Costa Mesa, CA (February 14, 2026) – South Coast Plaza officially welcomed the Year of the Horse on February 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of its Lunar New Year centerpiece in Jewel Court. The celebration runs through March 1, 2026.
The opening ceremony began with a traditional lion dance performance. Guests participated in the customary “feeding of the lion” ritual, a symbolic Lunar New Year tradition representing the offering of good fortune, prosperity and abundance for the year ahead.
A formal ribbon-cutting marked the debut of the exhibit and the launch of South Coast Plaza’s Lunar New Year festivities. Tenley Zinke, the newly appointed Executive Director of Marketing of South Coast Plaza, and Debra Gunn Downing, the former marketing director of South Coast Plaza, welcomed the guests and cut the ribbon together.
VIP Guests attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony included: Wang Taiyu, Counselor of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles; Song Hwan Kwon, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles; Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley; and Brian Chuan, Senior Marketing Director of South Coast Plaza.
During the ceremony, the majestic Year of the Horse installation dramatically rose into a rearing stance atop sculpted clouds, symbolizing strength, ambition and forward momentum.
The mechanically animated sculpture was crafted by an award-winning Rose Parade float builder, incorporating floral materials, botanical artistry, kinetic movement and LED imagery to create a dynamic and immersive display.
Additional festivities include a photo exhibit, children’s crafts, gift-with-purchase offerings and enter-to-win promotions, providing guests with engaging experiences throughout the celebration period.
About South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza defines the luxury shopping experience with extraordinary boutiques, personal shopping services and upscale amenities, all within close proximity to Southern California’s renowned beaches and resorts. An international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to more than 230 boutiques and 30 restaurants, including Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci and Cartier, as well as critically acclaimed restaurants and the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts, offering a world-class destination for shopping, dining and the arts.
