Happy Lunar New Year, Vancouver! The city is gleaming with remnants of a surprise snowfall and the official start of the Year of the Fire Horse, which only occurs once every 60 years. This weekend, the city is celebrating with the annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and Parade, which culminates with two days of fun for all ages at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
This includes a lion dance performance, traditional tea ceremonies, LNY arts and crafts, and much more.
A year of change, action, and breakthroughs
According to organizers, the Year of the Horse represents “a dynamic period of rapid change, action, freedom, and bold, fast-paced breakthroughs,” and garden visitors will find a plethora of multicultural activities to enjoy this weekend.
“Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden is not just a tourist attraction; it is truly a cultural destination in the heart of historic Vancouver Chinatown and is the perfect place to gather and celebrate the Lunar New Year,” says Henry Heng Lu, the Executive Director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. “Bring your family and friends to check out the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and parade, then visit the Garden for the complete cultural experience.”
Adorned in red lanterns and the melodic sounds of the Chinese Guzheng in the background, the Chinese garden will be a vibrant place to kick off the new year with the community all weekend long.
Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and a lion dance performance
On Saturday, visitors can expect the following from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
- Lunar New Year Tea Ceremonies
- Lunar New Year Arts and Crafts
- Calligraphy
- Nian Gao Demonstration & Tasting
- Eight Treasures Box Demonstration
On Sunday, the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and Parade will take over Chinatown, with the iconic parade kicking off at Millennium Gate in Chinatown at 11 a.m. and winding its way to the intersection of Keefer and Carrall Streets.
The Spring Festival Cultural Fair will take place at the Chinese Cultural Centre and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden Courtyard (50 East Pender St.) following the parade, from 2 to 4 p.m. Organizers previously shared that this fair will showcase a variety of multicultural performances, including live theatre, singing, dancing, and other artistic programming.
As with the parade, admission to the cultural fair is completely free.
At the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, you’ll have the option of participating in a second day of family-friendly fun.
Here’s everything you can check out between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.:
- Guzheng and Interpretive Dance Performances
- Fire Horse – Sugar Candy Art
- Fortune Telling Box
- Dumplings Demonstration
- Caricatures
- Nian Gao Demonstration & Tasting
- Lion Dance Performance by the award-winning Hon Hsing Athletic Club: 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Tickets for this two-day celebration are priced at $10 per adult, $8 per child (ages five to 12), or $30 for two adults and two children.
Happy Year of the Fire Horse!
When: Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 578 Carrall St.
Cost: $10 per adult, $8 per child (ages five to 12), or $30 for two adults and two children
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