Chinese New Year 2017 events in Vancouver

Chinese New Year falls on January 28 this year and welcomes the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Traditionally celebrated with cultural performances and prayers for good fortune, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for all of China and anywhere there is a significant Chinese population.

Ring in the year of the Rooster at one of the many events we have listed below celebrating Chinese New Year 2017 in Vancouver.

FlyOver Canada’s Flight of the Dragon

For a limited time FlyOver Canada guests can experience a Chinese New Year specific virtual flight along with the classic FlyOver Canada flight for the price of one. Both rides incorporate state of the art special effects including wind, scents, and mist in addition to the movement of your seat to make you feel like you are truly flying.

Where: FlyOver Canada – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

When: Thursday, January 12 to Sunday, February 26, 10 am – 9 pm

Tickets: On FlyOver Canada, $13.46-$21.56

Coming Home: Traditions of Chinese New Year Exhibition

Immerse into an experience focusing on the four major themes of Chinese New Year: decorating, eating, connecting and celebrating at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall St, Vancouver

When: Tuesday, January 17 to Friday, February 24, 10 am – 4:30 pm

Tickets: $9-$12 or free with membership

Aberdeen Centre’s Chinese New Year Celebration

With a full schedule of cultural performances and a flower and gift fair scheduled the week leading up to Chinese New Year, Aberdeen Centre will be opening its doors to the public until midnight on Saturday, January 28 for a special countdown.

Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond

When: Saturday, January 21 to Sunday, January 29, 11 am – 7 pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11 am – 9 pm Thursday to Saturday

Tickets: Free

Lunar New Year at Oakridge Centre

Where: Oakridge Centre – 650 41st Ave, Vancouver

When: Sunday, January 22, noon – 4 pm

Tickets: Free

Chinese New Year of the Rooster at International Village Mall

Prepare for four days of Chinese New Year events at International Village Mall starting with a traditional Chinese ceremonial eye-dotting ritual and a lion dance on Thursday, January 26.

Where: International Village Mall – 88 West Pender St, Vancouver

When: Thursday, January 26 to Sunday, January 29 11 am – 8 pm Thursday to Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm Sunday

Tickets: Free

LunarFest 2017

Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza – 650 Hamilton St, Vancouver

When: Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29, noon – 6 pm

Tickets: Free

Chinese New Year Eve at the International Buddhist Temple

One of the largest Buddhist temples located in North America, the International Buddhist Temple is one of the most popular spots to spend Chinese New Years eve. Expect large crowds and long waits if you’re planning on making the trip.

Where: International Buddhist Temple – 9160 Steveston Hwy, Richmond

When: Friday, January 27, 10 am – midnight

Tickets: Free

Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre Chinese New Year Festival

Bring out the whole family to ring in the new year with drumming, lion dancing, craft making, performances of Chinese instruments and traditional songs, and an interactive demonstration of the ancient Chan (Zen) tea ceremony.

Where: Dharma Drum Vancouver Center – 8240 No.5 Rd, Richmond

When: Saturday, January 28 to Sunday, January 29, 1:30 – 3:30pm

Tickets: Free

Chinese New Year Chinatown Parade

The 44th annual Chinese New Year Parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown is an all ages event that features lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and more!

Where: Chinatown – Pender St and Main St, Vancouver

When: Sunday, January 29, 11 am – 4 pm

Tickets: Free

Get Lucky Art Show

To kick off the lunar new year of the rooster, District Local invited over 25 local artists to create artwork using lucky red pocket envelopes as their canvases. The finished works will be exhibited in a one-day only art show in Fortune Sound Club’s Special Projects Space in Chinatown the same day as the annual Chinese New Year Chinatown Parade.

Where: Fortune Sound Club – 143 East Pender St, Vancouver

When: Sunday, January 29, noon – 4pm

Tickets: On Eventbrite, Free with registration

Year of the Rooster Temple Fair

Enjoy arts and crafts, demonstrations of tai chi, traditional music, and a lively lion dance at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall St, Vancouver

When: Sunday, January 29, 10 am – 4 pm

Tickets: By donation

Crystal Mall Chinese New Year Celebration

Where: Crystal Mall – 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby

When: Sunday, January 29, noon – 4 pm

Tickets: Free