Chinese New Year 2025 in Vancouver

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in Vancouver with lion dances, colorful parades, vibrant street fairs, and the Lunar Fest, a massive cultural event. Celebrations start in Vancouver's historic Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year Parade, which has been held by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver since 1979.

LunarFest (January 27–February 2, 2025)

LunarFest is a signature Vancouver annual event that happens around Lunar New Year at various locations, such as Jack Poole Plaza and Granville Island. This year, the theme of the festival embraces diversity and is known as "Fluidity in Diversity”. The festival features art displays and various family-friendly activities and entertainment, blending together many Asian cultures: Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The highlights of the festival include a Lantern City exhibit, an Artist Market, and a cultural performance at the Orpheum Theatre. LunarFest Concert kicks off the program on January 27, while Artist Market is set to span on February 1-2.

Additionally, you have a chance to witness numerous short films and public art installations throughout the city of Vancouver as part of the annual LNY Splash event. Don't forget to unleash your inner foodie and take advantage of the special offers throughout Chinatown. Many ethnic Chinese go to have a Lunar New Year Banquet at local restaurants that include live entertainment.

Lantern City (January 27–February 21, 2025)

Spanning during the LunarFest, Lantern City offers a vibrant display of installations, placed in various points of Vancouver, including Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, Robson Plaza, Granville Island, Bentall Centre, and Pendulum Gallery. Created by various international and local artists, art displays feature themes of diversity, community, and a variety of cultural backgrounds. While most outdoor exhibits are available throughout the entire day, exhibits in Pendulum Gallery and Bentall Centre can only be seen during the operating hours of the venues.

Chinatown Parade (February 2, 2025)

Every year, the massive Lunar New Year Parade draws over 50,000 people. Around 3,000 dancers, musicians, and performers take part in the procession, known for its largest lion dance team in Canada. This event aims to celebrate the diversity of cultural backgrounds in Vancouver, embrace the traditions and customs of Asian cultures, and make new connections in the community. The procession usually marches down West Pender under the Chinatown Millennium Gate, then goes up Gore Street, and then returns to Keefer. The parade normally runs from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

The Spring Festival & Cultural Fair at Sun Yat-sen Plaza in Chinatown follows the parade. You may also want to stop by at Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which holds a lantern display. Chinatown's International Village shopping center at 88 West Pender Street is visited by 150,000 during the three days of Lunar New Year festivities. It features live performances, dance, and children's activities.