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Building on the success of the previous year, the 2025 event will be bigger and better than ever – doubling in size and bringing new experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. In 2024, the Garden came alive and celebrated the Year of the Dragon, an occasion marked by cultural performances, delicious food, enriching workshops, and unforgettable memories.
Here’s a glimpse of what this year’s celebration will bring:
A Bigger, Brighter Lunar New Year Market Celebrating the Year of the Snake
The Lunar New Year market at UBC Botanical Garden, celebrating the year of the snake – a year of renewal and embracing change – welcomes even more local vendors, food trucks, and unique experiences. Visitors will be greeted by wonderful aromas of traditional foods, as well as an exciting mix of handmade goods and artisanal crafts. From textiles to ceramics, and plenty of delectable treats, the market has something to offer for everyone.
Vibrant Performances & Cultural Showcases
With energetic performances from the UBC Kung Fu Club, guests will enjoy lion dances, sword displays, and dynamic Kung Fu performances, immersing themselves in Chinese martial arts and cultural traditions. The performances will captivate audiences of all ages, bringing good luck and fortune to all.
Engaging Workshops & Interactive Activities
Interactive experiences are perfect for anyone wanting to try traditional arts, crafts, and culinary skills, offering a deeper connection to the cultural traditions of the celebration. Visitors can participate in a variety of hands-on workshops, including the art of calligraphy, where you can try your hand at writing traditional Chinese characters with brush and ink. For food lovers, there’s a chance to learn how to make sweet dumplings, a beloved Lunar New Year treat.
UBC Botanical Garden’s Asian Garden
What better way to celebrate than in the heart of the Asian Garden at UBC Botanical Garden? This is the perfect setting for our event, where guests can explore breathtaking landscapes, immerse themselves in the lush greenery of traditional Asian plants, and admire towering cedar trees and firs, all beautifully enhanced by vibrant Lunar New Year decorations.
Family Fun and Community Connection
One of the most wonderful aspects to look forward to is the sense of community and cultural celebration. Families and friends typically gather together to enjoy traditional Lunar New Year meals, exchange red envelopes, and participate in customs that bring good fortune and blessings. The event is a place where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate and share the cultural richness of the holiday, away from home.
January 25 & 26: Mark Your Calendars for the bigger and brighter Lunar New Year 2025 at UBC Botanical Garden
With the excitement and success of 2024’s celebrations, Lunar New Year 2025 promises to be an even bigger and more vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition. Whether you’re interested in the food, the workshops, the performances, or simply the beauty of the Garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We can’t wait to welcome you to UBC Botanical Garden in 2025 as we continue to celebrate the Lunar New Year and all that it represents. Tickets are available now – See you there!
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Written by Katrina Yu
Marketing and Communications Assistant
UBC Botanical Garden