This year in the Lunar Calendar, we are entering the year of the rabbit. The rabbit symbolizes elegance, mercy, and beauty. You can expect strong bonds with loved ones this year as well as expanded connections with family, friends, and colleagues. This is the perfect time to get out there and celebrate!
Here are the top six things you can do to celebrate the Lunar New Year this month.
1. LunarFest 2023
LunarFest 2023 is hosting lots of events to celebrate the year of the rabbit starting on Jan 20, 2023. They host shows, celebrations, and exhibitions in different locations across the city for you to enjoy.
Find the dates and locations of all Lantern City and LunarFest Celebrations here!
2. The Lantern City – We Are Family
On Jan 27 to Feb 9th, 2023, gather your family and friends to go to LunarFest and embrace diversity in a way that lights the path forward at The Lantern City. Enjoy dazzling lanterns designed by various local artists representing their own communities.
Located at: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby St, and Granville Island
3. Lunar New Year Parade – Vancouver Chinatown
On Jan 22, 2023, Head to Chinatown in Vancouver at 11:00am to experience the fun! See ensembles of lion and dragon dancers as well as other cultural performers from the Millennium Gate to the junction of Keefer and Abbott Streets.
Located at: Vancouver Chinatown, beginning at the Millennium Gate and finishes around Keefer and Abbott.
4. Lunar New Year Market – UBC
This year, UBC Botanical Gardens will be hosting their first ever Lunar New Year Market on Jan 14-15th, 2023, from 11:00am-4:00pm. Local artists, makers, and crafters will be selling their goods. This event will also feature lion dances, kung fu performances from UBC Kung Fu Club, as well as dance performances from UBC Hanfu Culture Society and YunTang Dance Club. UBC Botanical Garden will even offer fresh flowers and potted plants for sale.
Located at: UBC Botanical Garden, Reception Centre, 6804 SW Marine Drive
Tickets: $5 plus tax and fees
5. The Dumpling Trail – Locations around Richmond
Grab your chopsticks and get ready to dive in! The Dumpling Trail is a self guided tour that leads you to 15 different eateries that serve different types of dumplings in Richmond. This is the perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year as it is custom to eat dumplings. This is perfect for the foodie in your life!
Located at: Various restaurants across Richmond
Itineraries to plan your tour here
6. A.BENTO Year of the Rabbit Gift Boxes
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with 3 Rabbit Gift Boxes to help with gift ideas.
RABBIT GIFT BOX A:
-House Made Spicy Chili Sauce
-House Made Garlic Sauce
-House Made XO Sauce
-House Made Pineapple Chili Sauce
-Lucky Red Envelope
RABBIT GIFT BOX B:
-House Made Spicy Chili Sauce
-House Made Garlic Sauce
-Fortune Cookie
-Fortune Meringue
-Lucky Red Envelope
RABBIT GIFT BOX C: Vacuum Packed Frozen Dinner Set (feeds approximately 5ppl)
-Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
-Braised Pork Hock
-Sesame Oil Chicken Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
-Braised LIon’s Head
-Lucky Red Envelope
Available for order and pick up starting January 3. Last day to order is January 20 or until sold out and last day for pick up is January 23. Quantities are limited.
Located at: 656 W Broadway, Vancouver
We hope that this new year brings you lots of prosperity, luck, and success! Here’s to the Year of the Rabbit!
Expand your date bucket list with more BC date ideas here.
Written by – Jenna Kaplan
