Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in Vancouver (BC Canada).
Lunar New Year 2025 is Thursday, January 29, and this year is the Year of the Snake.
This list is updated as information becomes available. If you have an event/business that wants to be added, please contact me at [email protected] or DM me @foodgressing on social media.
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Lunar New Year Vancouver Restaurant/Hotel Features
Check out these Lunar New Year features at local restaurants and hotels.
Best Fortune
Best Fortune in Richmond is offering exclusive $20 Lunch and $28 Dinner menus for Lunar New Year. For lunch, start with a choice of Garlic Cucumber Salad or Wood Ear Mushroom Salad. For the main, enjoy Sichuan classics such as Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, or One-Bowl Sichuan Boiled Fish. Finish with House Bingfen Pudding for dessert. At dinner, begin with Garlic Cucumber Salad or Sichuan Cold Noodles. Main course options include Green Peppercorn Sauerkraut Fish, Spicy Stir-fried Clams & Chicken, Chengdu Lamb Hotpot, or Dry Pot Organic Cauliflower for vegetarians. Dessert is the House Bingfen Pudding. Enhance your meal with specialties like “Prodigal Son” Fried Rice, Specialty Eggplant Stir Fry, or Brown Sugar Sticky Rice Cake. Pair your dishes with Haywire white or red wine for $11 per glass.
Black + Blue
Black + Blue is welcoming the Year of the Snake with a special Lunar New Year menu for two, available from January 27 to February 3. This exclusive offering highlights celebratory dishes designed for the festive season, perfect for those seeking an elevated dining experience.
Temper Chocolate and Pastry
Indulge in the Year of the Snake with Temper Chocolate and Pastry’s limited-edition chocolate bar, available from January 20 to February 2. Priced at $15, this decadent treat features rich chocolate, smooth caramel filling, and an elegant edible snake design, making it an ideal gift or personal indulgence for Lunar New Year.
Glowbal Restaurant
Glowbal Restaurant celebrates Lunar New Year with a special menu curated by Chef Robert Lee, available from January 27 to February 11. Priced at $88 per person, the menu promises a unique culinary journey filled with festive flavours.
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar brings bold seafood flavours to Lunar New Year with Chef Alex Guido’s Chilli Crab dish, available for $42 per pound. The Retail Market also offers a Lunar New Year Deluxe Seafood Box for $88.88, featuring a premium selection of seafood perfect for hot pot celebrations.
B House Restaurant
Chef Hung Nguyen at B House Restaurant presents special Lunar New Year dishes available from January 28 to February 13. Signature offerings include Spicy Peanut Butter Beef Soup and Red Sticky Rice with Pork Belly, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Join the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on February 1 for a Lunar New Year cooking celebration. For $188 per person, participants can learn to craft symbolic dishes like Golden Pork & Chive Dumplings and Long Life Chicken and Vegetable Noodles, blending traditional techniques with prosperity-themed recipes. Reserve your spot here.
Five Sails
Five Sails offers a luxurious Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea from January 25 to February 28. Priced at $75 per person, the menu features a blend of sweet and savoury delights, including Mandarin Cake, Pork Belly Bao, and XO Deviled Eggs, perfect for a festive afternoon indulgence.
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is offering a luxurious Lunar New Year buffet featuring a Dim Sum Station with Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Sticky Rice Lotus Wraps; Seafood Congee with scallop, prawn, sablefish, and Dungeness crab; crispy spring rolls; and live sautéed prawns. The Carving Station offers Crispy Roast Pork and Asian Spiced Prime Rib, while the Hot Station serves favourites like Steamed Oceanwise Salmon, Vegetarian Longevity Noodles, and BBQ Pork Fried Rice. End the meal with Mango Coconut Tapioca Pudding, Sesame Ball Dumplings, and fresh fruit. Priced at $82 for adults, $62 for seniors, and $38 for children, reservations are recommended for parties of 1 to 20.
Notch8, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a Lunar New Year-themed afternoon tea at Notch8 available from January 9 to February 23, 2025. Seatings are offered on Thursdays and Fridays at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. There is also a special seating on Wednesday, January 29. Pricing is $72 per adult and $40 per child aged 12 and under. For those who prefer to enjoy their afternoon tea at home, a takeaway option is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with pre-ordering required.
The menu includes scones such as Sweet Onions Cheese Corn and Classic Buttermilk served with tea cream and citrus preserve. Savoury selections feature Char Siu Gravlax, Roasted Duck Tart, Jammy Tea Egg, Curry Puff, and Shrimp Toast. Sweet treats include Walnut Cookie, Brulée Egg Tart, Mango & Coconut Cake, Five-Spice Chocolate Cake, and Lychee Almond Tart.
Holts Café Vancouver
In honour of the Year of the Snake, enjoy a delicious ginseng-forward afternoon tea at Holts Café done in collaboration with Sulwhasoo and their special-edition First Care Activating Serum. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Lunar New Year with family and friends! Reservations are required a day in advance and the Afternoon Tea is available on Monday – Thursday from 2 PM till close and Friday – Sunday all day.
Heritage Hosts Lunar New Year Charitable Dinners with Chef Will Lew and MAMAintheKitchen
Heritage Restaurant and Bar will celebrate the Year of the Snake with two fundraising dinners on January 19 and 20, 2025, at its new Main Street location. Partnering with Chef Will Lew and Sharon Chan (MAMAintheKitchen), the event will benefit the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, supporting Chinatown’s preservation and revitalization.
