It's almost time to bid the tiger farewell and welcome the year of the rabbit. This year's Lunar New Year will begin on Sunday, Jan. 22 and end on Sunday, Feb. 5, and there is plenty to do right here in Richmond.
1. Lunar New Year countdown at Aberdeen Centre
On Saturday evening, Richmondites will be gathering at Aberdeen Centre to countdown the new year. Fairchild Radio will be holding a pre-countdown stage show, which will be followed by blessings from the Chinese God of Fortune and Coun. Bill McNulty. The live countdown hosted by Fairchild Television will then begin at 10:30 p.m.
Date: Jan. 21, 2023 (8:30 p.m. to 12:05 a.m.)
Place: Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way
2. Visit the city's largest flower market at Aberdeen Centre
Aberdeen Centre's flower market is kicking off the festivities with 30 booths selling delicious festive treats and all sorts of flowers and decorations. Local rescue Rabbitats will also be teaching Richmondites all about the rabbits at its booth.
Date: Jan. 13 to 22, 2023
Place: Aberdeen Centre (first and second floor), 4151 Hazelbridge Way
3. Watch live performances and snap photos with festive decor at Richmond Centre
For those wishing to take festive photos, Richmond Centre might be the place to go. The mall is currently decked out with vibrant displays such as illuminated rabbits, and live musical performances by Angel Entertainment will be available on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests paying with UnionPay will also get a special bonus CF SHOP! Card at select locations from now until Jan. 29.
A special live performance featuring lion dances, dance performances and traditional music, as well as a special appearance by the God of Fortune, will be held at Richmond Centre on Jan. 29. Children will also get to enjoy fun activities.
Date and time: now until Feb. 8, 2023 (The live performance will be held on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.)
Place: Richmond Centre, 6551 No. 3 Road
4. Check out works by local artists at Lipont Gallery's Lunar New Year exhibition
Lipont Gallery will be showcasing works by Richmond artists Shude Feng and Sophia Nie for its Lunar New Year exhibition. The exhibition will feature traditional Chinese fine brush paintings and canvas paintings highlighting the beauty of nature. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14.
Date and time: Weekdays from Jan. 14 to 27, 2023 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays)
Place: Lipont Gallery, 4211 No. 3 Rd
5. Enjoy a live reading of a play and do Lunar New Year crafts at Gateway Theatre
Gateway Theatre is kicking off its new series of educational audio plays about Chinese festivals with an adorable story about Lunar New Year. The series will be launched on Jan. 21 with a live reading of A Year of Blessings: Bun Fun New Year, followed by family-friendly crafts. Tickets are $8 per person (and free for ages two and under), and there are two time slots available for booking.
Date and time: Jan. 21, 2023 (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
Place: Studio B at Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd
6. Watch live performances and take part in festive activities at Lansdowne Centre
The Richmond Chinese Community Society (RCCS) will be holding a Lunar New Year celebration at Lansdowne Centre on Jan. 28. The event will feature a lion dance, a visit from the Money God, Chinese opera and folk dance and other traditional performances. Participants will also get to check out booths featuring candy pictures, Korean pottery and calligraphy.
The mall is also currently holding a promotional event from Jan. 15 to Feb. 5 (while supplies last) for its loyalty app where customers will get to redeem points for a bunny lamp.
Date and time: Jan. 28, 2023 (12 to 4:30 p.m.)
Place: Lansdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Rd
7. Find out the predictions of the year of the rabbit and join Brighouse Library's family-friendly celebration
Richmond Public Library will be hosting Yijing scholar Rudy Chiang at the Brighouse branch on Tuesday, Jan. 17 to share his thoughts on what's to come in the year of the rabbit. The session will be in Cantonese and locals can learn more about the 2023 Chinese Almanac and the Yijing Flying Stars prediction.
It is holding an educational Lunar New Year celebration at the Brighouse branch. Anyone is welcome to drop in and enjoy visual and performing Chinese arts from the local community, including lion dance, puppet show, kids and senior choirs and craft activities and demonstrations. Attendees will also get to enjoy a variety of games including riddles, bean bag toss and a dim sum memory game.
Date and time: Predictions on Jan. 17, 2023 (2 to 4 p.m.) and celebration event on Feb. 3, 2023 (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Place: Brighouse Library, 7700 Minoru Gate
Did we miss any upcoming events? Let us know by emailing Editor@richmond-news.com with the subject line "Richmond Lunar New Year event."
