Celebrate the New Year: Chinese Style
This year’s Chinese or Lunar New Year is Sunday, February 10. Don’t worry if you are away celebrating BC’s inaugural Family Day long weekend because most of the festivities to mark the Year of the Snake start next week. Here are our top picks for family-friendly events in Van city.
The CIBC LunarFest at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, which runs February 15 to 17, has been a family favourite since 2009. Head down early to get a limited edition Lantern Hat, visit the lantern jungle and join the dumpling fest, all while enjoying some live, traditional music.
The Chinese Benevolent Association has produced our Chinese New Year Parade annually and this year’s 40th parade is Sunday, February 17, starting at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street at 11 am. With over 3,000 performers participating, the parade will run for over two and a half hours. Parking will be a challenge, so we recommend using public transit.
After the parade, head to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden to enjoy the Year of the Snake Temple Fair. Join in traditional Chinese games, face painting and noodle making, receive a lucky red envelope, take in the exhibits, eat and listen to live music’and of course, tour the gardens.
Don’t let this cultural celebration pass by with a flimsy fortune cookie. Ring in the Lunar New Year in style at these 5 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Vancouver‘Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Tested by Michelle T., Vancouver
