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5 Chinese Lunar New Year Events in Vancouver

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Ring in the Year of the Monkey at one of these free celebrations around the city

By N Jawanda /

Credit: Facebook/International Village Mall

Celebrating Year of the Monkey 2016 at International Village Mall – February 11 to 14

International Village Mall’s New Year’s celebration is a four-day event that will showcase traditional Chinese spring festivities. For the kickoff, local politicians and celebrities will be in attendance for an eye-dotting ritual and lion dance. Throughout the festival, the mall will feature special New Year’s exhibitions and sales booths as well as a Chinese New Year Heritage Village on the upper level.

International Village Mall, 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver



Credit: LunarFest

LunarFest at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza – February 12 to 14

LunarFest is a weekend-long, family-friendly Chinese New Year’s festival showcasing a variety of events in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Check out musical performances, craft activities and Asian cuisine while browsing the interactive installations featuring monkey figurines. The festival is considered the premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture and aims to bring soul, art and life onto one stage.

Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver



Credit: Tourism Vancouver

Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre Chinese New Year Festival – February 13

Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre’s Chinese New Year’s celebration features programs and performances for all ages. This cultural event will include many activities, including drum lessons, a tea ceremony, meditation, Chinese calligraphy and lucky bracelet making.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dharma Drum Mountain Vancouver Centre, 8240 No. 5 Road, Richmond



Credit: Flickr/CarolBrowne

43rd Chinatown Spring Festival Parade – February 14

If you’re looking for an event to enjoy with the whole family, look no further than the 43rd annual Chinatown parade. This all-ages celebration will ring in the Year of the Monkey with multicultural dance groups, martial arts performances and various lion dances. The parade will feature the largest assembly of lion dance teams in the country and if you’d rather watch from home, the event will be broadcast live on Shaw TV Vancouver.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pender Street between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street



Credit: Vancouver Chinese Garden

The Year of the Monkey Temple Fair at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – February 14

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is presenting a traditional Chinese New Year complete with Chinese music and dance, martial arts performances and traditional Chinese games. The Year of the Monkey Temple Fair is meant to serve as an opportunity for the Chinese community to enjoy its culture and invite the public to participate in it.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver