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Tourism Vaughan

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Vaughan

Learn about Lunar New Year traditions and where you can join local festivities

Each year, millions of people observe Lunar New Year, which begins in 2025 on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The special traditions of Lunar New Year are commonly celebrated by many people of Asian heritage, including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. Based on the lunisolar calendar, 2025 represents the year of the wood snake, which symbolizes personal growth, wisdom, intuition and transformation. Celebrating the year of the wood snake is extra special as it only occurs once every 60 years!

There are many ways you can learn more and participate in Lunar New Year festivities around the city, and we’ve collected them for you all in one place!

a group of singers in colourful dress performing on stage

CELEBRATE:

City of Vaughan Lunar New Year Event

Sunday, Feb. 9

Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council invite you to celebrate Lunar New Year at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Come out to observe one of the most elaborate, colourful and important cultural festivals to the Asian community, and enjoy family-friendly fun, entertainment and live performances.

performance of the traditional Lunar New Year lion dance

Vaughan Mills Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 25 to Friday, Jan. 31

Vaughan Mills’ Lunar New Year celebration is jam-packed with traditional entertainment and activations. From their Wishing Tree – where you can make a wish for the year to come – to their House of Illumination, you can immerse yourself in the magic of this special time of year. Don’t miss the Lion Dance and other exciting live entertainment happening exclusively on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m.!

FEAST:

Like so many traditions that centre around gathering and feasting with family and friends, Lunar New Year centres around a big meal with traditional foods as a major part of the celebrations. Foods like dumplings – which resemble money pouches and signify prosperity – and spring rolls – which resemble gold bars – are typically enjoyed during Lunar New Year meals. Long noodles – which are meant to be eaten in full and not broken or torn – symbolize a long life. A big theme of Lunar New Year is bringing good luck and fortune to friends and family for the year ahead, and it is no question why these foods are associated with the tradition!

Here are some spots in Vaughan where you can enjoy Asian cuisine, including many of the common foods enjoyed for Lunar New Year:

SHOP

The new year signifies a fresh start. It is common for people celebrating Lunar New Year to wear the colour red in some form, as red is synonymous with good fortune. If you’re looking for a new outfit or something bright red for a celebration you are attending, check out Promenade Shopping Centre or Vaughan Mills to shop the best deals at a range of premium fashion and outlet stores. For even more options, head to visitvaughan.ca/shop for all the best spots to get the best bang for your buck!

family of four sitting at a bench inside a hallway at Vaughan Mills mall

As you explore all that Vaughan has to offer, don’t forget to tag us at #VisitVaughan and follow us on Instagram at @visitvaughan!

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