Spring Festival 2026 at Greater Vancouver Zoo

Celebrating the Year of the Horse

📅 Event Dates

February 14–16, 2026
Extended Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)

Celebrate Family Day Weekend with a vibrant cultural festival filled with lantern displays, live performances, animal experiences, and hands-on activities — all included with zoo admission.

🐎 Free Admission for Year of the Horse Guests

In honour of the Year of the Horse, visitors born in Horse years (e.g., 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) receive FREE general admission during the festival dates.

Important Details:

• Valid Feb 14, 15, 16, 2026 only

• Government-issued ID required as proof of birth year

• One free admission per eligible guest per day

• Non-transferable

🎎 Cultural Performances & Activities

🍜 Food & Marketplace

• Food Trucks: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Cultural Marketplace: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  Featuring artisans, crafts, and cultural vendors including traditional Hanfu demonstrations, paper cutting, and interactive activities.

🦁 Lion Dance Performances

Daily high-energy lion dances and meet-and-greets bring festive New Year traditions to life.

🍭 Chinese Sugar Painting

Watch skilled artists create intricate edible designs — a sweet and fascinating traditional art form.

🐾 Animal Talks & Enrichment Experiences

Special festival programming connects culture with conservation.

🎤 Animal Spotlights

Learn about animals connected to the Chinese Zodiac, their behaviours, and conservation stories.

Scheduled Talks:

• Red Panda – 10:00 AM

• Capybara – 11:00 AM

• Hippo – 12:00 PM

• Big Cat – 1:00 PM

🎁 Enrichment Workshops (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Guests help create themed enrichment items for zoo animals:

• Feb 14: Animal Valentine’s Gifts (Red Panda Habitat)

• Feb 15: Red Pocket Enrichment (Hippo Habitat)

• Feb 16: Lantern Enrichment (Lion Habitat)

🏮 Lantern Displays After Dark

As evening falls, the zoo transforms with giant illuminated lanterns inspired by:

• The 12 Zodiac animals

• The Legend of the Koi & Dragon Gate

• Favourite zoo residents

A magical nighttime experience perfect for photos and family memories.

🧧 Red Pocket Surprises for Kids

Children can receive traditional red pocket giveaways (while supplies last), symbolizing good fortune and blessings. Some lucky recipients may find special non-monetary surprises inside.

🎟 Admission Info

Spring Festival programming is included with General Admission.

General Admission Prices:

• Adult (18–64): $38

• Child (3–17): $27

• Senior (65+): $27

• Student: $27

Parking is not included and may be purchased onsite.

🌟 Why You Should Go

✔ Celebrate Lunar New Year traditions
✔ See animals and cultural heritage come together
✔ Enjoy lanterns, performances, and food trucks
✔ Family-friendly daytime & evening activities
✔ Unique winter experience just outside Vancouver