The lunar new year is celebrated on Jan. 29 for this year and 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The date of the lunar new year differs each year, beginning somewhere around the end of January or beginning of February. Below is a list of events taking place around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland to celebrate the occasion.
Photo by iStock2025 Lunar New Year Gala In Nanaimo
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
Location: Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo
Event Information: Join the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society for an evening of traditional festivities, including dance and musical performances, a lion dance and an Asian-style buffet. The event celebrates the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom and elegance. Doors open at 4 p.m., performances begin at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
Silk Road Music: Lunar New Year Celebration In Richmond
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
Location: Gateway Theatre, Richmond
Event Information: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a performance by Silk Road Music, blending traditional and contemporary Asian music. The event begins at 2 p.m.
Website: https://www.gatewaytheatre.com/events/2025-lny/
Lunar New Year Market At UBC Botanical Garden
Date: Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, January 26, 2025
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, Vancouver
Event Information: Experience cultural traditions in the Asian Garden with over 40 local vendors, food trucks, fresh flowers, and workshops including calligraphy and sweet dumpling-making. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Website: https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/news-events/events-activities/lunar-new-year-market-2025/
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
Date: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Location: Vancouver’s Chinatown, starting at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street
Event Information: A vibrant parade featuring lion dances, cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and attracts thousands of spectators each year.
Website: https://rove.me/to/vancouver/chinese-new-year
LunarFest Vancouver
Date: Jan. 27 to Feb. 22, 2025
Location: Various locations in Vancouver, including the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza and Granville Island
Event Information: LunarFest is a cultural festival celebrating the Lunar New Year with art installations, performances and family-friendly activities. The festival features the Lantern City exhibit, showcasing lanterns created by artists from diverse backgrounds.
Website: https://rove.me/to/vancouver/chinese-new-year
Chinatown at night. Photo by iStock
