The Chinese New Year festivities begin with the cultural fair at Sun-Yat-Sen Plaza on Saturday, January 28th, and will continue until Sunday the 29th. The fair features martial arts demonstrations, a special lion dance grand finale, and other Chinese cultural performances. The performances are scheduled for the 28th from 1-3 p.m. and the 29th from 2-4 p.m.

Continue the celebration on January 29^th with 50,000 spectators and 3,000 performers at the annual parade, which features marching bands, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle drill team, and the largest assembly of lion dance teams in Canada. March with the performers to the sound of drums and fireworks from the Millenium Gate at Pender Street through historic Chinatown, down Gore Street, and onto Keefer Street.

Top off the celebrations with traditional Chinese cuisine at the Chinese New Year banquet hosted at Floata Seafood Restaurant. Dine with live entertainment including a Chinese variety show and “good luck” greetings by the fortune god. The reception begins at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $35 each.

What: The Chinese New Year Celebrations
Where: Millenium Gate on Pender Street (Parade); 50 East Pender Street (Cultural Fair); #400-180 Keefer Street (Chinese New Year Banquet)
When: January 28-29, 2012  
URL: http://www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html

Recommended Hotel: The Victorian Hotel