Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29 this year, kicking off the Year of the Snake. From Toronto’s first Lunar New Year fireworks show to a larger-than-life snake installation, there are plenty of incredible ways to celebrate in Toronto.
Here are 10 things to do to celebrate Lunar New Year in Toronto:
1. Toronto Spring Festival
Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square will host the first Toronto Spring Festival to celebrate Lunar New Year on Saturday, January 25, with a fun-filled lineup of events including ice skating, Lion Dances, food trucks with traditional Chinese treats, photo ops, and a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m.
When: January 25, 2025 from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
2. Chinatown Lunar New Year celebrations
Toronto’s Chinatown BIA will be hosting their annual Lunar New Year celebrations on February 1 and 2 at Dragon City Mall and Chinatown Centre. There will be tons of activities and events taking place, including a Mahjong King competition, Lion Dance performances, cash prizes, cultural booths and food, and even a laneway naming contest.
When: February 1 – 2, 2025
Where: Dragon City Mall – 280 Spadina Ave., Toronto
3. Year of the Snake Celebration at the Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum will welcome the Year of the Snake with free festivities, including a Lion Dance performance, tea ceremony demonstrations by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, and hands-on crafts. The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged.
When: January 26, 2025
Where: Bata Shoe Museum – 327 Bloor St W, Toronto
4. Toronto Symphony Orchestra Year of the Snake Concert
Experience a one-night-only Lunar New Year concert by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thompson Hall on February 8. The show will feature comedian Dashan, conductor Naomi Woo, and an enchanting guzheng performance by Wu Fei and violinist Stella Chen’s rendition of the “Butterfly Lovers Concerto”.
When: February 8, 2025
Where: Roy Thompson Hall – 60 Simcoe St, Toronto
5. Yee Hong Dragon Ball 2025
Dress up in your finest glam for a good cause at this year’s Dragon Ball Gala, taking place at the Metro Convention Centre on January 25. The annual benefit for the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation will include mesmerizing cultural performances, a delicious meal and more!
When: January 25, 2025
Where: Metro Convention Centre – 255 Front St W, Toronto
6. Hey Fun! Market
Celebrate Asian culture and traditions at the Hey Fun! Market at the Marriott in Markham. Shop for Lunar New Year goodies, enjoy Asian street food and beverages, and witness a stunning lion dance performance. Tickets start at $13.
When: January 25, 2025
Where: 170 Enterprise Blvd, Toronto
7. Lunar New Year Celebration at Pacific Mall
North America’s largest Asian mall, Pacific Mall, hosts two weekends of Lunar New Year festivities. From the traditional Lion Dance to live music, cultural celebrations, prize giveaways, and plenty of shopping, this is a celebration not to miss.
When: February 1, 2, 8, 2025
Where: 4300 Steeles Ave. E, Markham
8. Lunar New Year at Bayview Village
Bayview Village is partnering with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto to welcome the Year of the Snake, with a lineup of performances, interactive activities, and exclusive contests on January 25. See the larger-than-life pink snake installation, experience a Lion Dance and ballet performance, receive a Bayview Village signature pink envelope from the God of Fortune, and get your own traditional Chinese calligraphy to bring home. Select shops will also be offering special promotions, gifts with purchase and window displays.
When: January 25, 2025
Where: Bayview Village – 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
9. Lunar New Year Market at STACKT
On Sunday, February 2, Toronto’s most innovative outdoor marketplace will host its very first Lunar New Year Market at Blue Moon Brewery. Kicking off at noon, you can shop a curated selection of vendors, try delicious food and drinks, play traditional Korean board games, and listen to live music by DJ Nari. There will also be a live dumpling demo, East Asian-themed movie screenings, and more!
When: February 2, 2025
Where: Blue Moon Brewery – 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
10. Lunar New Year at Yorkdale Mall
Yorkdale Shopping Centre welcomes the Year of the Snake with Toronto’s largest indoor snake installation, a breathtaking Golden Gateway corridor, and exclusive Lunar New Year collections from top global brands. The 30-foot jade-inspired snake sculpture symbolizes prosperity and renewal, while the immersive golden archway provides a picture-perfect experience. Shoppers can also enjoy a traditional Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony on Sunday, February 2.
When: Ends February 12, 2025
Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre – 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto