Chinese New Year marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year celebrates the Chinese zodiac of the rooster on Sunday, Jan. 29.
Here’s when and where you can ring in the new year in the Lower Mainland:
Jan. 26 to 28Chinese Spring FestivalFree11 a.m. to 8 p.m.88 West Pender St., Vancouver
Opening ceremony on Thursday, followed by three days of vendor and exhibition booths on both the main and upper levels of the mall showcasing festive Chinese New Year goods, souvenirs, food, live performances, prize draws and more. Details: internationalvillagemall.ca
Jan. 27 to 29Lunar FestFreeSee schedule for the QET Plaza, 650 Hamilton St., VancouverSee schedule for Oakridge Centre, 650 W 41 Ave., Vancouver
Started in 2010, Lunar Fest offers family fun activities from fortune telling to puppet stories to pottery workshops with Master Kim. Details: lunarfest.org.
Jan 27, 28 and Feb. 3, 4Charity fortune tellingMinimum donation $20 for B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation9:30 p.m.River Rock Casino, Richmond
Upon graduation from the Hong Kong Polytechnic, Sherman Tai honed in on Chinese astrology and feng shui. He’s toured through Canada and Hong Kong offering his expertise, and now for Chinese New Year, his fortune telling.
Now to Feb. 26Flight of the Dragon at FlyOver Canada$13 to $2110 a.m. until 9 p.m.201 – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
FlyOver Canada presents Flight of the Dragon, a flight ride experience that lets you soar over Chinese countrysides and renowned landmarks.
Jan. 28 and 29Chinese New Year for all agesFree1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.8240 No. 5 Rd., Richmond
Activities include drumming, lion dancing, craft making, and performances of Chinese instruments and traditional songs. You can also participate in the ancient Chan (Zen) tea ceremony.
Jan. 28Golden Dragon and Lion DanceFree11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Watch the Golden Dragon and eight lions come alive after a traditional eye-dotting Ceremony. After the dance, the lions will then proceed to stores inside the mall to perform the pick the green ceremonies. Details: aberdeencentre.com.
Jan. 28Chinese New Year at Luna Yue LiangFree2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.555 Seymour St., Vancouver
The afternoon includes Chinese dance performances, music and the Erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument). Stop by to learn about different traditions of the North and South China, and try your hand at calligraphy and paper-cutting. Details: eventbrite.ca/e/lunar-new-year-of-2017-celebration-tickets
Jan. 29Year of Rooster Temple FairBy donation10 a.m. to 4 p.m.578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Enjoy arts and crafts, demonstrations of tai chi and traditional music and participate in age-old traditions such as scaring away evil spirits with a lively lion dance and receiving lucky red envelopes from elders. Details: vancouverchinesegarden.com
Jan. 29The 44th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival ParadeFreeParade start: 11 a.m.See parade route here
As one of the three largest non-commercial annual parades in Vancouver, this event features the largest assembly of traditional lion dance teams in Canada with dozens of colourful and energetic lions from various local fraternal and martial arts organizations. Roughly two and a half hours. Details: cbavancouver.ca
Feb. 1Lunar New Year and VSO at the Orpheum$11 to $657:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Vancouver-born and internationally-renowned pianist Avan Yu returns home to host and perform in the Vancouver Symphony's very special celebration of the Lunar New Year. Details: vancouversymphony.ca/concert/