The evenings will feature a four-course, 13-dish menu highlighting sustainable, locally sourced ingredients donated by renowned suppliers. Signature dishes include Salted Egg Yolk Crusted Pork Belly, handmade longevity noodles, BBQ chicken, and creative desserts like Sesame Balls and Nin Gou Rice Cakes. Guests will also enjoy live performances by Marie Hui and Kristin Fung.
Tickets are $98 per person (inclusive of tax), with optional à la carte drink pairings. All proceeds will support the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. For tickets and details, visit Heritage’s event page.
Things to Do in Metro Vancouver for Lunar New Year Vancouver
Here’s are some local Metro Vancouver events celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown is welcoming the Year of the Snake with an exciting lineup of Lunar New Year festivities from January 13 to February 16, 2025. This year’s celebrations feature the inaugural Chef Series, interactive workshops, cultural performances, and vibrant displays throughout BC’s largest shopping centre. Find out more here.
Taste of Chinatown!
Taste of Chinatown! returns to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre from January 2 to February 2, 2025, with a vibrant lineup of events celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake. Highlights include special collaborations at Foo Hung Curios, such as the Floral Snake Collection and the Dark Chocolate Holy Duck Chili Oil Bar, along with culinary pop-ups featuring Chinatown BBQ, Beaucoup Bakery, Boba Run, and Saan Saan Cafe. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities like mural colouring, red envelope crafts, and candy tastings, while adults can sample wine and chocolate pairings or join the Chinatown Cocktail Showdown. Organized by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, the event blends cultural heritage with community spirit, supporting local businesses and preserving Chinatown’s rich traditions.
UBC Botanical Garden Lunar New Year Market 2025
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at UBC Botanical Garden’s Lunar New Year Market on January 25–26, 2025, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Enjoy over 40 local vendors, food trucks, fresh flowers, and cultural workshops, including calligraphy, sweet dumpling-making, and watercolour painting.
Highlights include a lion dance and kung fu performance by the UBC Kung Fu Club, a photo booth by Dang Good Booths, cultural games by HK House, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Tickets are $8.88 (free for children aged 5 and under) and include garden admission. Workshops require separate tickets. Paid parking is available nearby, with Thunderbird Stadium being the closest parkade.
Aberdeen Centre Lunar New Year Fair
Aberdeen Centre in Richmond has a Lunar New Year fair.
Radisson Hotel Lunar New Year Market
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport on January 25 and 26 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This vibrant market will feature over 30 local artisans, craftsmen, and small businesses showcasing fashion, art, handicrafts, and festive New Year delicacies with an Asian flair. Admission is free, making it an accessible celebration for all.
Go on a Dumpling Crawl
While it isn’t a literal trail of dumplings – as deliciously amazing as that would be – the Dumpling Trail is a collection of restaurants serving up some of the most delectable dumplings in Richmond. Go on a self-guided Dumpling Crawl.
LunarFest
Celebrate the Year of the Snake through arts and culture; learn more about this year’s LunarFest activities on lunarfestvancouver.ca.
Pick up Lunar New Year decorations
Many Asian supermarkets will have Lunar New Year decorations like door couplets, paper cuttings, lanterns and more.
International Buddhist Temple Visit
Many visitors stop by the International Buddhist Temple around New Year’s time to pray for a prosperous year ahead. Located at160 Steveston Hwy., Richmond, BC.
Here are a few other things that are happening in Vancouver during the Lunar New Year period.
Dine Out Vancouver 2025
Dine Out Vancouver 2025 will run from Wednesday, January 22 to Sunday, February 9, 2025, offering 19 days of exceptional dining experiences.
Hot Chocolate Festival 2025
Hot Chocolate Festival 2025 makes it return Saturday, January 18 – February 14, 2025.
Chinese New Year Free Printables for Kids
I’m offering FREE Chinese New Year printables to help kids learn about Chinese New Year (and to keep them busy!). You’ll find activity sheets, colourings pages, bing and more.
Lunar New Year Vancouver Dinner at Home
Here are some ideas on how to prepare a Lunar New Year Dinner at home.
Grocery Shopping in Vancouver Chinatown
Vancouver Chinatown shops offer many items at lower prices compared to elsewhere. There are shops that offer produce, meat and BBQ, live seafood, houseware and more. Check out my guide on where to shop in Vancouver Chinatown.
What you need for a hot pot at home
Many people opt for a simple but comforting hot pot at home to celebrate Lunar New Year. Check out my guide on where to buy hot pot ingredients in Vancouver for tip and ideas.
Party Platters
Party trays can be ordered from the following restaurants:
- Western Lake (4989 Victoria Drive Vancouver, BC)
- T&T Supermarket (various locations, check out the flyer section to see what they are offering)
Frozen Dim Sum and Dumplings in Vancouver
Frozen dumplings come in handy at time of the year. Here’s a look at where to buy frozen dumplings in Vancouver.
Best Dim Sum Takeout
Here are my recommendations on where to get the best dim sum takeout in Metro Vancouver based on ease of ordering and receiving, quality and taste of food, takeout options available and packaging of the food.
Gift Ideas
Mission Hill is presenting the Lunar New Year Transformation Trio. Priced at $385, this limited-edition set includes the acclaimed 2020 Oculus, along with the 2019 Compendium and 2019 Quatrain from their Legacy Collection. A special Year of the Snake money envelope accompanies each set. Shipping is complimentary within British Columbia and Alberta for online orders.
Lunar New Year Recipes
Check out my recipe on preparing Chinese Spicy Red Braised Pork Belly.
Sesame Bok Choy is a simple, healthy side dish to complement your Lunar New Year feast.
For a Lunar New Year breakfast, here is my recipe on Homemade Chinese Doughnuts, otherwise known as youtiao or 油条.
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