We are a few days into the Lunar New Year but there’s still lots of time for renewal, reflection and reconnection.
If dining out is part of your celebrations — or you simply like to eat — Winterlicious in Toronto has kicked off and runs until Feb. 13, while west of the city, Taste of Burlington is on until Feb. 9, so there are many options to satisfy your appetites.
But it’s not all about food.
Here’s what else you need to know to make the necessary plans.
Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with live music and cultural shows, a Lion Dance, belly dancing and kung fu performances, a face-changing act, live calligraphy demonstrations and so much more.
Slide on over to Dragon City Mall and Chinatown Centre on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
LunarFest GTA
Enjoy live performances from local artists, let your imaginations roam free and explore the adaptive and transformative nature of the snake, take in free screenings of some goofy classics, and walk through Lunar Lanterns from six artists with unique stories.
Light it up at Varley Art Centre in Unionville on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Lunar Lanterns will be on display at the Varley Art Gallery Courtyard until Feb. 16.
For more information, click here.
Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest
There’s no better way to embrace the season than to join the fun at this two-day celebration featuring live stage performances, Midway rides, skating and snowshoeing, a live ice-carving display, horse-drawn wagon rides, games, a puppet show, a marketplace and food zone and more.
Get festive at Vellore Village Community Centre in Vaughan on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
This fun and entertaining community party features events appealing to residents of all ages, whether you’re taking a ride on the Winter Carnival Express train, or experiencing a high-energy vaudevillian act, learning about wildlife and homesteading, or taking part in an archaeological excavation.
There’s also live music and dance performances, a wing-eating contest and a big foot race.
Join the fun at Mill Pond Park in Richmond Hill on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Hillside Inside 2025
If you’re looking for a music and dance extravaganza celebrating all kinds of joy, as well as shows and workshops, then head a little west of the city for a weekend of winter joy.
Notable artists include Logan Staats, Katie Tupper, Golden Feather and The Vaudevillian (the dynamic duo will also be on hand for interactive washboard and musical spoon workshops).
All the fun of the annual winter festival is at various venues in downtown Guelph (though the musical acts will be performing at Royal City Mission at 50 Quebec St.).
For tickets and more information, click here.
Toronto Tea Festival
Tea lovers, vendors and experts celebrate the world of tea by learning, exploring at this one-of-a-kind community festival offering a rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and cultures.
Excitement brews at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Taste of the Middle East Mississauga Festival
Showcasing Arabic music, arts, crafts, culture and, of course, incredible cuisine at this amazing community experience, from captivating live performances and a diverse array of booths and vendors, to contemporary art and a bustling food market and so much more.
It’s all at the Mississauga Convention Centre at 75 Derry Rd. W. in Mississauga on Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
KUUMBA
Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black futures festival is back for its 30th year, paying tribute to the creativity and artistic expression of the city’s Black diaspora through the multidisciplinary fields of music, theatre, dance, spoken word, wellness workshops, a breaking competition and so much more.
The event runs for the entire month of February at the Harbourfront Centre.
For the schedule and more information, click here.
Home + Backyard Show
If you’re looking for inspiration for indoor and outdoor spaces, from planning a big backyard improvement or looking to revamp and redecorate your home, then the more than 250 vendors and experts can help, from latest trends to exclusive details on barbecues, spas, pools and more.
Get creative at the International Centre in Mississauga on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Franchise Canada Show Toronto
The show’s winter edition serves as the ultimate destination for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to embark on a successful small business ownership journey. Visitors can explore a diverse franchise showcase, engage with industry experts and attend informative seminars.
Make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality at the International Centre in Mississauga on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Twilight Symphony at the Castle
A series of intimate candlelit concerts featuring the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Paolo Busato at one of Toronto’s most magical locations is a unique way to spend an evening.
Experience live music in a new light at Casa Loma’s Carriage Room on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) starting tomorrow until March 1.
For tickets, dates, themes and more information, click here.