Lunar New Year events are taking place in venues ranging from theme parks to neighborhoods.

Universal Studios Hollywood in California hosts a "Year of the Ram" celebration through Feb. 28 at Universal Plaza, which is being decorated with red lanterns and animal symbols of the Chinese zodiac. A character from the park’s Transformers ride, Megatron, will appear at certain times for a daily meet-and-greet with guests in Mandarin. The event will also include Asian-inspired treats and music.

Elsewhere in California, San Francisco hosts a Chinese New Year festival that dates to the 1860s, including a nighttime illuminated parade March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Stockton’s Chinese New Year festival takes place March 1, while in Los Angeles the city’s Chinatown hosts an event Feb. 21. In San Diego a Chinese New Year food and cultural fair takes place Saturday and Feb. 22 downtown, and the Tet Festival will be held Friday through Feb. 22 at Qualcomm Stadium.

New York is home to three Chinatowns: one in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, another in Flushing, Queens, and the best known in Lower Manhattan. The neighborhoods are lined with Asian restaurants and shops and will be hosting holiday events large and small. The city’s tourism agency, NYC & Company, offers information about all three areas at www.nycgo.com/nxn.

In Las Vegas a Chinese New Year celebration and spring festival will be held Friday and Saturday at the LINQ Promenade, which offers open-air shopping, dining and entertainment. Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens hosts a Lunar New Year display now through March 14.