As Lunar New Year celebrations draw closer, LunarFestival.com is the go-to source for both locals and visitors to discover the multitude of events taking place in Vancouver and Richmond. This year, the Lunar New Year begins on February 5, 2019, but many of the festival events begin at the end of January.

From mandarin musicals, to lion dances and lantern making workshops, there’s plenty for culture-seekers to experience!   

Brand new for this year is the Coastal Lunar Lanterns installation at Jack Poole Plaza presented by the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association. Eight gigantic lanterns designed by Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh artists and a guest indigenous artist from the Taiwanese Zihing tribe will be illuminated nightly beginning January 30th.

Discover a touch of Asian culture through an inspired musical performance. An Accident of Love, a musical adaptation of the 1983 Taiwanese film, “Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing” is playing at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts.

A new spectacular display of lanterns and lights will adorn the Tree of Good Fortune on Robson Street at Bute. Take a selfie with the tree between January 31st and February 18thto be entered to win some fabulous prizes from the Robson Street BIA, Tourism Richmond and Tourism Vancouver.

Check out the vibrant flower and gift fairs happening at Yaohan Centre, Aberdeen Centre, the International Buddhist Temple and Bodhi Meditation in Richmond. Happening from January 21 to February 5, eat, play, shop and celebrate the year of the pig with cultural festivities before ringing in the new year.

Join two live count down shows on the evening of February 4 at Aberdeen Centre’s grand atrium, or at the International Buddhist Temple. With live stage shows featuring cultural performances, music and dancing, you can take in a cultural experience like nothing else. Have your fortune told and ring in the new year with various prize giveaways and more!

Can’t make it to the celebrations on the 4th or 5th? Not to worry – you can catch lion and dragon dances on February 9th and 10th at Lansdowne Centre, CF Richmond Centre, Parker Place and various other places. Be sure to check the website for details.

For more information and to discover the variety of Lunar New Year events taking place in Vancouver and Richmond this year, visit LunarFestival.com. Check the website for a complete list of events and follow Lunar New Year Festival on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.