8 Lucky Ways To Welcome The Year Of The Dragon @ Metropolis at Metrotown

Lunar New Year festivities are coming to Metropolis at Metrotown! Starting February 9, and running through February 24, 2024, BC’s largest shopping centre will usher in the Year of the Dragon with a series of performances, workshops and traditional displays. Here are eight lucky ways to celebrate:

1. Spend $288 and receive a $25 gift card and a gift, February 9-24 (10am – 9pm): After an afternoon of shopping, visit the cherry blossom tree in the Grand Court and choose a lucky red pocket – inside you’ll find a $25 gift card and a retail voucher, along with a memento celebrating Year of the Dragon! Did you know? Shopping is an important part of Lunar New Year, as people splurge on food and decorations for their celebrations. 
2. Give back to increase good fortune for you and others. For every shopper who selects a red pocket from the cherry blossom tree, Metropolis at Metrotown will donate $5 to Angels on Earth Society. The Burnaby-based charity provides culture education to students at no cost. Did you know? People donate old clothing and other items to welcome new opportunities in the new year. It is also customary to be generous with family members and friends by gifting, and to prepare offerings to receive blessings.
3. Marvel at a colourful Lion Dance performance, February 14 (starting at 10am): Convene in the Grand Court for the start of the performance, and follow the lion as it parades throughout Metropolis at Metrotown to bring good luck and prosperity to shoppers and retailers. Did you know? Noisy celebrations – such as dragon and lion dances – chase away the evil monster Nian.
4. Enjoy a musical performance. Listen to the beautiful sounds of the guzheng – a traditional Chinese instrument with a 2,500-year-old history – in the Grand Court, as the Lucky Buddha will pose for photos and hand out red envelopes, February 16 (12pm – 2pm). Did you know? Loud sounds from fireworks cast away bad spirits and bad luck, while festive music establishes an auspicious atmosphere and invites good fortune for the new year. 
5. Join a culinary workshop, February 17 (11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm): Bring your appetite! Along with learning how to prepare traditional Lunar New Year meals, some lucky attendees will be able to take home a delicious treat. Did you know? During the 15 days of Lunar New Year, families and friends gather for festive meals to wish for prosperity in the new year.
6. Make your own Lantern Festival décor, February 23 (12pm – 2pm): During this craft workshop, you’ll learn from three artisans – a Chinese dragon artisan, a Chinese gold phoenix artisan, and a Chinese lantern artisan. Did you know? The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th and final day of Lunar New Year. 
7. Dance and eat the day away, February 24 (starting at 12pm): Watch a dumpling eating contest, dance to traditional and K-pop music, and learn how to lion dance. Did you know? The Birthday of Man takes place on the seventh day of Lunar New Year. It’s hailed as everyone’s birthday in many regions of China.
8. Taste your way through Metropolis at Metrotown: Food plays a central role in Lunar New Year. Take your tastebuds on a tour of the shopping centre, where over 70 eateries beckon with flavours from around the world. Did you know? On the fourth day of Lunar New Year, people offer food and wine to welcome the God of Kitchen.

“We’re thrilled to offer activities to help people celebrate throughout the 15 days of Lunar New Year,” said Amanda Chung, marketing manager, Metropolis at Metrotown. “Our centre will be a celebratory hub welcoming everyone to learn about, and participate in, Lunar New Year traditions – and, to further our commitment to be open and accessible to all members of the community, every event is free. We wish everyone a lucky, joyous and prosperous new year!”

Lunar New Year celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown begin February 9 and run until February 24, 2024. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, 11am – 7pm. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com. —Vita Daily

Win! A Lucky $388 Metropolis at Metrotown Gift Card!

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