8 incredible Lunar New Year celebrations in Calgary

It’s almost the Lunar New Year, Calgary! This vibrant holiday is celebrated throughout several cultures, each with traditions that differ slightly. But for all, 2020 marks the Year of the Rat! Here are 8 places you can celebrate in the coming weeks.

Happy Lunar New Year, Calgary!

LUNAR NEW YEAR AT STAN GRAD

Ring in the Lunar New Year with an incredible traditional lion dance performance, snack on some incredibly authentic food, and win prizes at the Irene Lewis Atrium in Stan Grad Centre at SAIT.

When: Friday, January 24th
Where: 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 3 pm
Cost: FREE

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

This festival will feature incredible performances by traditional dancers and singers, speakers, and martial arts professionals. Check out the marketplace and food stalls with authentic snacks, attend a calligraphy exhibition, watch an amazing firecracker show, or ogle a breathtaking lantern display.

When: Friday, January 24th- Sunday, January 26th
Where: 197 – 1st Street SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Cost: FREE

MARLBOROUGH MALL CHINESE NEW YEAR

Paint the town red! This free celebration will include performances, a photo booth, kids crafts, and much more! This event will run in the mall’s Family Park and Food Court this Saturday.

When: Saturday January, 25th
Where: 3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Cost: FREE

LUNAR NEW YEAR LION DANCE AT THE CORE

Hanging downtown for a little weekend retail therepy sesh? While you’re there, snap a pic in front of The Core’s New Year’s display on the malls second level, play games with the kids, and then enjoy a lunchtime lion dance performace at Holt Renfrew!

When: Saturday, January 25th
Where: 324 8 Avenue SW, in Holt Renfrew
Time: 1 pm
Cost: FREE

CHINESE NEW YEAR POTLUCK PARTY

Food and dancing? Sign us up! This New Year’s weekend, take in a pot luck dinner, and then dance yourselves into Monday morning at the Ballroom & Country Dance Studio in Calgary.

When: Sunday, January 26th
Where: 121 – 17th Avenue NE, Calgary
Time: 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $15+

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CHINESE NEW YEAR FOOD PAIRING

Ride your taste buds across Asia during this incredible culinary tour. The chefs at Mr. Chen’s Asian Brasserie have prepared an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by Asian flavours. This is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a plane ticket!

When: Wednesday, January 29th
Where: Mr. Chen’s Asian Brasserie – 2004 4 Street SW, Calgary
Time: 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $89.50

CHINATOWN NEW YEAR’S GALA BANQUET

This event is all about the traditions, art and culture of the New Year. Network and enjoy dance performances, win prizes, and have some authentic food. Also, you’ll get to say that you went to a “gala banquet”, and that sounds real fancy.

When: Friday, January 31st
Where: 328 Centre Street South, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $68+

SONG OF THE PHEONIX NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

This weekend of music is in celebration of the Chinese mythological bird Feng Huang, the Chinese Phoenix. This event features performances by the Calgary Chinese Orchestra, pianist Corey Hamm, Suona virtuoso Wu Zhong-Xi, and a ton more very talented performers. This will be a heck of a lot of impressive stage presence in one place, folks. Don’t miss out!

When: Saturday, February 1st – Sunday, February 2nd
Where: 608 1 St SW, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:45 pm
Cost: $38+

There’s really nothing like the Lunar New Year in Calgary, guys. You won’t want to miss it!