It’s time to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit! 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, some of the events are free! Celebrate with our guide to Lunar New Year Events in Toronto and the GTA!
Free & Cheap Events
LunarFest GTA – Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights (January 12-February 28)
This annual festival hosts the Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights outside Unionville’s Varley Art Gallery for a bright start to the Year of the Rabbit and light up the winter with stories from our Indigenous communities.
Toronto Public Library – Performances and Crafts (January 13-21)
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)
Ajax Public Library – Friday Maker Night (January 13)
This week, the ongoing event features a Lunar New Year craft to spark your whole family’s creativity. (Free with registration)
Toronto Chinatown BIA – 2023 Lunar New Year Celebrations (January 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, cooking and calligraphy demonstrations, a mahjong competition and more.
The Bentway – Lunar New Year Celebration (January 22)
You can skate in the afternoon under the Gardiner at the Bentway, plus also see performances by the Hong Luck Kung Fu Club and the Happy Dancing Group, and purchase food at the Mr. and Mrs. Bao food truck.
Lunarfest GTA – Arts & Crafts Workshops (January 28-29)
Also at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville, unleash your creativity with a special natural-dye art exhibit, fun arts and crafts workshop for all ages, and more.
Paid Events
Mississauga Lunar New Year Gala (January 14)
Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization (MCAO) presents the 2023 Mississauga Lunar New Year Gala, collaborating with different organizations across the City of Mississauga to bring a spectacular show featuring traditional performances.
Lindance 2023 Chinese New Years Gala (January 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.
Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation – Dragon Ball (January 21)
Returning after an absence of three years, the Dragon Ball is the annual benefit gala for the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, held downtown at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Redleaf Cultural Integration – The Year of the Rabbit: A Lunar New Year Celebration (January 21)
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.
Oakville Chinese New Year Gala (January 28)
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts hosts the Oakville Chinese Network as they celebrate with this year’s theme: “Our Future as Immigrants”.
Appreciate the masterpiece that is our list of Arts events in Toronto and the GTA here!
