6 Lucky Ways To Celebrate The Year Of The Horse @ Metropolis at Metrotown (Win!)

If you’re looking for a joyful way to welcome the Year of the Horse, Metropolis at Metrotown is turning Lunar New Year into a full-on cultural celebration—running February 2 through March 3. Think immersive exhibitions, hands-on creativity, vibrant performances, and just the right amount of lucky shopping.

This year’s festivities put tradition in motion, spotlighting two exciting new experiences alongside beloved Lunar New Year favourites. Whether you’re honouring long-standing rituals or discovering them for the first time, here are six lucky ways to celebrate at the Met.

1. Step Into “Vitality,” Presented by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre (New!)

Kick off the season with Vitality, a beautifully curated exhibition that brings Lunar New Year traditions to life through striking visuals and storytelling. Created by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, the immersive installation explores the holiday’s cultural meaning and history, with live calligraphy demonstrations on select dates. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring way to start the year. February 2 to March 3 during shopping centre hours.

2. Build Your Luck at the LEGO® Lunar New Year Pop-Up (New!)

During shopping centre hours from February 7 to 11, imagination takes centre stage at the Lunar New Year LEGO® Play Pop-up Activation. Expect colourful displays, a life-sized LEGO® lion, and free-build stations for all ages. Make a wish, build a good-luck creation, and take home a little magic—brick by brick.

3. Get Crafty With Lunar New Year Arts & Crafts

Families can dive into Lunar New Year–inspired arts and crafts on February 14 and 15 from 12pm to 4 pm. From drawing and colouring to fortune cookie making, it’s a playful, hands-on way to celebrate creativity and tradition—perfect for kids and adults alike.

4. Feel the Energy of the Lion Dance

On February 21, the centre comes alive with the sights and sounds of a traditional Lion Dance performance, followed by an interactive session where visitors can learn the basics themselves. Led by Bak Mei Vancouver Kung Fu & Lion Dance, this high-energy experience blends culture, movement, and fun. The God of Fortune will also be onsite offering centre blessings.

• 10am – 10:30am: Lion Dance performance and storytelling
• 10:30am – 11:30am: Learn how to Lion Dance
• 12pm – 4pm: God of Fortune centre blessing

5. Meet the God of Fortune

Keep an eye out on February 17 and 21 from 12pm to 4 pm—the God of Fortune will be roaming the shopping centre, spreading luck and prosperity. Some guests may even receive red pockets with special food offers from participating retailers.

6. Catch Live Performances—and a Dumpling Eating Contest

The celebrations culminate on February 22 from 12pm-3:30pm with an action-packed lineup featuring dragon dances, Shaolin Kung Fu performances, traditional Asian dance showcases, and a crowd-favourite dumpling eating contest. It’s a festive finale that brings movement, music, and flavour together in one unforgettable afternoon.

Bonus: Shop Lucky, Give Back

Starting February 18, shoppers who spend $200 can receive a $20 Metropolis at Metrotown gift card and a commemorative horse plush—while supplies last. Even better, $5 from each redemption will be donated to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, supporting the preservation and sharing of Chinese Canadian stories and heritage.

With festive décor filling the centre and a month of meaningful programming, the Lunar New Year celebration is a joyful invitation to gather, learn, and welcome the Year of the Horse with optimism and vitality.

Lunar New Year celebrations run February 2 to March 3, 2026. For full details, visit metropolisatmetrotown.com. —Vita Daily

Win! A Lucky $288 Met Gift Card!

Congrats Nicole C. of Langley, BC, who will receive a lucky $288 Met Gift Card! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding. Full contest rules/regulations here.