South Coast Plaza opens Lunar New Year celebration

South Coast Plaza is going whole hog to mark Lunar New Year with 2½ weeks of cultural events, entertainment and activities ringing in the Year of the Pig.

The Costa Mesa mall’s ninth annual celebration began Thursday evening and included performances from China’s Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, virtual “wishing tree” displays and the official unveiling of a holiday centerpiece in Jewel Court, featuring eight flying pig figures swooping over another swine nestled in an ornate pagoda.

“South Coast Plaza continues to elevate the Lunar New Year retail celebration,” center spokeswoman Debra Gunn Downing said in a statement. “Visitors have made it an annual tradition to come to us for exclusive and culturally relevant experiences.”

The holiday festivities continue through Feb. 18. Planned activities include traditional performances such as the lion dance, lantern making, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and a photo exhibit from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles.

Some stores and restaurants in the center will hold special events and promotions for the holiday.

South Coast Plaza is at 3333 Bristol St. For more information about the planned exhibits, entertainment and promotions, visit southcoastplaza.com/lunar-new-year.