Vancouver Lunar New Year Celebrations

About

Vancouver's Lunar New Year celebrations transform the city into a vibrant spectacle of dragon dances, traditional performances, and cultural festivities that captivate children and adults alike. With multiple events across Richmond and downtown Vancouver, families can experience authentic Asian culture through interactive activities, colorful parades, and delicious street food. It's an unforgettable opportunity for kids to witness the spectacular sights and sounds of one of the world's most celebrated holidays in North America's most diverse city.

What to Expect

Families will encounter multiple celebration sites featuring elaborate dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, live music performances, and traditional cultural activities like calligraphy and lantern-making. The atmosphere is festive and family-oriented, with crowds gathering to watch parades featuring ornate floats, acrobats, and performers in colorful costumes. Children can participate in hands-on craft stations, receive lucky red envelopes (lai see), and enjoy street performances throughout the day. Richmond's celebrations often center around Aberdeen Centre and nearby areas, while downtown Vancouver hosts events in Chinatown and the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza, each offering different activities and cultural experiences.

Highlights for Kids

• Spectacular dragon and lion dances with elaborate costumes, acrobatic movements, and thundering drums that mesmerize children
• Interactive cultural activities like lantern-making, calligraphy demonstrations, and trying on traditional Chinese costumes
• Receiving lucky red envelopes (lai see) which many vendors and cultural organizations distribute to children
• Sampling authentic Asian street food like steamed buns, bubble tea, and sweet treats from food stalls
• Face painting, temporary tattoos, and zodiac animal crafts that let kids take home souvenirs

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive early for parade events as prime viewing spots fill quickly; position yourself near the parade start for less crowded viewing and easier exits with tired kids
2. Dress children in layers and bring ear protection for sensitive kids, as the traditional drums and firecrackers can be very loud during dragon dance performances
3. Download the event schedule ahead of time as activities happen at specific times across multiple locations; plan your route to catch the main performances without excessive rushing between sites
4. Bring small bills and coins (Canadian currency) as many food vendors and activity booths may have limited change; ATMs near event sites often have long lines

Best Time to Visit

For families with young children, attend mid-morning (10am-12pm) after the initial crowds but before lunch when kids get hungry and tired. The main parade typically occurs around midday, so arrive at least 45 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. If visiting a multi-day celebration, weekday events tend to be less crowded than weekend festivities, though weekend celebrations often feature more activities. Avoid the peak parade moments if you have noise-sensitive children or want more relaxed access to food vendors and craft activities.

Food & Drinks

Food vendors offer an incredible variety of Asian cuisine including dim sum, noodle dishes, spring rolls, satay skewers, and sweet treats like egg waffles and mango desserts. Kid-friendly options include steamed pork buns (bao), chicken skewers, fried rice, and bubble tea with various flavors. Most items cost $5-12 CAD per portion. Bring wet wipes as eating is often done standing or at limited seating areas. Many children enjoy trying fortune cookies and traditional candies. For picky eaters, plain steamed buns or vegetable spring rolls are safe bets. Hot drinks like warm soy milk or hot chocolate are usually available during the typically cold January/February weather.

Parking & Access

For Richmond events, parking is available at Aberdeen Centre and nearby shopping malls, though lots fill quickly during peak times; consider using the Canada Line SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver, which connects directly to Richmond Centre Station. Downtown Vancouver events are best accessed via public transit (SkyTrain or bus), as street parking is extremely limited and expensive ($3-6 CAD per hour). The Canada Line, Expo Line, and multiple bus routes serve Chinatown and downtown locations. Strollers are manageable but can be challenging in dense parade crowds; baby carriers are recommended for the busiest times. Most celebration areas are on flat, paved surfaces, though cobblestones in parts of Chinatown may be bumpy. International visitors can use contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard) on TransLink transit or purchase a reloadable Compass Card at SkyTrain stations.