Chinese New Year 2024 in Vancouver
One of the biggest celebrations in Canada
Dates: February 9–11, 2024
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 at Vancouver's historic Chinatown with the annual Chinese New Year Parade, which has been held by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver since 1979.
Chinatown Parade (February 11, 2024, unconfirmed)
Every year the massive Lunar New Year Parade draws over 50,000 people. 3,000 dancers, musicians, and performers take part in the procession, known for its largest lion dance team in Canada. The procession marches down West Pender under the Chinatown Millennium gate, then it goes up Gore Street and then returns to Keefer. The parade 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.
LunarFest (February 9, 2024)
LunarFest is another signature Vancouver annual event that happens around Lunar New Year at various locations, such as Jack Poole Plaza and Granville Island. 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 and a cultural performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
Don't forget to unleash your inner foodie and take advantage of the special offers throughout Chinatown. Many ethnic Chinese go to have a New Year Banquet at local restaurants that include live entertainment.