Chinese New Year
Rich in tradition and custom, the Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many Asian cultures.
Chinese New Year: January 23, 2012
(events run through February 6, 2012)
Year of the Dragon
Each year, a variety of local Lunar New Year events and celebrations are offered in Richmond that celebrate the cultural diversity of our community.
* All events are free unless otherwise listed.
January 9 - 22
Flower Market
Yaohan Centre, 3700 No. 3 Road
Don’t miss this spectacular floral display!
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
www.yaohancentre.com
January 18-29
Chinese New Year celebration and bazaar
International Buddhist Temple, 9160 Steveston Highway
Auspicious flower arrangements, traditional snacks and foods, various cultural gift items and more.
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
www.buddhisttemple.ca
January 19-23
Chinese New Year Flower and Gift Fair
Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
Come treasure hunt and stock up for the new year at some of the 40+ display booths.
www.aberdeencentre.com
January 19-February 6
Chinese New Year in the Library - Photo Exhibit
Richmond Public Library- Brighouse Main Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate
Presented by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Vancouver and the Vancouver Public Library, this exhibit focuses on how people from different regions of China celebrate the Lunar New Year, their cultural traditions and the importance of the Year of the Dragon.
www.yourlibrary.ca
Unveiling of the Imperial Water Dragon
River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Road
Attend a special ceremony to unveil the Imperial Water Dragon sculpture, a magnificent piece of public art signifying wealth and good luck created by local sculptor Kevin Stone.
11:00 a.m.
January 22
Chinese New Year's Eve festivities
International Buddhist Temple, 9160 Steveston Highway
Take in late night festivities including a chant and group prayer to bless all sentient beings led by the Venerable Guan Cheng.
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
www.buddhisttemple.ca
January 22
Richmond Chinese Community Society TD Lunar New Year Celebrations at Lansdowne Centre
Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road
A variety of multicultural performances including a lion dance, Chinese opera, hip hop, Chinese calligraphy, crafts and community booths. Drop by the City Centre Community Association booth for face painting and a chance to win prizes!
12:30 - 5:00 p.m.
www.rccs.ca or www.lansdowne-centre.com.
January 22
Countdown Night to Chinese New Year
Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
Live entertainment shows presented by Fairchild Radio and Fairchild TV.
8 p.m. - midnight
www.aberdeencentre.com
January 23
Golden Dragon and Lion Dance & Mall-Wide Pick-the-Green Lion Visits
Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
11:00 a.m.: outdoor courtyard
12:00 p.m. onwards: all 3 levels
www.aberdeencentre.com
January 23
Chinese New Year Celebration
Yaohan Centre, 3700 No. 3 Road
Dragon and lion dance, firecrackers, Green Picking at Plateau sphere Jong and God of Fortune.
12:00 p.m. start
www.yaohancentre.com
January 25
55+ Chinese New Year Celebration
Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue
This colourful event features a performance by Dancing Butterfly with traditional folk dance and sing-a-long, a chow mein lunch and door prizes. Register at www.richmond.ca/register. Course code #194355.
12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
January 25
Chinese New Year Potluck Dinner
Richmond Multicultural Community Services, Room 340-7000 Minoru Blvd (in Richmond Caring Place)
Bring a dish and some cheer and celebrate with friends old and new. Raffles, cultural dances, entertainment and a lot of fun!
www.rmcs.bc.ca
January 28
RCCS New Year Celebration at Richmond Centre
Richmond Centre, 6551 No. 3 Road
Don’t miss the lion dancers performing the “Choy Ching” ceremony in front of stores and throughout the mall. Hosted by Richmond Centre and the Richmond Chinese Community Society.
1:30 p.m. start
www.rccs.ca and www.richmondcentre.com
January 28
Chinese New Year Celebration
Richmond Public Library- Brighouse Main Library 100-7700 Minoru Gate
Cultural crafts, games, performances, demonstrations, displays and prizes.
www.yourlibrary.ca
January 28 and 29
Chinese New Year Dance and Music Celebrations
Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
Entertainment celebrations featuring BC Chinese Music Association, Vancouver Academy of Dance and Colors of Dance Academy.
Jan 28 - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Jan 29 - 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
www.aberdeencentre.com
January 29
Chinese New Year Stage Show
Yaohan Centre, Second Floor, 3700 No. 3 Road
Hosted by AM 1320, this show will include various performances such as a lion dance, kung fu, singing and dancing.
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
www.yaohancentre.com
January 29
Chinese New Year Celebration
Richmond Public Market, 8260 Westminster Highway
Enjoy games, free gifts and a lion dance performance between 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
4:00 - 7:30 p.m.
604-821-1888
February 4 and 5
Chinese New Year Tea
London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Road
This special Chinese Tea in the beautifully decorated Tea Room features homemade goodies including almond and unique dragon cookies.
Open 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.50 for full tea
http://LondonFarm.ca
For more community events, check out the City of Richmond’s online Calendar of Events page.