One of the Lower Mainland’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations is making its return this month to help usher in the Year of the Snake around Vancouver.
LunarFest Vancouver, kicking off on Monday, January 27 and running until mid-February, Lite features festive events at several locations across the city, including a thrilling concert, artist markets, crafts, and more.
According to the festival’s organizers, bringing communities together in deeper conversations via art and storytelling is an important part of how Vancouver commemorates the Lunar New Year.
“We are creating new traditions for the Lunar New Year,” said Charlie Wu, managing director of the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association, to Daily Hive.
“By bringing different cultures together through the arts, let’s transform the special occasion into a celebration everyone can enjoy.”
The Lantern City is back for 2025, with five sites showcasing local and international artists until February. Enormous, totem-like lanterns by acclaimed local artists can be found at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, Granville Island, 800 Robson Plaza, Pendulum Gallery and Bentall Centre.
The Lantern City/thelanterncity.ca
Lanterns at the Pendulum Gallery will be on display from January 27 until mid-February. The other four locations will have their huge lanterns up starting January 29.
LunarFest is also presenting the Fluidity in Diversity concert on Monday, January 27, at the Orpheum Theatre, and it will be available online via streaming. Attendees will enjoy the Harmonia String Ensemble, the West Vancouver Youth Band, and two talented up-and-coming violin soloists in a musical performance where East meets West.
LunarFest Vancouver
Then head back to Granville Island every weekend from February 1 to 16 for an artist market, crafts workshops, food, games, and more at Ocean Artworks. Each weekend has a different lineup of artisans, and it is free for all ages to enter.
Workshops and special events being offered this year include Reinventing the Written Word: Calligra-ffiti, Suona: Sounds from the East, and the Dumpling Games. Check out the full lineup for more information.
When: Various dates in January and February 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free and ticketed events