Lunar New Year in Vancouver is marked by a mix of long standing traditions and newer, city wide celebrations. From Chinatown streets and neighbourhood restaurants to cultural events and seasonal menus, the holiday shows up in many forms across the city. Whether you are looking for a family outing, a festive meal, or a quiet way to acknowledge the new year, Vancouver offers plenty of ways to take part. Here are some thoughtful ideas for celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 around the city.
Lunar New Year 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, and this year is the Year of the Horse.
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
Here are some Lunar New Year features to explore at local restaurants and hotels in Vancouver.
Notch8 @ Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is offering a limited time Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea to mark the Year of the Horse, running Thursday to Sunday from January 9 to February 22, 2026. The menu blends classic afternoon tea with Lunar New Year inspired flavours, including Jasmine Earl Grey scones, Szechuan glazed prawn toast, char siu style salmon mi cuit with yuzu, and desserts such as sesame miso biscuit and mandarin sago pudding finished with gold accents.
The experience includes a collaboration with the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, featuring an exclusive tea blend created with TEALEAVES, and a custom Year of the Horse illustration by Vancouver artist Justine Crawford. On Lunar New Year, February 17, guests can also catch a Lion Dance performance by Hon Hsing Athletic Club in the hotel lobby and Notch8.
Neverland Tea Salon
Neverland Tea Salon is marking the Year of the Horse with a themed high tea running from January 6 to February 13. The experience features a curated selection of savoury bites, pastries, and teas inspired by renewal and good fortune, served across multiple daily seatings. Price is $60 per adult
Things to Do in Metro Vancouver for Lunar New Year Vancouver
Here’s are some local Metro Vancouver events celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Taste of Chinatown!, presented by Scotiabank, returns to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre starting February 6, marking their third year of Lunar New Year programming. Running throughout February, the series celebrates the Year of the Horse with ticketed tastings, creative workshops, family-friendly activities, and collaborations with local businesses and makers.
This year’s lineup includes the 3rd Annual Chinatown Cocktail Showdown on February 6; Sip & Paint: Lunar New Year Edition on February 15; Family Day programming focused on the art of Fai Cheun on February 16; Mahjong Parlour Night on February 20; and a Year of the Horse Red Envelopes and Candy Tasting on February 22. Most events take place at the Centre, with select pop-ups and retail collaborations extending into the neighbourhood.
Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
The annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade takes place on Sunday, February 2, starting at 11:00am, marking its 51st year in Vancouver Chinatown. The free parade begins on West Pender Street near the Millennium Gate, travels east to Gore Avenue, then loops back along Keefer Street before ending at Carrall Street.
Following the parade, local businesses throughout Chinatown host traditional 採青 lion dance performances by various athletic clubs to welcome good fortune for the year ahead. First held in 1973, the parade remains a cornerstone Lunar New Year event, featuring lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and strong community participation. Transit is recommended due to crowds, with Stadium Chinatown SkyTrain station nearby.
Aberdeen Centre Lunar New Year Fair
Aberdeen Centre in Richmond has a Lunar New Year fair. Stay tuned for more details.
Go on a Dumpling Crawl
While it is not a literal trail of dumplings, the Dumpling Trail brings together a curated group of Richmond restaurants known for their dumpling offerings. Designed as a self-guided experience, it encourages you to move at your own pace, stopping in for different styles and fillings while getting a sense of how varied dumplings can be across the city.
LunarFest
Celebrate the Year of the Horse through arts and culture; learn more about this year’s LunarFest arts and storytelling activities on lunarfestvancouver.ca.
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.
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.
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)
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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