6 Lucky Ways to Welcome the Year of the Horse at Metropolis at Metrotown
Metropolis at Metrotown invites the community to ring in the Year of the Horse with month-long family-friendly Lunar New Year festivities, beginning February 2. From immersive cultural exhibitions and hands-on creativity to electrifying performances, time-honoured rituals, and lucky shopping rewards, this year’s lineup puts heritage in motion – while celebrating the connections that bring cultures together.
Whether you’re carrying on a cherished tradition or curious to learn something new, here are six lucky ways to join the Lunar New Year festivities at the Met.
1. Step into Vitality: An Exhibition by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre (NEW!)
February 2 – March 3 | Shopping centre hours
Start the season with Vitality, an immersive exhibition presented by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Thoughtfully curated, the installation brings Lunar New Year traditions to life through compelling imagery and storytelling that explores the holiday’s history and cultural meaning. On select dates, visitors can also watch live calligraphy demonstrations.
2. Build Your Luck at the LEGO® Lunar New Year Pop-Up (NEW!)
February 7-11 | Shopping centre hours
Good fortune meets imagination at the playful Lunar New Year with LEGO® Play Pop-up Activation. Wander colourful displays, marvel at a life-sized LEGO® lion, and dive into free-build activities designed for all ages. Make a wish, craft a good-luck creation to take home, and start the year strong – one brick at a time.
3. Get Creative with Lunar New Year Arts and Crafts
February 14-15 | 12pm – 4pm
Families can roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with Lunar New Year-inspired arts and crafts, including drawing, colouring, and fortune cookie making – perfect for little hands and big imaginations.
4. Feel the Energy of the Lion Dance
February 21
10am – 10:30am: Lion Dance performance and storytelling
10:30am – 11:30am: Learn how to Lion Dance
12pm – 4pm: God of Fortune centre blessing
Drums pound, the lion leaps, and tradition springs to life during this high-energy Lion Dance experience. After the performance, visitors are invited to learn the basics themselves in a session led by Bak Mei Vancouver Kung Fu & Lion Dance. Part fitness, part cultural lesson, the experience shares living traditions passed down through generations.
5. Share a Moment with the God of Fortune
February 17 & 21 | 12pm – 4pm
Keep your eyes open – the God of Fortune will be roaming the shopping centre, spreading luck and prosperity along the way. Guests may receive red pockets filled with special food offers from participating retailers.
6. Catch Live Performances and a Dumpling Eating Contest
February 22
12pm – 1pm: Chaoyin Kids Dragon Dance Walk (ending in the Grand Court)
1pm & 4pm: Shaolin Kung Fu (two 30-minute sessions)
1:45pm – 2pm: Dumpling Eating Contest
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Colours of Dance – a showcase of traditional Asian dance styles
The festivities culminate in an action-packed finale filled with movement, music, and flavour – where martial arts, dance, and friendly competition come together in a true feast for the senses.
BONUS: Shop Lucky, Give Back
Starting February 18, while supplies last
As part of the Year of the Horse celebrations, shoppers who spend $200 can receive a $20 Metropolis at Metrotown Gift Card and commemorative horse plush. For every redemption, the Met will donate $5 to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, supporting its work to preserve and share the stories of Chinese Canadian communities and Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
Festive Lunar New Year décor will be on display throughout the centre starting January 12, setting the tone for a season filled with luck and vitality.
“We’re excited to bring people of all cultural backgrounds together to celebrate, learn, and take part in the traditions of the Year of the Horse,” said Amanda Chung, Marketing Manager at Metropolis at Metrotown. “As a hub for cultural connection, this year’s Lunar New Year programming brings new partnerships, interactive experiences, and inviting spaces where tradition and curiosity can meet.”
“The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is honoured to be part of Metropolis at Metrotown’s Lunar New Year festivities,” said Carol Lee, Chair and Co-Founder of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “These initiatives celebrate Chinatown’s legacy and continued vibrancy while bringing communities together.”
Lunar New Year celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown run from February 2 - March 3, 2026. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, 11am – 7pm. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.