Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Toronto this year

Chinese New Year falls on January 25 this year.

The massive celebration, known as Spring Festival in China, marks the first day on the Chinese lunar calendar and the start of Year of the Rat.

Celebrations will continue from New Year’s Eve for 16 days in total. As a public holiday, Mainland China will be celebrating the new year over seven days from January 24 to 30 in 2020.

In and around the Greater Toronto Area, there are several festivals celebrating the new year. Check them out below.

2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations

To highlight the fifteen-day celebrations and in welcoming the year of the Rat, Toronto Chinatown BIA will spearhead the celebrations with an opening ceremony in Dragon City Mall followed by a magnificent lantern exhibition, and a lineup of interactive games and performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions during the 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations.

When: January 25 to February 9
Where: Dragon City Mall — 280 Spadina Avenue

Chinese New Year at CF Markville

Marvel at large-scale and eye-catching lantern displays suspended from the ceilings, and enjoy exciting cultural experiences including a modern “Street Dance,” a traditional Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony and Sifu Paul Ng, fortune teller and prominent Canadian leader in the ancient Chinese practices of Geomancy, Astrology, Feng Shui, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, and philosophy.

Blooming Cotton Candy will also be popping up in Centre Court from 11 am to 6 pm. Be sure to visit their cotton candy cart for a Lunar New Year themed treat!

When: January 25, from 2 to 3 pm
Where: 5000 Highway 7 East, Markham
Price: No cost to attend

Dragon Ball 2020

The tradition continues! The Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation’s annual benefit gala returns to celebrate Chinese New Year. Guests can look forward to a variety of exquisite cuisines in addition to a four-course dinner and silent and live auctions.

When: January 25 at 5:30 pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West
Price: Tickets start at $480

Chinese New Year at CF Fairview

Marvel at large-scale and eye-catching lantern displays suspended from the ceilings, and enjoy exciting cultural experiences including a modern “Street Dance” and traditional Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony. Blooming Cotton Candy will also be popping up in Centre Court from 11 am to 7 pm, just like at Markville. Enjoy photo opportunities with the God of Fortune who will be handing out Lucky Red Pockets with a chocolate coin.

When: January 26 at 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: 1800 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto
Price: Free

Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea Ritual embracing joy and prosperity as we welcome the auspicious Year of the Rat. Gather friends, family and cherished business associates and enjoy a festive menu including Jasmine Scented Scones, Oolong Panna Cotta with Asian Poached Pear, Mandarin Curd Tart, Green Tea Macaron and Lychee Mascarpone Bavarois. Savoury items include Peking Duck Salad, BBQ Pork Buns, House-Cured Torched Trout and Citrus Lobster Salad with an impeccable selection of fine teas including some of the world’s rarest Pu’er from China. Reservations required!

When: January 17 to February 2, from 2 to 5 pm
Where: Astor Lounge – The St Regis — 325 Bay Street
Price: Individual tickets start at $75 per person

Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at the Shangri-La Hotel

Check out Chinese New Year festivities at the Shangri-La Hotel. Starting 20 January, the hotel will honour the new Lunar Year with a special Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea served in the Lobby Lounge, a Dim Sum Brunch in Bosk and a 14-foot hand-crafted silk wishing tree. Guests can also experience a traditional Lion Dance performance on Chinese New Year’s Day, 25 January at 3:30 pm in the Lobby Lounge. Be sure to make a reservation.

When: January 20 to 25
Where: Shangri-La Hotel — 188 University Avenue
Price: Chinese New Year Brunch is $75 per person

Chinese New Year Nightmarket and Festival

Chinese New Year Marketplace will showcase the traditional merchandise for preparing for the lunar new year celebrations, the wishing tree for making well- wishes for the year to come, performances such as lion dance and folk songs, and a New Year’s Eve countdown show.

When: January 23 to 26
Where: Woodside Square — 1571 Sandhurst Circle, Toronto
Price: Free

Lunar New Year at Scarborough Town Centre

From January 18 to 26, Centre Court will be transformed into a celebration of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Rat. Guests are invited to walk through traditional gates illuminated with lanterns, view their horoscope signs and make a wish on the wish wall.

When: January 18 to 26
Where: Scarborough Town Centre
Price: Free