Celebrate the year of the horse the right way, right in Edmonton!
Officially, the Lunar New Year, often called Chinese New Year, is happening this Feb. 17. Before the actual date, Kingsway Mall and West Edmonton Mall will be holding celebrations in partnership with Asian community groups within the city.
The Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, beginning with a new moon and celebrated on the first new moon of the new year. This holiday is widely celebrated around the world, and it only makes sense for Edmonton to have its own festivities as well.
What to expect
First things first, the Edmonton Chinatown Multi-Cultural Centre will be partnering with West Edmonton Mall to host the Lunar New Year Extravaganza 2026. It will take place at the Ice Palace within the mall on Feb. 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
At West Edmonton Mall, this celebration will feature different cultural performances, greetings, fun facts about the holiday, and classic Lunar New Year customs and traditions.
Admission is $3, but free for children under 10 and seniors over 65. You can also get free admission with a donation to the food bank.
At Kingsway Mall, it’s holding its festivities and Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 14.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a comprehensive program of family-friendly performances, games, and workshops. Not to mention, the fantastical Lion Dance parade will take over the mall. The full schedule is to be released, so stay tuned and keep checking Kingsway’s website.
As for activities, you can expect fortune sticks, mahjong, a wishing tree, calligraphy, painting, photo ops and selfie booths, Chinese board games, and so much more.
Start the new year off the right way, and participate in one of these fantastic celebrations. Enjoy what these malls have to give, and mark your calendars, folks!
You won’t want to miss what the year of the horse has to offer.
Lunar New Year
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.; Kingsway Mall — 109 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $3+
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