Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10 in 2024, is a grand celebration for East and Southeast Asian cultures. Here in Metro Vancouver, locals and tourists have been immersed in the celebration by joining the annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival parade and attending events across the region.

Every year marks the transition between zodiac signs. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, so you may see a lot of this figure wherever you choose to celebrate.

Hop on transit and we’ll take you to Lunar New Year events in Metro Vancouver where you can do your annual traditions, reunite with family and friends, learn about East and Southeast Asian cultures, reconnect/try delicacies, and meet new people.

Taking transit is the best way to get to these events as they’re so close to your bus stop or SkyTrain station. Plus, you get to save on gas, parking fees, and the hassle of finding parking.

Don’t have a Compass Card? No problem! You can pick one up at a Compass Retailer or Compass Vending Machine near you, or tap your contactless Interac debit/credit card to pay for your fare. Want to drive and take transit? Sure! Park at one of our Park and Ride locations and take transit from there. The day rate ranges between $2-4! Want to cycle too? Sure! We have several bike parking options that are near transit, including our Bike Parkade and Bike Lockers.

Now that you’ve got your transportation planned out, time to head out to these transit-friendly Lunar New Year events this February! Use our Trip Planner to find your best route to these locations.

Vancouver

Taste of Chinatown!

Nothing is better than starting the new year with tender butter beef or a delicious steamed dai bao. You can find both savoury dishes at Taste of Chinatown! This three-day festival features specialty foods and family-friendly events across 16 blocks of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

• 📅 When: February 9 – 11
• 📍 Where: Chinatown, Vancouver. Activities will take place around neighbouring streets.
• 🚆 Transit: Expo line to Stadium—Chinatown Station

The 50^th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival (Lunar New Year Parade)

The iconic parade will cover a distance of 1.3 kilometres starting at the Millennium Gate, featuring the iconic dragon dance teams, lion troupe dances and more.

P.S. Look out for the TransLink team (and our Lunar New Year bus) at the parade and take one of the red envelopes our team is handing out!

 

• 📅 When: Sunday, February 11. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and will run for approximately 3 hours.
• 📍 Where: The parade will kick off at Millennium Gate in Chinatown, proceeding along East Pender Street, Gore Street, and concluding at the intersection of Keefer Street and Carrall Street.
• 🚆 Transit: Expo Line to Stadium—Chinatown Station

Richmond

Aberdeen Centre 2024 Lunar Year

From stalls filled with flowers to a photo booth featuring the God of Fortune, Aberdeen Centre is the place to immerse yourself in this unique celebration. On February 9, the mall will stay open for a New Year Countdown.

• 📅 When: February 2 – 11
• 📍 Where: Aberdeen Centre
• 🚆 Transit: Canada Line to Aberdeen Station

Blessing Ceremony and Lion Dance

Enjoy a mesmerizing lion performance that is believed to bring fortune to everyone watching. This event is open to all ages.

• 📅 When: February 10 at 3:30 p.m.
• 📍 Where: River Rock Casino Resort
• 🚆 Transit: Canada Line to Bridgeport Station

Burnaby

Lunar New Year at Metrotown

Buy gifts, win prizes, and enjoy lion dances and guzheng performances.

• 📅 When: Now until February 24
• 📍 Where: Metropolis at Metrotown
• 🚆 Transit: Expo Line to Metrotown Station

 Coquitlam

Lunar New Year Market 2024 Henderson Place Mall

The shopping mall ushers in the year of the dragon with works of local artisans, performances, and lucky draws.

• 📅 When: Now until February 11
• 📍 Where: Henderson Place Mall
• 🚆 Transit: Millennium Line to Lincoln Station

Surrey

Lunar New Year Celebration Museum of Surrey

This free event will feature martial arts performances, lantern-making, calligraphy, and more.

• 📅 When: February 24
• 📍 Where: Museum of Surrey
• 🚆 Transit: Multiple routes can take you there, including the 342 Newton Exchange/Langley Centre and 370 Cloverdale/Willowbrook. Find your best route using our Trip Planner.

What are your favourite Lunar New Year events in Metro Vancouver to attend, and why?