It’s Chinese New Year this weekend, and Toronto offers plenty of exciting activities as part of the celebrations! Be it with food, culture or gifts, Toronto welcomes everyone to embrace the Asian traditions and festivities.
Things To Do During Lunar New Year 2020 Weekend in Toronto:
Toronto Chinatown 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations
In the year 2020, the first day of the Lunar New Year will fall on January 25, 2020. To highlight the fifteen-day celebrations and in welcoming the Year of the Rat, Toronto Chinatown BIA is proud to spearhead the celebrations on the weekend of January 25 – 26, 2020 starting at 12:00 PM with a formal opening ceremony at the iconic Dragon City Mall, located at 280 Spadina Avenue, Toronto followed by a magnificent fifteen-day Lantern Exhibition by STEPS Initiative, and a lineup of interactive games, surprises and stunning traditional Chinese performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions during the 2020 Lunar New Year Celebrations.
As per traditions, the Lantern Festival will come to mark the last day of the fifteen-day Lunar
New Year celebrations where families come together and light up different colours and shapes
of lanterns. Lanterns are iconic and have transcended time through generations in Asian
culture. During the fifteen-day celebrations, temporary installations of lanterns in different
shapes and colours will illuminate the venue.
“Come to Chinatown to kick start the Year of the Rat!
May you all live as prosper as a
centenarian”, said Tonny Louie, Chair of Chinatown BIA.
Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea Ritual at St. Regis
The hotel’s new sweet and savoury festive menu is perfect for those gatherings with friends and family members. The items include Jasmine Scented Scones, Oolong Panna Cotta with Asian Poached Pear, Mandarin Curd Tart and more. For the savoury picks, the choices range from Peking Duck Salad, BBQ Pork Buns to House-Cured Torched Trout and Citrus Lobster Salad. There is a wonderful selection of fine teas as well, including the rare Pu’er from China.
HOURS:
Friday, January 17 to Sunday, February 2, 2020
Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located in Astor Lounge, Lobby-Level of The St. Regis Toronto
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto
The Shangri-La Hotel will be hosting a Dim Sum Brunch starting from January 20. Guests will be able to view 14-foot hand-crafted silk wishing tree as well. A traditional Lion Dance performance will take place Chinese New Year’s Day, 25 January at 3:30 p.m. in the Lobby Lounge.
The Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea will be available from 20 January through 29 February. Experience savoury items such as crystal shrimp dumplings, shrimp and bok choy dumplings, and confit duck bao. The tea experience is priced at CAD$85 per person and will be served daily 12:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Lobby Lounge.
The brunch will be available only during the weekend of 25 January and 26 January. It will feature an assorted basket of dim sum per table. The dim sum selection will include a minced chicken and scallion dumpling, baked pork turnover, shrimp har gow and pork scallop siu mai. Priced at CAD$75 per person, it will run from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m in Bosk restaurant.
Eye Dotting Ceremony at Scarborough Town Centre
In celebration of the Year of the Rat, the town centre will be hosting two shows, both of which will feature 5-lion dance performances and folk dances. The first show on January 18 is set to open with a special Eye Dotting Ceremony. Wish cards will be handed out for visitors to fill out and attach onto the wall of wishes. Visitors can take part in this interactive activation until January 26.
Chinese New Year Night Market and Festival
In addition to showcasing traditional merchandise, the Chinese New Year Night Market at Woodside Square will also feature dance and song performances. Visitors can also engage with the wishing tree and be a part of the New Year’s Eve countdown show.
RICE – Asian Comedy Showcase, Chinese New Year Edition
Enjoy an evening of comedy and humour with the Chinese New Year’s Edition of RICE. Hosted by Ron Josol, the headliners are some of Canada’s top Asian comedians including Vong Sho Cassie Cao, Jennifer Hsiung and Leonard Chan. The live taping will be taking place at CBC Glenn Gould Studio on Friday, January 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
Chinese New Year Celebrations at Bayview Village
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with some of the exciting installations at Bayview Village shopping centre, such as:
- A live artist installation on-site by local collective, BlincStudios, that will take place from January 19-24, 2020. The final masterpiece will be revealed on January 25 as a start to the New Year.
- A complimentary set of Bayview Village Pink Pockets are available at the Concierge desk to spread best wishes and good luck for the New Year, while supplies last.
- A Signature Manicure at Hammam Spa by Céla when customers spend $500 or more within a single day at Bayview Village (limited quantities available until February 8, 2020).
If you’re looking for gift cards and other gifting offers for your loved ones, we’ve got you covered!
Chinese New Year Celebration at Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Visitors can receive up to a 5% Bonus Yorkdale Gift Card when a purchase of $200 or more at Yorkdale. The offer is running from January 16 to February 2.
Exclusions may apply:
- Minimum purchase of $200 to a maximum daily purchase of $9,000
- Cannot purchase Yorkdale Gift Cards with Gift Cards
- Available while quantities last
- Limit one per customer per day
Chinese New Year Festivities at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rat at CF Toronto Eaton Centre on January 29th at 1pm, and February st at 3pm to enjoy an awe-inspiring and memorable Lunar New Year performance.
HOURS:
Start Date: Wed Jan 29, 2020
End Date: Wed Jan 29, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM
Looking for Chinese New Year Gifts, Special Promotions or Collections?
Here are a few of our editors’ favourites.
Pierre Fabre Limited-Edition Kit
Items in the kit include:
- The NEW bonus sized Aqua-Gel (100ml)
- Cleansing foam (50ml)
- Thermal Spring Water (50ml)
The Aqua-Gel is a unique product, with a melt-in, dynamic texture. It combines the freshness and lightness of a preparing lotion with the creaminess of a moisturizer.
The limited-edition kit will be in stores January 14, 2020 and available in all pharmacies across Canada for $59!
Disney x ALDO
The Disney x ALDO Lunar New Year collection puts a Mickey and Minnie spin on the 2020 Chinese zodiac. Charmed jewels, graphic Mickey Mouse cup sole sneakers, and Minnie Mouse shaped handbags and accessories – all done in lucky shades of red and gold.
The full assortment can be shopped online from January 17. Handbags and accessories will be carried at ALDO Accessories stores across Canada.
Lacoste x Lunar New Year
Celebrate this year Lunar New Year with fantastic holiday inspired clothing and accessories from Lacoste. The perfect way to ring in the Spring Festival!
Lacoste has a variety of excellent red items, like this red men’s pique sweater, that would be the perfect Lunar New Year gift for those you love.
Wishing you a festive Lunar New Year weekend. Don’t forget to share your experiences, finds and more with us on social using #TorontoVIBE for a chance to be featured.
