Ringing in the rooster across GTA
From morning till evening, for the next 15 days, you can find somewhere to celebrate
Whether a night of high-energy performance fits your fancy or pleasant daytime tastings of fine teas and exquisitely prepared finger sandwiches are more your style, Chinese New Year events across the GTA give everyone the chance to experience a bounty of rich traditions. The 15-day celebration begins Jan. 28 and will see Toronto come alive with sleek, black-tie galas, Chinese-inspired menus and plenty of free family fun. High Tea When: Daily from 2 to 5 p.m. until Feb. 5 Where: Shangri-La Hotel, 188 University Ave. Cost: $61per person (includes a glass of Prosecco), shangri-la.com
Take the taste buds on a delicious — and delectable — journey at the stunning Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto. The hotel hosts an ambitious Chinese New Year High Tea menu, featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, afternoon tea pastries and specialty Chinese tea selections. The exquisite mix of savoury and sweet will certainly please the palate. Toronto Symphony Orchestra When: Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St. Tickets: $39.75 and up, tso.ca
The TSO celebrates the Year of the Rooster with a festive program led by Long Yu, the artistic director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The evening features the premiere of Canadian composer Vincent Ho’s work for the Chinese folk instrument, the pipa, performed by pipa virtuoso, Wu Man. Yee Hong Dragon Ball When: Jan. 28 (Reception at 5:45 p.m., gala dinner at 7 p.m.) Where: Allstream Centre, Exhibition Place, 105 Princes’ Blvd. Tickets: Starting at $480 or $4,800 (table of 10), yeehongdragonball.org
Time to don your festive best at this grand, black-tie affair. Expect sumptuous, chef-mastered dishes, top-notch entertainment and live auctions at the annual crowd-pleasing ball.
The event benefits the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, which provides care to seniors across the GTA. HKCBA Toronto Chinese New Year Ball When: Feb. 4 (Reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m.) Where: Hilton Suites, Markham, 8500 Warden Ave. Tickets: $250 (individual ticket) or $2,500 (table of 10), toronto.hkcba.com
Sip champagne, nibble on dim sum, play Chinese games and watch a traditional lion dance at the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association’s annual soiree. Following the reception, a fusion dinner capturing tastes from the East to the West will be served. Formal attire. Toronto Chinatown BIA When: Jan. 28 and 29, noon to 5 p.m. Where: Dragon City Mall, 280 Spadina Ave. Cost: Free, chinatownbia.com
Cheerfulness will be in full swing as the Chinatown BIA marks the Year of the Rooster with traditional performances, lucky draws, fortune telling and interactive games, happening at two bustling locations. Lunar New Year Festival at Pacific Mall When: Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. Where: 4300 Steeles Ave E., Markham Cost: Free, pacificmalltoronto.com
Pacific Mall hosted a festive bash featuring performances by Hong Kong actors and singers Sheldon Lo and Adrian Chan, but the celebrations continue on Saturday. Market Village When: Various dates Where: 4350 Steeles Ave. E., Markham Cost: Free
More joyful events follow A1 Radio’s countdown at Market Village, including a Spark Show Production on Saturday; a Year of the Rooster celebration on Jan. 29; and on Feb. 4, stop by for the Sunny Tang Lion Dance Greeting at 11 a.m. LunarFest When: Feb. 4 and 5, from noon to 6 p.m. Where: Metro Hall, 55 John St. Cost: Free, lunarfest.org
What began in 2009 at the Vancouver Winter Olympics to celebrate contemporary Asian arts and culture has continued on, expanding to Toronto in 2012.
This year, join the Olympic-inspired fun by taking part in the LunarFest Rooster Winter Games and rooster-themed craft workshops at Metro Hall. Toronto libraries Cost: Free, torontopubliclibrary.ca
Enjoy story time at the Elmbrook Park location (Jan. 28 at11a.m.), and decorate lanterns at Woodview Park (Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.).