24
January
2025
|
14:03
America/Los_Angeles

The year of the Wood Snake: Celebrating the Lunar New Year at YVR with lion dance, custom ice cream and impressive cargo growth

The Chinese Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, renewal, and connection for millions around the world, and here at YVR, it’s a special moment to reflect on the important role we play in bringing people and cultures together.

In February 2024, we welcomed nearly 310,000 travellers, many of whom enjoyed the festivities held at YVR to mark this important occasion. Among the main destinations were Hong Kong, Taipei, Incheon, Shanghai, Narita, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Vietnam. This year, we are excited to continue the tradition and look forward to the festivities ahead.

Teachings from the Wood Snake: strategic growth in cargo

In 2025, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. Celebrated for 15 days, the Wood Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth—qualities that resonate deeply with YVR's mission. The Wood Snake’s energy encourages us to look ahead with careful planning, adaptability, and a focus on long-term success, all of which are core elements of YVR's commitment to excellence. Just as the Snake sheds its skin to evolve, YVR continues to adapt and grow, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our passengers, partners, and communities.

This evolution is reflected in our efforts to connect local businesses with major markets in Asia, supporting the local economy and fostering meaningful relationships that benefit consumers and companies on both sides of the globe.

During this season, an incredible volume of seafood makes its way through our airport. The time leading up to Chinese New Year is traditionally one of the busiest periods for seafood exports to Asia, along with the summer season. In 2024, YVR facilitated the export of approximately 18,000 tonnes of seafood, with crab leading the way as the number one export commodity. These shipments connect British Columbia’s seafood industry to destinations across Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, ensuring fresh, high-quality seafood is part of Lunar New Year celebrations worldwide.

Lion dance and other activities at the terminal

But it’s not just about cargo—the festivity extends into the heart of our terminal, bringing the community together while celebrating diversity and strengthening relationships. From January 27 to 31, YVR will host a series of exciting activations to share the joy of the Lunar New Year with passengers and guests.

A highlight will be a Lion Dance performance on January 29 at 11:15 a.m. at The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe, where the celebratory energy will come to life in full color and motion. Passengers can also enjoy Lunar New Year-themed photo opportunities at custom wood snake photo stations, available on January 28 and 30. Additionally, Jetside Bar at Fairmont Hotel will be offering a special Lunar New Year dining menu from January 28 to 31, featuring BBQ pork buns, shrimp spring rolls, and mushroom dumplings served with soy sauce and sweet chili sauce for $24.00.

Other activations during this period will include:

  • Lunar New Year-themed décor
  • Limited edition $8 YVR Bucks in a special Year of the Snake design, redeemable at participating retailers
  • Bubble Waffle Café—YVR’s newest Cantonese-style food and beverage outlet
  • Market-style pop-up (post-security for international departures only)
  • Purdy's chocolate gold coins distributed in the International Terminal (post-security)
  • La Glace ice cream giveaway featuring custom raspberry-lychee flavor on January 27, 29, and 31 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Lunar New Year-themed photo opportunities with custom wood snake photo stations, and instant souvenir photo-cards available on January 28 and 30 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Vancouver Duty Free promotions for International travelers from January 24 to February 7, including a Spin-To-Win game offering discount coupons for purchases on all regular-priced merchandise (excluding tobacco)
  • And more

Keep an eye on our social channels for updates on all the Lunar New Year events happening at YVR. Whether you’re here to travel, enjoy the festivities, or simply soak in the atmosphere, we’re excited to celebrate this special time of year with you.

Here’s to a happy, prosperous, and joyous Year of the Wood Snake for all!