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Event celebrates Lunar New Year with lantern show, exhibits, vendors

Taking place at historic Markham Museum Feb. 8 to 25, Lunar Nights 'introduces a fresh and vibrant approach to celebrating the Lunar New Year, offering an engaging experience for all ages,' organizers say

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 30, 2024

Ell'Events Inc., in collaboration with the City of Markham and Markham Museum, is bringing Lunar Nights: Year of the Dragon Festival, a dazzling celebration of the Lunar New Year with more than 250 vibrant lanterns across 20 different scenes, to the Markham Museum grounds Feb. 8 to 25.

Beyond the outdoor walk-through lantern light show, visitors can immerse themselves in "a rich tapestry of experiences," organizers said in a news release.

You can delve into indoor museum interactive international exhibitions, engage with traditional vendors, and partake in an array of interactive activities, including a telescopic moon viewing, a baby dragon petting station, the wish tree, captivating dragon performances, and an indoor arts and crafts program.

Weather permitting, the festivities will extend to an outdoor ice skating rink (BYO skates) and snowshoeing adventures.

Taking place at the historic Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Rd., "this festival introduces a fresh and vibrant approach to celebrating the Lunar New Year, offering an engaging experience for all ages on select dates," organizers said.

The event takes place on select nights from Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m., and special extended hours on Wednesday, Feb. 14, as well as Family Day, Monday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 10 p.m.

An Immersive Celebration and Journey of Lights and Activities

The Lunar Nights: Year of the Dragon Festival at the Markham Museum is an immersive celebration of cultural heritage, featuring three interactive exhibitions inside of the museum. The newest exhibition Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community commemorates and remembers the contributions of Chinese Canadians over the past 100 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Markham Museum and the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives have worked in conjunction with YRDSB students, and the University of Toronto Museum Studies program to develop this exhibit. Explore, learn, and listen to the stories, traditions and knowledge of the diverse Chinese Canadian community from Markham and York Region.

Delightful Culinary Offerings and Engaging Vendors

Indulge in the flavours of Asia with a variety of delectable treats from Asian-themed food trucks and food tents available on-site. The festival also features indoor vendors showcasing unique wares at the Transportation Hall building, offering an opportunity for delightful discoveries.

Admission Details

Tickets are $24.99 for adults, $19.99 for children aged 2 to 12, and free for babies under 23 months old. Admission includes access to:

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.lunarnights.ca