A Lunar New Year in San Francisco has its own rhythm: lantern-lit streets, destination dining, and a city that knows how to turn cultural tradition into an evening worth dressing up for. The San Francisco Symphony’s 26th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration and Banquet at Davies Symphony Hall is one of the most polished ways to welcome the season—pairing a headline concert with a post-performance banquet that keeps the night moving long after the final note.
The Legacy
Now in its 26th year, the Symphony’s Lunar New Year celebration has become a signature San Francisco tradition—rooted in the city’s cultural heritage and expressed through a program designed for both longtime patrons and first-timers who want their “night out” to mean something. The format is intentionally expansive: arrive early for festivities, settle in for the concert, then continue into a banquet that feels like a private continuation of the celebration rather than an afterthought.
For Those Who Seek…
A celebration that’s elevated, not loud—where the sparkle comes from artistry, ceremony, and the simple luxury of a well-paced evening.
- A cultural anchor event to build a San Francisco weekend around
- A Lunar New Year outing that balances tradition with modern polish
- A dress-up night that ends with a real meal (not just applause)
- A refined alternative to street-parade energy—without losing the festive spirit
The Setting
Davies Symphony Hall sits at the edge of the Civic Center, an address that makes the evening feel immediately “occasion-worthy.” Inside, the atmosphere shifts from concert-hall grandeur to festive warmth as the Lunar New Year theme comes alive through lobby activity and celebratory touches that set the tone before guests ever take their seats.
The Evening Flow
This event is designed as a full arc—arrive early, linger, and let the night unfold in chapters rather than rushing in at curtain time.
- Festival and reception festivities begin in the late afternoon
- Concert follows as the centerpiece of the evening
- Post-concert banquet begins after the performance, extending the celebration into dinner
If you’re curating the night like a pro: plan to be there early, avoid tight dinner reservations elsewhere, and treat this as your entire evening—not a stop on the way to one.
The Music Moment
The concert is led by Mei-Ann Chen, with a Lunar New Year program created to reflect the season’s spirit—celebratory, ceremonial, and culturally resonant. Expect a performance that feels welcoming even if you’re not a weekly symphony guest, while still delivering the kind of excellence you came for.
The Banquet
After the concert, the evening transitions into a banquet held at Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall within Davies Symphony Hall. It’s a true continuation—guests moving from performance mode into social mode, with dining and festive elements that keep the Lunar New Year theme present through the end of the night.
What to expect from the banquet experience:
- A formal seated dinner setting with a celebratory tone
- A lively room—conversation-forward, polished, and communal
- Festive extras that make it feel like a “night,” not just a meal
What to Wear
Think elevated evening—San Francisco formal rather than black-tie strict.
- Cocktail attire is the safe sweet spot
- A subtle Lunar New Year accent (red, gold, silk, or a refined statement piece) fits the moment
- Bring a layer: the city’s evenings love a plot twist
The Practical Notes
A few details that make the difference between “nice night” and “nailed it”:
- Aim to arrive early for festivities rather than cutting it close to concert start
- If choosing packages, prioritize what matters most: best seats, reception access, or the full banquet experience
- Plan your transport: rideshare is easy, but post-event pickup can be busy—build in a few extra minutes
Keepsake
Lunar New Year is about intention—what you carry forward, what you leave behind, and how you begin again. In a city that celebrates culture with real depth, the Symphony’s Lunar New Year night offers a rare combination: artistry at the highest level, a setting that feels ceremonial, and a banquet that turns the celebration into something shared—unhurried, elegant, and memorable.
