This year Chinese New Year Day is on Saturday, January 28. Toronto has plenty of family-fun activities to celebrate, including dance performances, cultural festivals and events and lots of great food. It’s the Year of the Rooster!
What does that mean? Well, if you were born in a Rooster year, according to the Chinese zodiac, you are hardorking, courageous, loyal, outspoken, and honest. And unfortunately, if you are a Rooster, 2017 may be—according to Chinese astrology—an unlucky one for you.
But you can make your own good fortunate in 2017 by getting out there and celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rooster with one of the many great events below!
2017 Toronto Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration
Every year the Toronto Chinatown Business Improvement Area (Chinatown BIA) throws a big party to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Celebrate the Year of the Rooster in the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown at the Dragon City Mall. Highlights of the festivities include the Dragon Dance, fortune-telling, the God of Prosperity handing out red envelopes, and interactive games with prizes.
January 28–29CNY Celebration at Market Village
For an entire weekend of fun plus events on the two following Saturdays, visit Market Village in Markham. Activities and entertainment include Chinese dancing, traditional arts and crafts, a lion dance, martial arts, cultural drumming, and multi-cultural performances. It will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
January 28–29, February 4 and 11Chinese New Year Festival
At Pacific Mall in Markham, celebrate the lunar new year with star-powered guest appearances by Chinese TV star Adrian Chau and pop stars Sheldon Lo and Jonas M as well as lion-dance performances and more.
January 27–28 and February 4Toronto Public Library Lunar New Year Events
The Toronto Library has tons of great Chinese New Year activities for all ages. Listen to stories and songs and/or create a special craft at the Pape/Danforth, Woodview Park, or Elmbrook Park branches with the younger kids. And if you’re looking for a party, the Lillian H. Smith branch is having an all-ages Chinese New Year festival, which includes tai chi performances, a Cheongsam Qipao Show, music, and dumplings.
Dates vary by locationTSO’s Chinese New Year Musical Celebration
Head over to Roy Thomson Hall with your big kids to see the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s performance The Year of the Rooster: A Chinese New Year Celebration. The fourth annual music celebration combines traditional Chinese music with classic western styles. This year it’s a premiere of Canadian composer Vincent Ho’s work for pipa—a Chinese folk instrument.
February 4LunarFest
There are tons of great activities and ample entertainment planned for a weekend of fun, including themed crafts, fortune-telling games, exhibitions, culinary delights from Asia, and dance, drum and musical performance.
LunarFest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. There are tons of great activities and entertainment planned Toronto Metro Hall including the Rooster Winter Games (Feb. 4 and 5), the children’s NaRae Korean Dance Ensemble (Feb. 4), and music by the Toronto Taiwanese Chamber Orchestra (Feb. 4).
February 4–5Keep informed with everything going on in Toronto with our Event Listings.
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