Lunar New Year is a wonderful time to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of the diverse Asian Canadian communities in Vancouver and across BC! While official dates for the holiday vary by culture, for many, Lunar New Year is synonymous with the Chinese Spring Festival, which runs from Saturday, Jan. 29, 2025 for approximately 15 days. Whether you observe Korean New Year 'Seollal', Mongolia’s 'Tsagaan Sar', Vietnamese 'Tet', Indonesian 'Imlek', or Tibetan 'Losar Festival', there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy festivities in and around Vancouver. Take this chance to celebrate with family, and experience vibrant cultural events and activities!
Celebrate Lunar New Year In Metro Vancouver
VANCOUVER CHINATOWN SPRING FESTIVAL PARADE
February 22nd, 2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year together at the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, one of the city’s most beloved and vibrant family events. Recognized as one of Vancouver’s largest Council-designated civic parades — and the biggest Spring Festival celebration in Canada — this annual tradition brings generations together to honour culture, heritage, and community spirit. Marking its 52nd anniversary, the parade fills the streets of Chinatown with dazzling floats, traditional Chinese costumes, lion and dragon dances, and lively performances from musicians and dancers. It’s a joyful, high-energy experience that kids love, parents appreciate, and families return to year after year — a wonderful way to welcome the season, celebrate diversity, and make meaningful memories together.
Silk Road – Gateway Theatre
February 28, 2026
Embark on a vibrant cultural adventure with Silk Road at Gateway Theatre, a performance that brings history, movement, and community to life. Inspired by the ancient trade routes that connected continents and cultures, Silk Road blends storytelling, music, and dynamic stagecraft to take audiences on a journey across time and place. This family-friendly show encourages curiosity through rhythm, movement, and a celebration of shared human experience — making it a perfect outing for parents and kids who love arts, culture, and stories that open new worlds. With engaging performances and a heartfelt message of connection, Silk Road offers an unforgettable theatre experience that sparks conversation and imagination long after the curtain falls. Join the waitlist for tickets and updates.
There are many ways to get involved in the celebrations, including attending a parade, visiting a local cultural centre, participating in traditional activities, and enjoying delicious food and drink and more.
- The Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade is one of the largest and most popular events in the city to celebrate the holiday.
- Silk Road at Gateway Theatre, a vibrant, family-friendly performance that blends storytelling, music, and movement to celebrate culture, connection, and shared history across continents.
- Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Gardens Celebrate the Year of the Dragon and engage with fun events and programs happening across the university and in the community.
- Explore the Lantern City art installation on Granville Island.
- Celebrate Lunar New Year with a free family friendly event hosted by the Chinese Village Club at the Museum of Surrey. Enjoy traditional dance, music performances, flower & lantern paper cutting crafts, calligraphy activities and more!
- Take a self-guided tour of Chinatown.
- Visit a Chinese garden: Vancouver is home to several beautiful Chinese gardens, including the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Vancouver Chinese Garden Society Garden. These gardens offer a peaceful and serene escape from the city, and are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Enjoy Chinese food and drink: Chinese New Year is a great time to enjoy some traditional Chinese food and drink. Vancouver is home to many excellent Chinese restaurants, offering everything from dumplings and noodles to roasted meat and seafood. Check out the Dumpling Trail Tour in Richmond.
- The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver in Vancouver offer a range of educational and cultural programs related to Chinese culture and history.
There are so many great experiences in Metro Vancouver! Enjoy!
Wondering what to do with the kids in Metro Vancouver this weekend, or what to make for dinner? You can find it at HealthyFamilyLiving.com! From the Sunshine Coast to the Fraser Valley, we’re the best online resource for busy parents looking for practical tips for healthy, active, sustainable living. For the latest on family events, outdoor adventures, birthday parties, camps & classes and kid-approved recipes, follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our parent-approved e-newsletter!
