Every year between late January and mid-February, roughly two billion people all over the world celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The 2026 celebration kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate right here in Vancouver.
If you’re not one of those two billion people, here’s a quick breakdown of what it’s all about, and how you can join in the festivities.
Lunar New Year vs. Chinese New Year
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You may have heard Lunar New Year referred to as Chinese New Year, which is only kind of correct.
Lunar New Year is the broader term for celebrations across many Asian cultures, while Chinese New Year specifically refers to the Chinese cultural celebration – AKA, all Chinese New Year celebrations are part of the Lunar New Year, but not all Lunar New Year traditions are Chinese.
A lunisolar calendar
The historic Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, with dates determined by the moon and the sun. This means that months begin with every new moon, and the new year starts on the new moon nearest to the midnight between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
These dates were especially important in ancient China, when farmers would look to the moon as a guide for when to sow and harvest crops. So, not only does Lunar New Year celebrate a new annual cycle based on the lunisolar calendar, but it also welcomes the beginning of spring.
Celebrating in Vancouver
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Vancouver does it up big for Lunar New Year, with its annual Lunar New Year parade drawing in hundreds of thousands of spectators every year.
And because this is The Year of the Fire Horse – an energetic zodiac that only appears once every 60 years – you can expect the city to be bustling with energy and enthusiasm leading up to the Lantern Festival that wraps up the celebrations on March 3.
You can also celebrate The Year of the Horse with BCLIQUOR, your one-stop shop for exceptional wines and spirits for dinner and gifts alike.
First, find dinner inspo in the latest issue of taste magazine, like recipes for Peking/Beijing Style Duck Breast, Duck Noodle Soup, Duck Lettuce Wraps.
Choose the perfect pairing to reel in the lunar new year
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With Peking/Beijing-Style Duck Breast, La Marca Prosecco brings sweet, floral freshness and lively bubbles that cut through the richness of the meat, while Wakefield Estate Label Shiraz delivers notes of ripe plum, cherry, and mocha, along with a deep and rich depth that echoes the duck’s savoury flavours.
For Duck Noodle Soup, See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir works beautifully thanks to its bright strawberry and sour cherry notes and fresh acidity, which complement the savoury richness of the duck without overpowering the broth. Meanwhile, Pewsey Vale Estate Riesling, with its crisp, dry, aromatic profile, lifts the dish with zesty acidity and subtle sweetness, balancing the umami depth of the soup.
And, with Duck Lettuce Wraps, Black Sage Merlot offers jammy plum, blueberry, and smooth vanilla that complement the savoury-sweet duck filling, while Fowles Are You Game Pinot Noir brings ripe strawberry, forest berries, and subtle spice that keep the pairing fresh, balanced, and light.
There are 198 BCLIQUOR stores across the province, each one with a massive selection of products and expert advice from friendly and knowledgeable staff. Visit your local store to explore our Lunar New Year selection and more — enjoy responsibly.
