Chinese New Year in Vancouver, BC 2008: Year of the Rat

Why not start off your Chinese New Year in Vancouver Canada with a bang! Celebrate 2008 the Year of the Rat with these fun and entertaining events!
Vancouver, Canada has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China itself - and the Chinese New Year provides plenty of opportunities for the community to showcase the creative and beautiful Chinese arts!

Let's start our Chinese New Year celebrations with the annual Chinese New Year Parade, held on the first Saturday of the Chinese New Year, so be sure to check your calendars! This parade runs right through Chinatown and includes hundreds of performers, entertainers and floats all highlighting the history and beauty of China! Running from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm, this is a free event with plenty of displays and exhibits for children and adults alike! Watch ancient Chinese Dragons weave their way up and down the streets while dancers dressed in traditional colorful attire create a memorable experience for the Chinese New Year!

As well as the actual parade you'll find booths and stalls offering everything from unique food delicacies to arts and crafts that will appeal to everyone! The Festival continues long after the actual parade has ended, up to two weeks so there's plenty of time to continue welcoming the Chinese New Year into your life. Admission rates for the festival itself vary, so be sure to have a little cash on hand not only for the fees but also to partake of the beautiful arts and crafts as well as sample foods you probably have never even heard of!

Looking for something a little less frantic? Well, head on over to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden for a celebration of the Chinese New Year that will appeal to adults and children alike! Originally built in 1985 this unique landmark was created with help from workmen from mainland China helping with the design and technique to create a Ming Dynasty garden in Canada! Using traditional flowers and plants to highlight the buildings, you'll feel like you've wandered into a portal sending you to China itself! What a great way to start off the Chinese New Year with a sense of peace and tranquility!