Cathy MerrittToronto is already making preparations to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year. This year, we are welcoming the Year of the Snake, and there are plenty of fantastic events lined up to mark this special occasion!
The Year of the Snake is particularly meaningful, as it symbolizes potential for transformation, wisdom, and renewal. It’s a chance for all of us to reflect and embrace the new year with open arms.
This year’s local festivities will offer an exceptional mix of cultural highlights that will embody the multicultural spirit of our lovely city.
Toronto Chinatown
– Photo credit: yourcitywithin
Where: Dragon City Mall and Chinatown Centre
When: February 1 to 2, 2025
One of the biggest events we should look out for is the Chinatown Business Improvement Area’s 2025 Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations. It’ll take place in both the Dragon City Mall and Chinatown Centre from February 1st to 2nd.
This exciting event will feature some fun activities like the “Mahjong King” competition, an exciting tournament where both beginner and pro mahjong players can compete.
And that’s just the beginning! There will also be a laneway naming competition, vibrant Chinese music and dance performances, a variety of cultural booths, and, of course, the iconic Lion Dance.
Toronto Spring Festival
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, Queen Street
When: January 25, 2025
But if you can’t wait until February, there will be another festival held on January 25, the Toronto Spring Festival. This one I’m particularly excited about because it will feature a massive fireworks display to welcome the Chinese New Year.
Furthermore, there will be a tonne of food trucks that are sure to serve us delicious meals. We’re also going to see special ice skating performances and a pop-up market where we can buy some handmade goods.
You’ll find this exciting event at Nathan Phillips Square on Queen Street. Hope to see you there!
LunarFest
– Photo credit: lunarfest.gta
Where: January 25 to February 16, 2025
When: Varley Art Gallery and McKay Art Centre
Moving on, there will also be the upcoming LunarFest, which will run between January 25 and February 16 at the Varley Art Gallery and McKay Art Centre.
This one promises to be a visual treat, as it will feature an array of lunar lanterns that depict a story!
On February 1 and 2, this event will also feature an art market where you can buy souvenirs.
There will also be some live performances to truly capture the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year. The festival will also host a special screening of Granny Must Die, a comedy film made in Taiwan.
Mother Tongues Live Performance
Where: 1978 Dundas Street West
When: February 1, 2025
Another event I’m planning to visit is Mother Tongues’ Year of the Snake celebration. It’s going to be a live performance show that you can watch at 1978 Dundas Street West on February 1st.
Aside from Mother Tongues, this show will also feature other renowned performers like Edmund Stay and Gamble Unlimited. There’s also going to be a tattoo pop-up stand here that will be hosted by Frankie Price.
If you’re interested, you can get your ticket from this website.
Hey Fun! Market
Where: Markham
When: January 25, 2025
For those looking for a market experience, the Hey Fun! Market on January 25th in Markham invites everyone to explore traditional goodies reimagined by local artists, enjoy delicious Asian street food, and witness lively lion dancing!
Queens of Dim Sum
– Photo credit: queensofdimsum
Where: Sky Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Spadina Avenue
When: February 1, 2025
Ticket: $43.93
But for the foodies, one particular event you need to look out for is the Queens of Dim Sum event on February 1st. It’s the only dim sum drag brunch event in Toronto!
It’ll take place at the Sky Dragon Chinese Restaurant on Spadina Avenue and has a $43.93 admission fee.
This cool event will feature a dim sum drag brunch with dazzling performances by drag artists and DJ Sumation.
Pacific Mall
Where: 1st and 2nd floors, Pacific Mall
When: February 1, 2, and 8, 2025
I also recently discovered that North America’s largest Asian mall, Pacific Mall, will be hosting its own CNY festivities. Theirs is pretty much straightforward, as their festival will feature traditional lion dances, live music, and prize giveaways.
You can enjoy Pacific Mall’s activities on February 1, 2, and 8. The activities will be open to everyone and can be found on the mall’s 1st and 2nd floors.
Dragon Ball 2025
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
When: January 25, 2025
If you’re looking for more live performances, I have another amazing event I can recommend to you. On January 25, the Yee Hong Foundation will launch Dragon Ball 2025, an event that will feature a series of shows revolving around Chinese culture.
Since this is a formal event, you’ll need to wear your best clothes for this one.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra Live Performance
Where: Roy Thomson Hall
When: February 8, 2025, 8:00 PM
Ticket: $55 (Buy here)
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will also be hosting their own CNY celebration. This one will be held at the Roy Thomson Hall and will include some amazing performers like Wu Fei, an acclaimed guzheng performer, and Stella Chen, a famous American violinist.
It’ll take place on February 8 at 8 PM with ticket prices starting at $55. I was able to get myself a mezzanine seat from this website.
Pinot’s Palette
Where: 2866 Dundas Street West, The Junction
When: January 29, 2025
Ticket: $40
For the sip-and-paint fans, Pinot’s Palette will also host their very own CNY-themed sessions that you can enjoy for only $40. It will be held on January 29 and will be open to guests ages 13 and up.
Bata Shoe Museum
– Photo credit: chineseculturalcentreofgta
Where: 327 Bloor St W
When: January 26, 2025
I also found out that some of Toronto’s top museums will be hosting their own events for the upcoming Year of the Snake.
One of those is the Bata Shoe Museum, which will feature tea ceremony demonstrations and lion dance performances to welcome the Chinese New Year. It will take place on January 26 and will be open for free to the public.
Markham Museum
Where: 9350 Markham Rd
When: January 25 to 26, 2025
Aside from the Bata Shoe Museum, Markham Museum will also host its own CNY festivities. Theirs will take place on January 25 and 26 and will feature a lot of amazing activities like Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, and even a couple of Mahjong matches!
This one will also be free to the public, so you won’t have to spend a single cent to partake in any of their activities.
Chào, Tết TO 2025
Where: Paradise Theatre, Bloor Street West
When: January 29, 2025
Ticket: $59.91 (Buy here)
Lastly, I’m excited to check out Chào, Tết TO 2025, a Chinese New Year event that will be celebrated by Toronto’s vibrant Vietnamese community!
This one is quite special since it’ll feature live performances of popular Vietnamese music pieces and many exciting interactive Tết Games.
This event will also feature the rich heritage of Vietnamese cuisine and you can even dress up in the traditional Vietnamese áo dài for a memorable photo op.
The Chào, Tết TO 2025 will take place on January 29 at the Paradise Theatre on Bloor Street West. Tickets cost $59.91 per person, and you can buy them from this website.
