9 Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 in Metro Vancouver

As the number 9 is said to be lucky for the Year of the Fire Horse, here are 9 ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in and around Metro Vancouver cities including Downtown Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey this week! 

1. Hot Bar at Meinhardt (End-of-Day Special)

Drop in for our Lunar New Year hot bar and enjoy hot, ready-to-go comfort foods from our Deli.

Terms: Discount only applies to the items available at the end of the day. No refills from kitchen.

Price: Reg $2.79/100g  |  Sale $2.49/100g

Date: [Start date TBD — coming soon] to Feb 28 (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Where: Meinhardt South Granville (3002 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J8)

  • Turmeric Basil Basa Fish
  • Tandoori Chicken Thigh
  • Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce)
  • BBQ Pork
  • Sweet & Sour Pork
  • Glazed Carrots
  • House Special Fried Rice
  • Chow Mein
  • Vegetable Stir Fry

Hands with chopsticks eating Asian food from bowls

2. LunarFest Vancouver + “The Lantern City” (Feb 14 onward)

If you want a modern, arts-forward Lunar New Year experience, LunarFest programs “spring visit” style community activities across Metro Vancouver, with The Lantern City installations lighting up multiple locations—perfect for an evening stroll or weekend outing.

Highlights:

  • LunarFest programming across Feb 14 – Feb 28, 2026
  • The Lantern City installations across downtown + partner venues through Mar 9, 2026
  • Easy “drop-in” experience: visit one location or make it a multi-stop night

When: LunarFest Feb 14 – Feb 28, 2026; The Lantern City Feb 14 – Mar 9, 2026

Where: Downtown Vancouver + partner venues (includes Granville Island programming)

Good to know: Check the schedule before you go—some activities require registration.

Sources: lunarfestvancouver.ca, LunarFest Schedule

3. Lunar New Year In-Store Sale (Meinhardt Salads — Weekday Evenings)

Weeknight hosting made easy: grab your favourites from our salad selection with an end-of-day discount during Lunar New Year season.

Terms: Discount only applies to available salads at the end of the day. No refills from kitchen.

Price: Reg $8.99  |  Sale $7.49

Date: February (Mon – Fri) 5:00 PM – Close

Where: Meinhardt South Granville

Happy Lunar New Year sale graphic

4. Lunar New Year at Museum of Surrey (Free Family Celebration) — Feb 21

Join the Museum of Surrey (in partnership with Chinese Village Club) for a free, family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration with hands-on learning, performances, storytelling, and dragon dance teaching.

Highlights:

  • Live performances, traditional/modern dance, and poetry
  • Dragon dance teaching, tai chi performances, and storytelling

When: February 21, 2026 (1:00 – 4:00 PM)

Where: Museum of Surrey (17710 56A Ave, Surrey)

How much? Free

Source: surrey.ca

5. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: “Spirit of the Fire Horse” Celebration — Feb 21–22

For a traditional, immersive Lunar New Year weekend, the Classical Chinese Garden hosts tea ceremonies, calligraphy, lantern viewing, tastings, workshops, and performances—inside one of Chinatown’s most iconic spaces.

Highlights:

  • Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and lantern viewing
  • Food demos + tastings (seasonal programming)
  • Performances and cultural activities throughout the Garden

When: Feb 21–22, 2026

Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St, Vancouver)

Source: vancouversbestplaces.com

6. Chinese Canadian Museum: Lunar New Year Weekend in Chinatown — Feb 21–22

Add a museum stop to your Chinatown weekend for a hands-on celebration that pairs well with nearby events, food stops, and parade day energy.

Highlights:

  • Exhibits focused on Chinese Canadian history and community
  • Family-friendly programming that complements Chinatown celebrations
  • Easy to combine with nearby events on the same weekend

When: Feb 21–22, 2026 (check program calendar for activity times)

Where: Chinese Canadian Museum (51 E Pender St, Vancouver)

Source: chinesecanadianmuseum.ca

7. Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade + Cultural Fair — Feb 22

Vancouver Chinatown’s signature Lunar New Year day features a major parade plus a free cultural fair with performances and community booths later in the afternoon.

Highlights:

  • Parade with cultural groups, lion & dragon dance teams
  • Route from Millennium Gate along E Pender, Gore, ending at Keefer & Carrall
  • Cultural Fair with performances and celebration booths (free entry)

When: February 22, 2026 — Parade 11:00 AM; Cultural Fair 2:00–4:00 PM

Where: Vancouver Chinatown

How much? Free

Source: cbavancouver.org

8. Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown (Peak Weekend + Ongoing Month) — Feb 21–22

Metrotown’s Lunar New Year programming runs across the season with a peak weekend featuring performances and activities—ideal if you want a weather-proof outing.

Highlights:

  • Seasonal programming with cultural activations
  • Peak weekend activities around Feb 21–22

When: Feb 21–22, 2026 peak weekend + ongoing month programming

Where: Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby (4700 Kingsway)

Source: metropolisatmetrotown.com

9. Silk Road Music: Lunar New Year Celebration (Concert at Gateway Theatre) — Feb 28

A perfect culture-night option: a 90-minute performance blending Chinese instruments and global sounds to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Highlights:

  • Live concert (90 minutes, no intermission)
  • Family-friendly (recommended ages 6+)

When: February 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Where: Gateway Theatre, Studio B (Richmond)

How much? CA$25

Source: gatewaytheatre.com

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