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Chinese New Year in Vancouver

By Vancouver Magazine /

Now that the lunar calendar has rolled over, it’s time to fête the year of the rabbit. But with all the parties, parades, dinners, and more taking place across Metro Vancouver, where do you start? Whether you’re planning to celebrate with a raucous family dinner or a quiet evening for two, our Chinese New Year guide has the perfect festivity for you.

You’re with: Friends
Celebrate at: Wild Rice. A four-course prix fixe menu puts a modern spin on Chinese banquets, incorporating ingredients with symbolic meaning into every dish. Spot prawn ha gow, Peking duck in pinot noir jus, and pheasant and squab san choy bow promise not only a tasty meal but good luck and wealth too.
$38.88, available now through February 13. Wildricevancouver.com

You’re with: Children
Celebrate at: Chinese Benevolent Society Parade. Grab a spot early so you can see the spectacular costumes sported by the lion teams, martial arts experts, Chinese dancers, and 3,000 other entries at this lively, colourful annual parade.
Free; 12:00-2pm on Sunday, February 6 starting at the Millennium Gate. Cbavancouver.ca

You’re with: The extended family
Celebrate at: Kirin. Come hungry for this family-style menu. Gorge on ten platters of traditional Chinese delicacies like roasted suckling pig and abolone, then loosen your belt to make room for dim sum desserts and sweet soup.
$599-778 for 10 people, available now through February 13 at all locations. Kirinrestaurants.com

You’re with: Grandparents
Celebrate at: Richmond’s London Heritage Farm. Tired of the noise and crowds at most CNY events? Escape to this quaint waterside tearoom for traditional music, paper lantern displays, and handmade almond cookies and rabbit-shaped baked goods paired to Chinese teas.
$8.50 per person; Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6; 12-5pm; reservations required.  Londonheritagefarm.ca

You’re with: Your significant other
Celebrate at: Granville Island. Take in one of Stephen Wong’s Chinese cooking demonstrations then shop the public market for ingredients to make your own Lunar New Year dinner. And be sure to keep an eye out for the roving Fortune God handing out free gifts.
Free; Sunday, February 6; 10am to 4pm. Granvilleisland.com