Dances, food and performances are in store to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year is upon us!

The celebration marks the beginning of a new year according to the Chinese calendar. This year,

Feb. 5 heralds the Year of the Pig.

Here’s a quick roundup of some family friendly Lunar New Year events around Metro

Vancouver.

THE 46TH VANCOUVER CHINATOWN SPRING FESTIVAL PARADE

Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. Vancouver’s Chinatown

FREE ADMISSION

This signature event will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts

performances and much more. For more information visit their website.

CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE PIG AT INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE MALL

Feb .8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m .; Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. International Village Mall

(88 West Pender St., Vancouver)

FREE ADMISSION

Celebrate by exploring exhibition booths, enjoying live performances and lucky draws all day

from Feb. 8 through 10. Take in culinary snacks and marvel at festive Lunar New Year arts and

crafts in this family event.

YEAR OF THE PIG TEMPLE FA I R

Feb. 10; 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classic Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St., Vancouver) Admission by donation

(suggested $5)

This family-friendly event offers storytelling in Chinese languages and English, tea tastings and

an exhibition by artist Paul Wong. The Azalea Chinese Ensemble from the VSO School of Music

also perform at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. More information can be found on their site.

COME SOAR OVER CHINA

Until Feb. 24 FlyOver Canada (999 Canada Place)

Adults: $28.05 online; seniors, military and kids’ rates available FlyOver Canada is bringing

back its popular Flight of the Dragon show featuring scenic views from across China including

flying over the Great Wall. From Jan. 24 to Feb. 24, visitors will be able to see two shows for the

price of one, with Flight of the Dragon screening before the FlyOver Canada show.

LUNARFEST AT THE VANCOUVER ART GALLERY PLAZA

Feb. 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (850 W Georgia St.,

Vancouver) FREE

Plenty of photo ops will be available at Lunarfest, hosted at various locations throughout

Vancouver including on the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, where 12 one-metre-high adorable

superhero pig painted figures will be on display. You can also try out fortune telling, Year of the

Pig-themed crafts and food truck offerings and even toss a coin into a lucky piggy bank.

LUNARFEST AT OAKRIDGE MALL

Until Feb. 19 at various times Oakridge Mall (640 West 41st Ave., Vancouver)

FREE

Lunar New Year is in full effect at Oakridge Mall, where celebra- tions will include Korean and

Vietnamese festivities. There’s a lion dance, a traditional lettuce blessing and even a magical

piggy bank that oinks when you offer a coin. For parents looking to make their little piglets

happy, there’s also an exclusive Peppa Pig meet-and-greet for Oakridge Mall eClub members.

For details visit their website.

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT ABERDEEN CENTRE

Jan. 30 to Feb. 10 at various times Aberdeen Centre (4400 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond)

FREE

There’s a full slate of events over the coming weeks at Aberdeen Centre including a Lunar New

Year live countdown with Fairchild Radio, a traditional lion dance, and zodiac symbol selfie

stations. The dragon and lion dances take place on Feb. 5, while live musical performances take

place throughout the day on Feb. 9 and 10. Check the website for details.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT WESBROOK VILLAGE

Feb.9; 2 to 4p.m. Wesbrook Village (3335 Webber Lane, UBC Vancouver)

FREE

This family event at the Wesbrook Community Centre will feature an indoor lion dance, cultural

dance performances, music, games, crafts and other activities.

SURREY INTERNATIONAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2019

Feb. 8 and 9

Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre Park (17726 62 Ave., Surrey) Adults: $17.99; Kids,

seniors: $7.99; Family/group pricing available Celebrate at the Surrey International Lantern

Festival with traditional dragon and lion dances, a visit from the God of Wealth and a mythical

pig and maybe receive a lucky red envelope. Lanterns on display include a replica of Beijing ’s

Temple of Heaven, and a dinosaur kingdom.