5 Ways you Can Celebrate Lunar New Year in Victoria, BC

The Year of the Snake is upon us, and what better place to celebrate the Lunar New Year than in Canada’s oldest Chinatown? In Victoria, you’ll find no shortage of rich cultural experiences to help you ring in the New Year with authentic traditions and festive offerings.

A dragon at Chinese New Year in Victoria, BC

Lunar New Year's Parade & Blessing of Merchants

Ring in the Year of the Snake in Canada's oldest Chinatown with a Lunar New Year's Parade and Blessing of Merchants. The fun starts at the iconic Gates of Harmonious interest with an 8-lion performance from the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club, a dragon dance from the Victoria Chinese Public School, and traditional Chinese dances. Following the parade, two lion teams will work their way through Chinatown, visiting local merchants and performing blessings to bring prosperity, good health, and good luck for the New Year.

Lunar New Year's Parade & Blessing of Merchants
An assortment of teas, tea cups, and tea pots at Silk Road Tea in Victoria, BC

Drink tea associated with blessings and health

In China, it’s traditional to drink teas for blessings and good health to celebrate the New Year. Visit Silk Road Tea Company in Chinatown and discover lucky teas to sip while you welcome blessings and prosperity.

Silk Road Tea
A woman walks through Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown at night in Victoria, BC

Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown

Take some time to explore the vibrant wonders of Victoria’s Chinatown, including the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley, named after the game of “Fan Tan.” You’ll uncover traditional Chinese toys and games, artwork, homewares and unique clothing in Chinatown’s many locally-owned boutiques.

Local tip: Join a Discover the Past for a Chinatown Walks tour to learn about Fan Tan Alley’s history.

Chinatown Walks

Get a taste of Chinatown

Support the local restaurants in Chinatown by dining in or taking out and experience authentic flavours that will delight your senses. Visit Don Mee Seafood Restaurant for a dim sum feast or order a taste of Chinatown with an Off The Eaten Track sampling of Chinatown’s offerings.

Go back in time

For a truly historic experience, visit the Royal BC Museum and take a guided one hour tour of the Becoming BC Gallery. You’ll be transported back in time as you explore exciting stops in Chinatown, the railway and the cannery, which illustrate the contributions of the Chinese community to the rich history of our province.

Royal BC Museum

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.