YVR celebrates Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, falls on February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes energy, prosperity, and momentum. As Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, YVR is excited to celebrate the 16-day festival with travellers and our airport community. 

The Lunar New Year comes as we recently announced a record year for passenger numbers in 2025 with strong growth driven in part by travel between Canada and Asia, which increased by more than 15.6% over the previous year. That momentum reflects YVR’s expanding transpacific connectivity supported by new and increased capacity to China. This includes three weekly flights with Air China and continued service from Air Canada to Shanghai and Beijing alongside ongoing service from Xiamen, Sichuan, and Hainan airlines. 

This same sense of momentum can be felt in our cargo operations. The return of Chinese capacity and growing demand from retailers like Shein and Temu have supported nearly 7.4% growth in cargo volumes in 2025, helping connect B.C. products with communities across Asia. 

Celebrations at YVR 

Building on this year of growth and connection, YVR is marking the Lunar New Year with festive celebrations throughout February. Travellers and our airport community can enjoy live music, traditional Chinese lion dances, photo moments, limited-edition products and the chance to win prizes, now through end of February.  

Travelling internationally?  

Visit our Vancouver Duty Free locations to meet the God of Fortune and spin his wheel to win exciting prizes. More prizes can be won by participating in a themed augmented reality treasure hunt through Club Avolta. 

Travellers can also find exclusive Lunar New Year products at Alpine Loft and and take photos with our themed backdrops near the food court area.  

Visiting YVR or looking for an activity before security screening? 

You’ll find Lunar New Year–inspired décor throughout the terminal and themed music from local artists. There are beautifully themed photo backdrops pre-security, too! Find them near Purebread.  

Enjoy a traditional Lion Dance 

Join us for traditional Lion Dances! There will be two dances taking place on February 17, with performances scheduled from 11:00–11:45 a.m. at The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe and from 11:45 a.m.–13:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. 

We wish our Sea Island community and travellers a prosperous Year of the Horse!