It’s time to welcome in the Year of the Dragon! Lunar New Year, an annual festival of prosperity and renewal, is 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. Plus, many of the events are free! Celebrate with our guide to Lunar New Year Events in Toronto and the GTA…
Featured Event
Family Day Weekend at Aga Khan Museum (February 15-17)
Participate in fun and FREE activities on the Family Day Weekend at the Aga Khan Museum, celebrating Lunar New Year in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.
Lunar New Year Events — Free & Cheap Events
LunarFest GTA – Lunar Lanterns (February 2-29)
LunarFest GTA lights up Lunar Lanterns outside Unionville’s Varley Art Gallery for a bright start to the Year of the Dragon and to light up the winter and soar through the imaginations of Indigenous artists.
The Welcome Market: Lunar New Year Market (February 2-4)
This free-to-attend recurring market celebrate Lunar New Year with 35+ vendors, exclusive goodies, and the Queens of Dim Sum drag show at a Friday night market.
Friends of Allan Gardens: Family Day & Lunar New Year (February 19)
At the Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens, join free fun for Family Day and Lunar New Year, where kids can make dragon-inspired crafts to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.
Toronto Public Library – Performances and Crafts (February 10-17)
Numerous TPL branches across town are hosting events and crafts this month, such as musical performances, story time and origami. (Some events require pre-registration)
Toronto Chinatown BIA – 2024 Lunar New Year Celebrations (February 10-11)
In the heart of Toronto Chinatown at Spadina & Dundas West, attractions at this year’s public festivities include a live Lion Dance outdoor performance, a mahjong competition, and more.
Lunarfest GTA – Arts & Crafts Workshops (February 17-18)
Also at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville, LunarFest GTA is back to welcome the Year of the Dragon with fun arts and crafts workshops and Indigenous art.
Lunar New Year Events — Concerts
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto: 2024 Chinese New Years Community Celebration (February 10)
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.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO): Year of the Dragon — A Lunar New Year Celebration (February 13)
Join comedian Dashan for an extraordinary evening performed by the TSO and special guests, playing both classics and favourites such as the “Butterfly Lovers Concerto” and “Song of the Pipa”.
UTChinese New Year Concert (February 20)
At the Isabel Bader Theatre, join the UTChinese Network for a charity event where all concert proceeds will be donated to UNICEF. Hear enchanting melodies of classical music and mesmerizing performances of traditional Chinese music.
Lunar New Year Events — Paid Parties and Festivals
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre: 2024 New Year’s Festival (January 21)
This festival is filled with food and marketplace vendors, traditional entertainment, Lion Dances, Taiko Drumming, calligraphy, fun kids activities, and more.
Mississauga 2024 Lunar New Year Gala (January 27)
Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization (MCAO) collaborates with different organizations across the City of Mississauga to bring a spectacular show featuring traditional performances.
Oakville Chinese New Year Gala (January 27)
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts the Oakville Chinese Network as they celebrate with this year’s theme: “Our Future as Immigrants”.
2024 Canadian Chinese and Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala (January 28)
The 2024 Canadian Chinese and Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala is themed “Chinese Story Chinese Year”.
Lunar Lights Festival (February 8-25)
Lunar Lights Festival honours Lunar New Year at Markham Museum with a lantern trail, ice skating, and indoor activities with arts & crafts.
Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation: Dragon Ball (February 10)
Held downtown at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Dragon Ball. This annual gala benefits the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation.
Redleaf Cultural Integration: The Year of the Dragon Celebration (February 10)
This afternoon gala event at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre features an array of performances. Plus, there is a free cultural exhibition in the atrium with Chinese art demonstrations and tea ceremonies.
Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE): 2024 ACCE Lunar New Year Celebration (February 15)
Held at Casa Deluz in Scarborough, guests can don traditional Chinese outfits. Then, enjoy dance and music performances, plus dinner and prizes.
Put away your wallet and discover more free and cheap events in Toronto here!
