Lunar New Year 2026 in Vancouver Guide: Where to Celebrate the Year of the Horse
Lunar New Year in Vancouver is never just one day — it’s a citywide celebration that blends culture, food, art, music, and community across neighbourhoods from Chinatown to Burnaby and Richmond. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse, a zodiac symbol of energy, freedom, and forward momentum.
Whether you’re watching a lion dance in the streets, exploring glowing lantern art, tasting symbolic New Year treats, or enjoying a live concert inspired by Asian musical traditions, Vancouver offers one of the most diverse Lunar New Year experiences in North America.
Here’s your complete guide to the best Lunar New Year events happening across Metro Vancouver in 2026.
🥁 Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade (Feb 22)
One of Canada’s largest and longest-running Lunar New Year traditions returns with the 52nd annual parade through the heart of Chinatown. The streets come alive with drummers, lion and dragon dances, martial arts groups, and cultural performers representing communities from across Metro Vancouver.
Parade Details 📅 February 22, 2026 ⏰ 11:00 AM 📍 Starts at Millennium Gate, along Pender Street
After the parade, continue the celebration at the free Cultural Fair featuring performances and family-friendly activities.
🏮 The Lantern City — Citywide Lantern Art Installations
Part of LunarFest, The Lantern City transforms public spaces into glowing outdoor galleries. Each installation reflects the 2026 theme “Brave the Wind,” inspired by the bold spirit of the Horse.
You can wander through illuminated artworks at:
Granville Island
800 Robson Plaza
Bentall Centre
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square
Pendulum Gallery
Perfect for evening strolls and winter photography, this free art experience blends tradition with contemporary storytelling.
LunarFest Vancouver turns Granville Island and downtown venues into a creative Lunar New Year hub filled with workshops, performances, and public art.
Highlights include:
Hands-on art workshops for families
Lantern installations across downtown
Film screenings at VPL and VIFF Centre
Evening stage performances and concerts
Signature ticketed shows like Brave the Wind at the Orpheum Theatre and bold contemporary performances round out the festival’s mix of tradition and innovation.
🎰 Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 at Parq Casino Vancouver
For a lively nightlife-style Lunar New Year celebration, head to Parq Casino in downtown Vancouver. This free event blends traditional Lunar New Year symbols with entertainment and gaming excitement.
Evening Highlights
God of Fortune Red Envelope Giveaway (6 PM) Prosperity-themed surprises will be handed out across the casino floor.
Fortune Cookie Handout (7 PM) A sweet New Year tradition while supplies last.
Lion Dance Performance (8 PM) A vibrant lion dance brings rhythm, colour, and good-luck symbolism to the celebration.
Gaming Promotions Mystery red envelope prize draws and scratch-based gaming promos add extra excitement for visitors.
If you're looking for a modern, high-energy Lunar New Year celebration in downtown Vancouver, this event offers a fun alternative to traditional daytime festivals.
🌿 Spirit of the Fire Horse at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden (Feb 21–22)
Celebrate surrounded by classical architecture at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This intimate festival blends peaceful garden scenery with festive programming.
Experiences include:
Traditional tea ceremonies
Calligraphy and sugar art demonstrations
Lantern viewing throughout the courtyards
Lion dance and live cultural performances
Food vendors and sweet treats
It’s one of Vancouver’s most atmospheric Lunar New Year settings.
🎶 Silk Road Music Lunar New Year Concert (Feb 28, Richmond)
Ring in the Year of the Horse with a cross-cultural concert at Gateway Theatre.
This performance by Silk Road Music blends instruments like pipa, erhu, sheng, and oud into a powerful musical journey that bridges Asian traditions with global influences.
Family-friendly and uplifting, this concert is a meaningful way to close out the Lunar New Year season.
Best for Families: Chinese Canadian Museum, Metropolis at Metrotown, LunarFest workshops
Best for Cultural Immersion: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, Chinatown Parade, Lantern City
Best for Art & Night Walks: Lantern City installations, Granville Island LunarFest evenings
Best for Live Performance Lovers: Silk Road Music Concert, LunarFest stage shows
Lunar New Year 2026 in Vancouver is more than a celebration — it’s a citywide expression of culture, history, and shared joy. From lantern-lit public art to traditional parades and modern performances, there are countless ways to welcome the Year of the Horse with energy and meaning.
