It’s time to welcome in the Year of the Horse! Lunar New Year is an annual festival of prosperity and renewal, celebrated by both East and South Asian communities around the world and, of course, throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Activities and events include concerts, lion and dragon dances, colourful lanterns, traditional crafts such as calligraphy, and tea ceremonies. Even better, many of the events are free! Celebrate with our guide to Lunar New Year Events in Toronto and the GTA…
Aga Khan Museum
Gather your whole family together to celebrate the Family Day long weekend, Lunar New Year and Winter at the Aga Khan Museum, presented in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCC), where you can enjoy activities both indoors and outdoors that are educational, fun and FREE!
Get more details here!
Lunar New Year Events — Free & Cheap Events
Bata Shoe Museum: Lunar New Year at the BSM | February 8
Bata Shoe Museum kicks off the year of the Horse with free admission and special performances from Lion Dance Toronto and the Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada, plus family-friendly crafts to take home.
Toronto Public Library – Performances and Crafts | February 9-28
Numerous TPL branches across town are hosting events and crafts this month, such as lion dance, lantern making and crafts. (Some events require pre-registration.)
Willowdale Lunar New Year Festival 2026 | February 21
Willowdale City Councillor Lily Cheng hosts a family-friendly and free Lunar New Year Festival at the North York Centre Atrium, featuring diverse vendor booths, games, activities, and performances.
Toronto Spring Festival Fireworks Celebration | February 14-15
Toronto Spring Festival Fireworks Celebration blast into Nathan Phillips Square, featuring the Echo Market with artists, cultural creators and local brands, food stalls, plus performances, and a Chinese New Year fireworks display on Sunday at 9:00 PM.
Downtown Yonge BIA: Skates And Sounds | February 20
Downtown Yonge BIA hosts a month of skating parties with free skate rentals on-site at the Skates And Sounds series at College Park’s Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail, including a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 20.
LunarFest GTA | February 21-22
LunarFest GTA welcomes the Year of the Horse through arts, culture, and storytelling, including craft workshops, films and stories at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville.
LunarFest GTA: Lunar Lanterns | February 21 — March 20
LunarFest GTA lights up Lunar Lanterns in the courtyard outside Unionville’s Varley Art Gallery for a bright start to the Year of the Horse and to light up the winter and soar through the imaginations of local artists from diverse backgrounds.
Markham Museum: Lunar New Year Celebration | February 21
Markham Museum honours Lunar New Year with paper crafts and calligraphy, horse-themed crafts and games, and Mahjong games.
Toronto Chinatown BIA: 2026 Lunar New Year Celebrations | February 21-22
In the heart of Toronto Chinatown at Spadina & Dundas West, attractions at this year’s public festivities include a live Lion Dance outdoor performance, plus free activities and attractions.
Lunar New Year Events — Paid Arts Events
Oakville Chinese New Year Show | February 14
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts the Oakville Chinese Network as they celebrate with this year’s theme: “Cell Phone”.
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto: 2026 Chinese New Years Community Celebration | February 15
Taking place at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, the Chinese New Year Dance Gala includes performances displaying the brightness and festive spirit of the holiday.
Small World Music: Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival | February 16
Small World Music presents Chào, Tết TO, an unforgettable celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, filled with vibrant music, cultural performances, and traditional festivities to welcome in the Year of the Horse. (Entrance to festival free, with paid concerts)
Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO): Year of the Snake — A Lunar New Year Celebration | February 28
Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) presents a Lunar New Year Celebration concert in honour of the Year of the Horse, conducted by Carolyn Kuan and featuring comedian Dashan, 15-year-old Toronto pianist Ryan Huang, and renowned pipa virtuoso Wu Man.
Lunar New Year Events — Paid Galas and Festivals
2026 Chinese Canadian Lunar New Year Gala | January 31
Held at the Meridian Arts in North York, this gala is a memorable evening filled with music, dance, and entertainment. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of China and experience a showcase of Chinese stories, traditions, and performances by the vibrant Chinese-Canadian community.
Redleaf Cultural Integration: The Year of the Dragon Celebration | February 7
This afternoon gala event at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre features an array of performances. In addition, there is a free cultural exhibition in the atrium with interactive displays and live demonstrations.
Mississauga Lunar New Year Gala | February 8
Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization (MCAO) presents the 2026 Mississauga Lunar New Year Gala. This spectacular show features a variety of traditional performances, including a rich tapestry of traditional Chinese folk dance, soul-stirring singing performances, and graceful Taichi demonstrations.
Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation: Dragon Ball | February 14
Held downtown at Exhibition Place, this annual gala combines philanthropy with the celebration of Chinese New Year to benefits the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care.
Milton Chinese Canadian Association (MCCA): Chinese New Year Gala | February 21
Join the Milton Chinese Canadian Association (MCCA) for an evening filled with traditional performances, delicious snacks, and festive decorations to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE): 2025 ACCE Lunar New Year Celebration | February 25
Held at Auric King in Markham, guests can don traditional Chinese outfits. Then, enjoy dance and music performances, plus dinner and prizes.
Lunar New Year Events — Markets
One Market Brantford: Lunar New Year | February 11
Celebrate the joyous Lunar New Year at One Market in Brantford, filled with cultural festivities, delicious food, and exciting performances. Don’t miss your chance to receive a lucky red envelope, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead.
Toronto Spring Festival Fireworks Celebration | February 14-15
Toronto Spring Festival Fireworks Celebration blasts into Toronto City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square, with the bustling Echo Market, performances and nighttime fireworks.
Hamilton Chinese Association: 2026 Hamilton Lunar New Year Market Event | February 22
Celebrate Lunar New Year with food, fun, and vibes at the 2026 Hamilton Lunar New Year Market Event at the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre in Hamilton.
Put away your wallet and discover more free and cheap events in Toronto here!
