Here’s what’s happening for Lunar New Year in Montreal

Music, lion dancing and other festivities kicked off the Lunar New Year, with more events planned in the days ahead.

Want to celebrate the Lunar New Year, but don’t know where to start?

Here are a few events in and around the Greater Montreal area to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, which starts on Feb. 17:

Montreal’s Chinatown celebrates

Montreal’s Chinatown is preparing a variety of events, including performances, workshops and art installations.

Make sure not to miss the traditional lion dance (11 a.m. on Saturday, with blessings at 11 a.m. on Sunday).

“It highlights Asian traditions while energizing Chinatown during the winter season,” the event’s organizers share.

Some other notable events include calligraphy and diabolo workshops, street magic and a KPop flash mob (3 p.m. on Saturday).

• Where: Sun Yat Sen Square (1055 Clark St., Montreal, H2Z 1K2) and along de la Gauchetière Street.
• When: Feb. 21 to 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Price: Free

Lunar New Year at DIX30

Luck and renewal are in the cards for Lunar New Year celebrations at the Quartier Dix30 in Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore.

In addition to a wishing tree and traditional dances, the occasion boasts children’s animation and tasting events.

• Where: Place du Square at the Quartier Dix30 (1100 du Lux St., Brossard, J4Y 0E9)
• When: Feb. 14 to Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Price: Free

Grace meets power at Eaton Centre

Let yourself be transported into the world of a young woman from another era, her story told through song and traditional sword dances culminating in a spectacular martial battle between two heroines.

“Discover the richness of Chinese art and let yourself be seduced by its timeless charm,” say the organizers.

It’s just one of many events planned at the Eaton Centre to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

• Where: Montreal Eaton Centre (705 Sainte-Catherine St., Montreal, H3B 4G5)
• When: Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m.
• Price: Free

Legends of Ancient China in Varennes

Accompanied by virtuoso Guzheng musician Xiao Chen, Beijing-born storyteller Aurore Liang invites audiences, young and old, to an immersive and captivating trip through ancient China.

• Where: Espace des Bâtisseurs (2022 Place du 350e, Varennes, J3X 0K9)
• When: Sunday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m.
• Price: Free with the carte loisirs (ages six and up)

A lucky time at Royalmount

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Royalmount with traditional dances and a live artistic creation by Maylee Keo.

“The experience invites visitors to slow down, observe and share,” organizers say.

• Where: Royalmount (5050 de la Côte-de-Liesse Road, Mont-Royal, H4P 0C9)
• When: Monday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 22
• Price: Free

Magic of Peking Opera

Experience the Peking Opera, China’s most iconic traditional theatre, which combines singing, dancing, recitation, acrobatics and martial arts.

An event that promises to be an immersive experience for all, participants are invited to attempt basic techniques while learning more about the ancient art.

• Where: L’Octogone Library (1080 Dollard Ave., Montreal, H8N 2T9)
• When: Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2:30 p.m.
• Price: Free

Year of the Horse at Mail Champlain

Celebrating a year of “passion, strength, enthusiasm, movement and action,” the festivities begin with a lion dance at 12 p.m., followed by an official ceremony and traditional dances.

Participants can admire a fire horse-themed floral artwork, depicting “a golden horse silhouette surrounded by oversized red flowers. Silk ribbons symbolizing movement, change and power will complement this entirely handmade creation.”

• Where: Entrance #1 of Champlain Mall (2151 Lapinière Blvd., Brossard, J4W 1M3)
• When: Saturday, Feb. 28, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Price: Free