Celebrate the “Year of the Rat” at Universal Studios Hollywood as the annual Lunar New Year event returns to the park from Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, February 9.

The celebration will take place within Universal Plaza. Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.

Guests with birthday years that correspond with the “Year of the Rat” are said to be intelligent, witty and charming.

The event will feature the return of Lunar New Year favorites, such as Po and Tigress, Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop, Mandarin-speaking Megatron, as well as Hello Kitty and the Minions dressed in Lunar New Year attire.

The world-famous Studio Tour is available in Mandarin at select times throughout the day. Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides, the experience provides insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world. In-language park maps are also available for guests.

Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant which features upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premier restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

Lunar New Year is Included in the Price of Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Be sure to stick with Inside Universal for this year’s Lunar New Year celebration and more from Universal Parks & Resorts.