South Coast Plaza to celebrate Lunar New Year

South Coast Plaza will ring in the Lunar New Year a week in advance with a variety of entertainment, promotions and traditional music in the Costa Mesa retail center’s Jewel Court.

The mall’s 10-day celebration of the Year of the Ram, which officially begins Feb. 19, will start Thursday with a display depicting three rams in a hilltop setting intended to reflect the Chinese saying, “Three rams bring bliss, good fortune and happiness.”

The floral exhibit, surrounded by blossoming orange trees, is being installed in front of the interior entrance of Macy’s department store.

“Every year we come to see the different decorations,” said Tony Dao, who was shopping Monday at South Coast Plaza with his wife. “We like watching the progress.”

A private opening ceremony Thursday will include a ribbon-cutting with Liu Jian, consul-general of China in Los Angeles.

Also planned is an exhibit titled “China’s Silk Road,” featuring photographs of the trade passage that played a role in bringing together Eastern and Western cultures and promoting commercial and trade contacts. The presentation, by the Xinhua Gallery and the China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles, can be viewed during regular mall hours.

Entertainment will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Feb. 21 and 22 at Jewel Court.

Children can participate in entertainment and crafts from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Carousel Court.

South Coast Plaza is at 3333 Bristol St. For more information, call (714) 435-8571 or visit southcoastplaza.com.

—Kathleen Luppi