Square and Chinatown, making nearby hotels highly sought after

This is one of the most anticipated Lunar New Year events in the United States, drawing international visitors and locals alike.

Hotel Julian: A Boutique Hotel Near San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade

If you're searching for a hotel near the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco, Hotel Julian offers the perfect location—just steps from Union Square, near the parade route, and a short stroll to Chinatown.

Why parade-goers choose Hotel Julian:

• Prime downtown location, close to viewing spots along Market Street and Post Street

• A quiet, design-forward refuge from the bustling crowds

• Carlotta’s Cocktail and Wine Bar—ideal for toasting the New Year before or after the festivities

• Exhibit A, our rotating outdoor sculpture series, adds another layer of visual storytelling

While the parade celebrates history, Julian gives you a modern perspective—with soft lighting, textured materials, and an atmosphere made for reflection.

Celebrate and Stay in Style

Spend your day exploring Chinatown’s temples, bakeries, and Lunar New Year markets. Watch the dragons twist and drums thunder. Then come home to Hotel Julian, where the night settles into moody elegance and warm conversation.

Planning Your Lunar New Year Getaway?

Rooms sell out quickly for Chinese New Year weekend in San Francisco. If you're wondering where to stay for the Chinese New Year Parade, Hotel Julian offers a beautifully located, culturally attuned stay right in the heart of the city.

Book your stay at Hotel Julian—where the celebration continues long after the last firecracker fades.