Lunarfest Vancouver 2026 Events Happening Across the City

February 17th marks the start of a new year characterized by freedom, boldness, and vitality. It is the Year of the Firehorse, a rare and powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac that comes around just once every 60 years. And Vancouver, especially its historic Chinatown, is poised for the celebration.

Restaurants across the city will unveil opulent menus and curated experiences inspired by the horse's energy. Vibrant performances, art installations, creative workshops, and events will spread across the city for Lunarfest Vancouver 2026. Everyone is welcome to take part, with endless ways to learn, celebrate, and immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the Lunar New Year.

What Events Are Happening in Vancouver for Lunar New Year 2026?

The city will come alive with parades, incredible food, and festival magic unfolding across Vancouver. Here is just a taste of the many ways you can join the excitement, from festivals to food, community events, and more.

Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade

One of the largest and most storied of Vancouver Lunar New Year traditions is the Chinatown Spring Festival Parade, which has been a staple of Lunarfest Vancouver celebrations since 1974. Lion and dragon dance teams, art and dance troupes, and marching bands flood the streets of Chinatown with vibrancy and excitement in a proud display of Canada’s multiculturalism.

The Lantern City

The Lantern City lights up the city with large-scale lantern displays and art installations as part of Lunarfest Vancouver 2026. This year’s theme, Brave the Wind, captures the fierce, untamed spirit of the horse, calling us all to move through life’s challenges with determination and grace. Installations can be found across the city, including Granville Island and Robson Plaza.

Year of the Horse at Metropolis at Metrotown

From February 3 to March 2, Metropolis at Metrotown will host a series of events in celebration of the Year of the Horse, including hands-on workshops, contests, and live performances.

Build Your Luck at the LEGO® Lunar New Year Pop-Up

Imagination meets good fortune at the LEGO® Lunar New Year Pop-Up! Enjoy colourful displays, snap photos with a life-sized LEGO® lion, and participate in LEGO® building activities. Take your good-luck creation home and set intentions for an imaginative and creative year ahead.

Feel the Energy of the Lion Dance

On February 21, join in on the fun and learn all about the art of the Lion Dance. The morning kicks off with a performance and storytelling, followed by a session where everyone is invited to join in and learn the art of Lion Dance. The atmosphere will be vibrant and energetic as this time-honoured tradition comes to life.

Which Restaurants and Food Experiences Are Taking Part in Lunarfest Vancouver 2026?

Restaurants across the city and food tours are gearing up for Lunarfest Vancouver 2026 with curated menus and experiences to enrich your understanding and appreciation for the Lunar New Year.

A. Bento Horse Year Gift Box

A. Bento is a Modern Taiwanese restaurant just a 10-minute Uber from the downtown core. To welcome in the Year of the Horse, the restaurant is offering a specially curated Horse Year Gift Box, filled with A. Bento’s signature flavours, including items like their Prime Signature Chicken Soup with Abalone and Garlic Sea Bass. You can purchase the box on their website to usher in a prosperous year ahead.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea

Head to Notch8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to indulge in a curated selection of exquisite teas and sweet and savoury treats inspired by the Year of the Horse. There’s even a Children’s Tea offering, available now through February 22, that includes kid-friendly beverages and bites.

Mott 32 Chinese New Year Menu

Mott 32 is one of the most premier Chinese restaurants in the city, offering Cantonese cuisine and some signature Beijing and Szechuan dishes. In celebration of the Year of the Horse, they’re offering an opulent 8-course meal featuring elevated eats like Premium Lobster, Abalone Lo Hei Salad, and Steamed Coral Garoupa.

Downtown Asian Eats Tour

Vancouver Foodie Tours is joining the celebration with a guided culinary experience that weaves together culture, flavour, and storytelling. Running through February 28, their Downtown Asian Eats Tour gets a Lunar New Year twist, featuring dishes inspired by luck, prosperity, and fresh beginnings.

Take in a lantern-lit art installation, learn the rhythm of the Lion Dance, and celebrate with a memorable meal to fully immerse yourself in Lunarfest Vancouver 2026. There are countless ways to welcome in the Year of the Horse with events and experiences unfolding across the city.