Chinese New Year in Canada

When Chinese red meets the pure white snow of Canada, a heartwarming cross-ocean Spring Festival celebration unfolds in this multicultural country. Since Chinese New Year was officially designated a statutory holiday in 2016, red lanterns have adorned Chinatowns from Vancouver to Toronto, and the sounds of dragon and lion dances have echoed through the streets, as Chinese Canadians and local residents alike gather to embrace the joy of reunion.

Grand parades are the highlight of the festivities. The Spring Festival Parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown stands as the largest of its kind in North America, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators who line the streets to watch dragon and lion performances, folk dances and songs. Volunteers dressed as the God of Wealth hand out red envelopes along the route, spreading good fortune to all. Parades in Toronto and Montreal blend local flavors, with ethnic communities joining hands to participate—red ribbons fluttering in the wind, embodying the vibrant energy of cultural integration.

Temple fairs and family feasts define the authentic festive spirit. Traditional activities like writing Spring Festival couplets and making lanterns take place at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden, while intangible cultural heritage displays such as paper cutting and dough figurine making at Toronto’s Chinese Cultural Centre keep age-old traditions alive. Chinatown supermarkets brim with New Year essentials, and the aroma of sweet and sour fish, pen cai and other festive dishes fills family kitchens. Video calls connect loved ones back home, and a hearty New Year’s Eve dinner completes the feeling of homesickness and togetherness.

Today, Chinese New Year has evolved into a cultural celebration enjoyed by all. In schools, children learn to make dumplings and sing Chinese nursery rhymes; in shopping malls, Spring Festival decorations harmonize with diverse cultural elements. Zodiac stamps issued by Canada Post and commemorative coins from the Royal Canadian Mint serve as cherished keepsakes of hometown nostalgia. Under the glow of red lanterns, maple leaves and Spring Festival couplets complement each other perfectly. In Canada, Chinese New Year is not only a time for Chinese families to reunite, but also a bridge for cultural exchange—forging a beautiful, cross-continental celebration of spring.