Chinese New Year is coming up on Jan. 25, and festive events are kicking off early this year.
Take a look at the events listed for the celebrations in Richmond:
Jan. 11 to 12
What: Vancouver Carnival – Aberdeen Square x Mooby Yoho
When: 12 – 7 p.m.
Where: Aberdeen Square main atrium, 4000 No. 3 Rd
Aberdeen Square will be hosting a carnival-style celebration in collaboration with Mooby Yoho for Chinese New Year. Throughout the weekend, there will be multiple hip hop dance performances by various groups, different types of family games and lucky draws for everyone to participate in. For those who download WeChat, a Chinese social media app, a small prize is given with every QR code scanned at the event.
Jan. 18 - 19
What: Bodhi Meditation Chinese New Year Market Place
When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Bodhi Meditation Centre, 7740 Alderbridge Way
The year of the Rat will be celebrated at the annual Bodhi Meditation’s Chinese New Year Market Place. There will be a photography studio, traditional tea house, children’s courtyard, gift shop, oracle readings, multicultural performances and international veggie food hutongs. Food trucks will be a new addition to this year’s celebration including: Teapressu, Overland Sandwiches, Real Mac-N-Cheese, Basanti and more.
Chinese New Year countdown at Aberdeen Centre last year. File photoJan. 18 - 26
What: Flower and Gift Fair
When: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
Hallways of Aberdeen Centre will once again be transformed into a flower and gift fair featuring vendors selling gifts, decorations, fresh flowers, crafts, food and more. The fair is known to be your “one-stop-shop” for all Chinese New Year essentials.
Jan. 24
What: Chinese God of Fortune Visit
When: 10:30 a.m. – 13:30 p.m.
Where: Aberdeen Centre Central Atrium, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
The Chinese God of Fortune will be at Aberdeen sending his blessings of luck to visitors as well as free photo opportunities for everyone.
What: Live Chinese New Year Countdown
When: 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Where: Aberdeen Centre Central Atrium, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
Two variety stage shows, presented by Fairchild Radio and Television, will feature cultural performances, music, dance, fortune telling and giveaways in the evening. There will also be a live broadcasted countdown to the Chinese New Year of the Rat.
Jan. 25
What: Chinese New Year Dragon and Lion Dance
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Aberdeen Centre outdoor courtyard, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
In the morning, a golden dragon and eight lions will come alive after a traditional eye-dotting ceremony and a live firecracker display. Afterwards, the lions will travel indoors to retail stores on all three levels to perform the pick-the-green ceremonies.
Jan. 26
What: Year of the Rat celebration with CF Richmond Centre
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Richmond Centre, 6551 No. 3 Rd.
CF Richmond Centre will be hosting a cultural celebration to bring family and friends together. There will be a traditional Lion Dance as well as a meet and greet with the God of Fortune who will be giving away lucky red pockets filled with chocolate coins.
Jan. 26
What: Chinese New Years celebration at Lansdowne Centre
When: 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Lansdowne Centre centre court, 5300 No. 3 Rd.
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with the Richmond Chinese Community Society (RCCS), Lansdowne Centre and TD Bank. A full day of activities will start with an opening ceremony and Lion Dance followed by traditional and modern live entertainment, martial arts demonstrations, giveaways and community booths.
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