The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant cultural celebration that holds deep meaning for millions of people worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time filled with tradition, community, and renewal.

With vibrant customs like red decorations, lucky envelopes, and captivating dragon dances, the Lunar New Year embodies the spirit of the zodiac animal associated with that year. In the Year of the Snake, we can anticipate a celebration that symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

This year, we’re introducing a new way to explore Lunar New Year activities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area:

Get ready to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025—the Year of the Snake! We’ve created a ‘Michelin guide' style map that features various Lunar New Year activities across the region we all call home. We’ve identified some of the largest Lunar New celebrations, restaurants, performances and more – and the best part is that GO can help get you and your loved ones in on the fun too! If you’re as excited about celebrating the Lunar New Year as we are, take a look at all of the great things taking place!

With our ‘GO with Fortune’ map, we’re making it easier than ever to celebrate, explore and share in the joy of the season!

Explore Festive Performances

Enjoy vibrant cultural displays and traditional showcases that capture the spirit of the Lunar New Year:

Lunar New Year Concert: On Feb 8^th 2025 ring in the Lunar New Year with the lively music and dance performances of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 60 Simcoe St, Toronto. Closest GO Station: Union (750m)

Lunar New Year Performance: From Feb 1^st to 2^nd 2025 celebrate the richness of Asian traditions with lion dances and lucky draws, spreading festive cheer throughout your community. Chinatown Centre 222 Spadina Ave., Toronto. Closest GO Station: Union (2.2km)

Woodside Square Lantern Show: From Dec 7 2024- Feb 12 2025 dive into the magic of the Love and Peace Lantern Festival! Snap a memorable photo in front of stunning lanterns. Woodside Square 1571 Sandhurst Cir, Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Milliken GO (3.2km)

Pacific Mall’s Lunar New Year Celebration: Kick off a prosperous New Year at Pacific Mall! Find everything you need for a festive celebration and enjoy live performances and family-friendly activities. Pacific Mall 4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham. Closest GO Station: Milliken GO (500m)

Fairview Mall: Enjoy vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations with lion and dragon dances, God of Fortune performances, and interactive games. 1800 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON. Closest GO Station: Oriole GO (2.1km)

Lunar New Year Foodie Adventures

Savor delicious holiday dishes and uncover hidden culinary gems:

QJD Peking Duck 全聚德: Savour the festive flavours with Authentic Peking Duck at the iconic QJD Peking Duck Restaurant. QJD Peking Duck 888 Dundas St E unit C3 & C4, Mississauga, ON. Closest GO Station: Dixie GO (2.3km)

Pho Anh Vu: Experience authentic Vietnamese pho with your loved ones at Pho Anh Vu. Every bite is filled with warmth and happiness, bringing comfort to your heart. 420 Hwy 7 Unit 34, Richmond Hill, ON. Closest GO Station: Langstaff GO (3.6km)

Yu Seafood: 3401 Dufferin St Unit 601A, Toronto, ON. Closest GO Station: Yorkdale Bus Terminal (850m) 

Zunyan Fine Dining & Banquet: 648 Silver Star Blvd, Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Milliken GO (800m)

Lunar New Year Shopping

Find everything you need for the holiday season, from festive decorations to unique gifts:

Fresh Palace Supermarket: Find everything from fresh ingredients to pantry staples. Get all you need to make your celebrations memorable. 4040 Creditview Rd, Mississauga. Closest GO Station: Erindale GO (350m)

Asia Food Mart: Add some cheer to your celebrations with a wide selection of fresh produce and festive treats. 2150 McNicoll Avenue Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Agincourt GO (4km)

Yorkdale Shopping Centre: Refresh your wardrobe for Lunar New Year and start the year with a new vibe! Visit Yorkdale for festive joy, exclusive deals, and perfect holiday finds. 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto. Closest GO Station: Yorkdale Bus Terminal (450m)

Scarborough Town Centre: 300 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Scarborough Centre Bus Terminal

Woodside Square: Shop for Lunar New Year must-haves, indulge in festive treats, and immerse yourself in the excitement of lion dances, God of Wealth blessings, and dazzling performances. 1571 Sandhurst Cir, Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Scarborough Centre Bus Terminal (4.5km)

CF Markville Mall: 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, ON. Closest GO Station: Centennial GO Station (750M)

United Supermarket: 125 Cross Ave Unit C2, Oakville, ON. Closest GO Station: Oakville GO (650m)

Bestco Fresh Foods Ajax: 1935 Ravenscroft Rd, Ajax, ON. Closest GO Station: Ajax GO (5.5km)

Foody World: 8 William Kitchen Rd A, Scarborough, ON. Closest GO Station: Agincourt GO (3km)      

FoodyMart: 5221 Hwy 7, Markham, ON. Closest GO Station: Centennial GO (1.3km)

GO with Fortune Event – Union Station

To kick off the Lunar New Year celebrations this year, GO Transit will be hosting a special Lunar New Year-themed event at Union Station in the Bay concourse hall! We’ll highlight the great events you can visit for the Lunar New Year, answer questions, play games, and have some awesome giveaways. We seriously hope you’ll join us!

• January 26 – 30, from 8AM - 6PM
• Union Station, Bay Concourse Hall – just beside Tim Hortons
• Free to attend!

Savings for every celebration!

Planning on celebrating with family and friends across the region? Learn about our different GO Transit fares to ensure you’re choosing the most convenient option for you - and taking advantage of the best savings! Don’t forget, kids 12 and under always ride free on all GO Trains and Buses!

Weekday Group Passes

With our Weekday Group Passes, groups can get unlimited travel throughout the GO network for one low fare:

• $30 for 2 people, $40 for 3 people, $50 for 4 people, and $60 for 5 people
• Passes are valid for all-day travel on a weekday (Monday-Friday)

One-Day Weekend Pass

If you’re heading out on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday, a One-Day Pass is perfect for affordable travel. It’s only $10!

• You get unlimited travel throughout the GO network.
• Valid for all-day, one-day travel on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday.

GO Transit even offers free Wi-Fi onboard all trains, buses, and stations so you can stay connected!