As a community hub for sharing culture, art, and the many fascinating stories connected to Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre offers a range of programs for the whole family to enjoy. We’ll be inviting community elders, authors, artists, and performers to share their stories and talents in an intimate setting.
Celebrate Lunar New Year and beyond with innovative field trip ideas and experiential learning opportunities for your students!
Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods and an ideal site for studying the city’s history and unique diversity. Four dynamic cultural organizations are teaming up to welcome educators for a day of guided tours, hands-on workshops, experiential learning, and networking.
Educators will have the opportunity to meet the programming staff at each venue and learn about the engaging programs being developed for students of all ages. Make this Lunar New Year extra special for your class and book now!
Join us for an elevated Lunar New Year Sip & Paint experience led by Vancouver-based artist Justine Crawford. In this guided session, guests will create their own Lunar New Year–inspired artwork featuring a floral lantern and moon motif.
This celebratory evening includes an exclusive wine tasting of limited-edition 2026 Haywire Wine, available at Foo Hung Curios, and a selected white wine, paired with tasting notes and light snacks.
All painting materials are provided, allowing guests to relax, create, and celebrate the season in an intimate setting.
19+ event | Tickets: $60
Ticket holders can also enjoy special offers from the following Chinatown businesses:
• Foo Hung Curios – 10% off
• Chinatown Vintage – 10% off
• Chinatown BBQ – 1 happy hour drink
• Golden Smell Mee – 10% off
• Pizza Coming Soon – 10% off
Fai Cheun (or fai chun) are handwritten calligraphy blessings displayed at Lunar New Year to invite abundance and harmony. Each poetic phrase is written with intention, using ink and brush.
On Family Day, create your own beautiful fai cheun using a fish for abundance or a heart for care, and add a traditional blessing or write your own to carry your wishes into the new year.
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Walk-in | Free admission
Mahjong has long been a way for people to gather, connect, and have fun, and it remains an important part of Chinatown’s history. Our Mahjong Parlour, in collaboration with Lucky Tile Mahjong, will bring this spirit to life as we invite attendees to play, watch, or learn in the heart of Chinatown! Seasonal sips and treats from Haywire Winery, Hype Chocolate, and TEALEAVES will be included.
Red envelopes, known as lai see (利是) or hongbao (红包), are given at Lunar New Year to share good luck, blessings, and prosperity. Drop in to create your own personalized red envelope, then fill it with candies from our trays of togetherness (全盒 chyuhn hap, quan he) to gift to loved ones and send sweet wishes into the Year of the Horse.
Sunday (Lunar New Year Parade Day), February 22, 2026 | All day | Walk-in | Entrance by donation
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
MasterChef Canada winner Chris Siu brings Daan Go Cake Lab to Foo Hung Curios for a festive pop-up featuring exclusive holiday creations:
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Enjoy a festive performance by the St. Francis Xavier Parish Queen of China Children’s Choir. The local group will bring seasonal songs and holiday cheer to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
Nothing says the holiday season quite like an ugly festive sweater! Join us to create your very own cute miniature ornament, perfect for hanging on the tree or gifting to someone special.
Soon, red and gold will be seen everywhere in Chinatown. Get ready for Lunar New Year by making these fun decorations! Red pipe cleaner lanterns will brighten up your day while paper crafts will get you in the mood for the upcoming festivities.
Three Chinese Canadian sisters defied their mother’s wishes and became accomplished dancers. Their mother, Maria Mimie Ho, founded the Strathcona Chinese Dance Company. Her sudden death in 2016 left a significant void in the Chinatown community and in the sisters’ lives. Every Chinese New Year, they reunite to lead Vancouver’s Chinatown Parade. As they come together, they must confront their fractured identities and decide if their mother’s legacy means continuing the parade.
Screening + Q&A with Joanna Wong, Anabel, Val “Ms. Vee”, and Lisa Ho
Light refreshments included
Tickets: $5 Members / $15 Non-members
Get ready for a night of fun and fierce competition at the 3rd Annual Chinatown Cocktail Showdown! Sip, savor, and cheer on your favorite mixologists as they shake up creative and delicious drinks right before your eyes. This in-person event is perfect for cocktail lovers looking to discover new flavors and enjoy the lively vibe of Chinatown. Don’t miss out on the ultimate showdown—where great drinks and good times come together!
Eight of Chinatown’s most celebrated bars and restaurants—Bagheera, Bao Bei, Chickadee, Fiorino, Keefer Bar, Kissa Tanto, Laowai, and Meo—will serve Lunar New Year–inspired tastings. Each creation will showcase premium spirits from Suntory Global Spirits, bringing bold flavours and seasonal creativity to the forefront. Guests will vote for their favourite cocktail, with a judges’ pick announced at the end of the evening.
This year’s judging panel features Charlene Rooke, Fred Lee, Lee Man, Viranlly Liemena, and Micah Dew.
