Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated and impressive yearly events in Metro Vancouver. As an important celebration in the East and Southeast Asian cultures, there are hosts of events across the region that you can take transit to!

Celebrating the Lunar New Year comes with many symbolisms.

It’s the Year of the Rabbit in 2023 and this zodiac symbolizes longevity and peace in Chinese culture. At some events, you’ll witness a dragon or lion dance performance to drive away evil spirits and welcome blessings, as well as the giving of red envelopes for good luck and delicacies like “nian gao” — which translates to new year cake — for prosperity and promotion.

Make sure to take transit and wear red — the colour of luck — to these events!

Vancouver

Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade

Join over 3,000 participants to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the heart of Chinatown in downtown Vancouver. Look out for the TransLink team at the parade as we are handing out red envelopes with a little surprise inside!

• ? When: January 22. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
• ? Where: Various locations throughout Chinatown
• ? Transit: Expo Line to Stadium—Chinatown Station
• ? Admission: Free

Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with unique performances, arts and crafts, mouthwatering food, and a new exhibit to visit at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden.

• ? When: January 21 and 22, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• ? Where: Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St
• ? Transit: Expo Line to Stadium—Chinatown Station
• ? Admission: Starting at $11.98. Children ages 5 or younger enter for free. Purchase tickets online and skip the lineup!

LunarFest Celebrations

Celebrate Lunar New Year at LunarFest Celebrations with family-friendly workshops from the diverse communities of Vancouver.

• ? When: January 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• ? Where: Ocean Artworks on Granville Island. See the schedule for dates.
• ? Transit: 50 South False Creek via Granville Island/Waterfront Station
• ? Admission: Free

Lunar New Year puppet show at Vancouver Public Library (Kensington Branch)

Celebrate Lunar New Year with puppets, stories, songs, and crafts at Vancouver Public Library. This event is open to kids of all ages!

• ? When: January 17 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• ? Where: 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver
• ? Transit: 25 UBC/Brentwood Station
• ? Admission: Free

Burnaby

Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown

Metropolis at Metrotown invites you to their Lunar New Year celebration featuring performances, craft demonstrations and workshops, and a chance to win one of three lucky $888 gift cards!

• ? When: January 22 – February 5, during Metrotown Mall’s hours of operation.
• ? Where: Grand Court at Metropolis at Metrotown
• ? Transit: Expo Line to Metrotown Station
• ? Admission: Free

Lunar New Year at The Amazing Brentwood

The Amazing Brentwood will host a spectacular lion dance and give away complimentary treats and red envelopes.

• ? When: January 21 from 12 – 2 p.m.
• ? Where: 4567 Lougheed Highway (Interior Centre)
• ? Transit: Millennium Line to Brentwood Town Centre, 130 Metrotown Station/Kootenay Loop/Phibbs Exchange
• ? Admission: Free

Coquitlam

Lunar New Year at Coquitlam Centre

This family-friendly event at Coquitlam Centre features a lion dance performance, arts and crafts, and a chance to win a Lunar New Year-themed prize pack.

• ? When: Noon – 4 p.m. on January 21
• ? Where: Coquitlam Centre (Centre Court)
• ? Transit: Millennium Line to Lincoln Station
• ? Admission: Free

North Vancouver

North Shore Multicultural Lunar New Year Gala

This Lunar New Year Gala in North Vancouver features performances from the West Vancouver Youth Band.

• ? When: January 28 from 7 – 9:30 p.m.
• ? Where: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue
• ? Transit: 229 Lynn Valley/Lonsdale Quay, 230 Upper Lonsdale/Lonsdale Quay
• ? Admission: Between $25 – $50

West Vancouver

Celebrating Lunar New Year through music

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in West Vancouver with a festive and melodic concert featuring music that blends Eastern & Western musical traditions, featuring the virtuosic & evocative Chinese two-stringed violin, known as the “erhu.”

• ? When: January 24 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
• ? Where: Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave.
• ? Transit: 250 Dundarave/Vancouver/Horshoebay, 255 Dundarave/Capilano University
• ? Admission: Between $18 – $22

Richmond

Lunar New Year at Lansdowne Centre

The Lunar New Year celebration at Lansdown Centre features a Lion Dance, a visit from the Money God, Chinese opera and folk dance and other traditional performances. There are also booths to learn Korean pottery and calligraphy.

• ? When: January 28 from 12 – 4:30 p.m.
• ? Where: Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Rd
• ? Transit: Canada Line to Lansdowne Station,
• ? Admission: Free