The Lunar New Year — observed by more than a billion people around the world — falls on January 22, which marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac. The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity and 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
We’ve listed just a few of the best things you can do to celebrate the year the Rabbit in Burnaby this weekend and next week.
📍 Metropolis at Metrotown #LuckyLunarAtTheMet
📍 Metropolis at Metrotown #LuckyLunarAtTheMet
Metropolis at Metrotown
As the biggest shopping centre in British Columbia, Metropolis at Metrotown always has something to offer. Ring in the Year of Rabbit from January 22 until February 5, The Grand Court of Metropolis will be filled with plenty of entertainment, presents, and exclusive deals. Bring in your same-day shopping receipts totaling $188 or more and get the chance to spin the wheel. Try your luck and win a gift card and a surprise gift! There will also be “Lucky Money” QR codes posted throughout the mall, enter for a chance to win one of 3 lucky $888 Metropolis at Metrotown gift cards.
Celebrating Lunar New Year also means uplifting our communities. Collaboration is a vital aspect of this. Have fun with other attendees and join the art and craft workshops from Monday to Thursday. You can learn calligraphy or paper cutting, and they are open to all ages! Time varies depending on the workshops. Click here to RSVP!
The mark of a new year for the Chinese communities would not be complete without live performances. Catch the lion dance on January 25 at 10 am. Although if you miss that one, this cultural performance will be an ongoing event throughout the weeks. Check the time here.
Crystal Mall
Located side-by-side with Metropolis at Metrotown, Crystal Mall has been a beloved spot for a lot of East Asian communities. Boosted by the local “food-court” style shops and businesses, Lunar New Year 2023 celebration at Crystal Mall will be held on a smaller scale. The “must-see” lion dance will take place at the food court on Saturday, January 28 at 11:11 AM.
📍 The City of Lougheed
Credit: The City of Lougheed
📍 The City of Lougheed
Credit: The City of Lougheed
The Amazing Brentwood
The newly-renovated The Amazing Brentwood, a 28-acre neighborhood that promotes quality urban life with green areas is the perfect spot to celebrate the Year of Rabbit. A Lunar New Year celebration takes place on January 21 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. You can grab complimentary treats, and red envelope (hong bao) giveaways will start the event with a bang.
The lion dance starts at 1 pm at the Upper Centre Court with the parade going through the Grand Lobby and ending on the Plaza. Enjoy the walkable community space that The Amazing Brentwood offers with cultural importance in this live performance. It doesn’t stop there, bring your family and indulge yourself in plenty of retailer promotions throughout the day! Click here for more information.
The City of Lougheed
Located next to the Lougheed Town Centre Station, The City of Lougheed celebrates the Year of Rabbit from January 14 until January 22. There are several festive spots throughout the area:
You can walk through the Colours of Celebration with ribbons of bright colours cascading from the skylights, located on the upper level across from Starbucks. Perfect for a picture spot! If you are looking for lanterns, Tunnel of Good Fortune located on the lower level in front of London Drugs is where you want to find yourself at. Even better, get your picture taken at the stairway mural, “Lucky Stairway”. You can find it on the southeast side of the centre.
Find yourself some luck! Wishing trees are built near the Great Wall tea. To end the day, receive a lucky red envelope from The City of Lougheed! Visit Guest Services with proof of purchase (minimum $8) from the Shopping Centre from January 13 – 22 (or while supplies last) to receive a lucky red envelope. All lucky red envelopes will have a gold chocolate coin from Purdy’s Chocolatier and extra lucky red envelopes will contain a The City of Lougheed Gift Card voucher (ranging from $8-$88). Click here for more information!
📍 The Amazing Brentwood Mall
Credit: The Amazing Brentwood
📍 The City of Lougheed
Credit: The City of Lougheed