Categories: Things To Do

Year of the Dragon: Here’s how you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in & around Vancouver

It’s almost time to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and we couldn’t be more excited to ring in the Year of the Dragon on Saturday, February 10th. From the return of the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade to a special dim sum menu at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, here’s how you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in and around Vancouver in 2024.

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade

Photo via Shutterstock

While the website for the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival is not yet updated with 2024 info, the organizers have confirmed that a festival and parade will ring in the Year of the Dragon on Sunday, February 11th, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Chinese Freemasons Vancouver Branch, and Shon Yee Benevolent Association of Canada.

Stay tuned for more info as it comes, including the 50th annual parade route.

When: Sunday, February 11th
Where: 108 East Pender Street
Cost: Free

Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown

From live cultural performances and craft workshops, to shopping rewards, there’s plenty going on in celebration of the Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown. From February 9th to 24th, shoppers can ring in the Year of the Dragon.

Here are just a few of the festivities you can take part in:

  • Enjoy a Lion Dance performance at 10 am on February 14th
  • Join a culinary workshop on February 17th (11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm)
  • Make your own Lantern Festival décor on February 23th (12 pm – 2 pm)
  • Spend $288 and receive a $25 gift card and a gift (February 9th to 24th)

When: February 9th to 24th
Where:  Metropolis at Metrotown

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Oakridge Park’s Lunar New Year Celebration – Fairmont Pacific Rim

Photo via Fairmont Pacific Rim

Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim is celebrating the occasion with the annual Oakridge Park Lunar New Year celebration, featuring an exclusive dim sum menu available at The Lobby Lounge & RawBar, courtesy of Mott 32. The menu will feature a tasty selection of traditional dim sum creations including dumplings, delicate steamed buns, and crispy spring rolls – all available from January 25th to February 25th.

As well, the hotel and Oakridge Park will transform into a dazzling exhibition with themed decor spanning from the lobby to The Pacific Gallery, where there will be a self-serve Lunar New Year portrait studio.

When: January 25th to February 25th
Where: 1038 Canada Place

Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden

Leading up to the Lunar New Year, the UBC Botanical Garden is hosting a special market to honour the occasion, complete with lion dances, kung fu performances by UBC’s Kung Fu Club, sweet dumplings, and calligraphy workshops. As well, visitors can peruse fresh flowers for sale and over 30 local vendors – including food trucks.

The Lunar New Year Market will take place from 10 am to 4 pm at the garden’s Reception Centre.

When: February 3rd and 4th
Where: 6804 South West Marine Drive
Cost: $8.88

The Flame: Lunar New Year Edition

For one night in celebration of the Lunar New Year, Gateway Theatre is hosting “The Flame: Lunar New Year Edition,” a special storytelling performance featuring award-winning actor Deborah Wiliams, live musicians, and other talented local storytellers.

The performance consists of themes of family and new beginnings, told mostly in English – as well as songs in the storyteller’s mother tongue.

When: February 10th, 7:30 pm
Where: 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond, Studio B
Cost: $25

And that’s a wrap on some exciting ways to ring in the new lunar year and celebrate the occasion this month. Gong xi fa cai, everyone!

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