Year of the Snake at the Museum

January 29, 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake, representing a year of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Welcome the new lunar calendar at the museum with us on February 1st and 2nd for a weekend full of fun activities, storytelling, crafts, treats, and more with your family and friends!

On both days, drop-in for free Chinese New Year treat sampling, Year of the Snake-themed crafts, and Chinese board games. On Saturday, February 1st, join us for a special Lunar New Year Cantonese storytime; and on Sunday, February 2nd, after the Chinatown Parade, celebrate at the museum with some artisanal ice cream and balloon art!

Poster Illustration by: Kristen Huang

Event Details:

• Date: February 1st and 2nd, 2025 

• Location: Chinese Canadian Museum (51 E Pender St.)

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

• Cost: Included with admission

Activities:

Tray of Togetherness Tasting

Learn about the traditional Chinese “Tray of Togetherness” (攢盤) and sample some common Chinese candies and treats that are eaten during the new year! Discover the different delicacies included in a Tray of Togetherness and the meaning and symbolism behind each food.

Lucky Snake Charm Crafts

Celebrate the Chinese zodiac animal of 2025 – the snake – and craft your own beaded snake keychain to keep as a lucky charm!

Chinese Board Games

Are you a mahjong master or a new challenger to the game? Try your hand at some popular Chinese board games such as mahjong, xiangqi, Chinese checkers, and more!

Cantonese Storytime with Colour it Cantonese

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Priscilla, the mom behind Colour it Cantonese, in a fun-filled Cantonese storytime! Join her as she expertly facilitates a good time, and discover the magic of Cantonese language and culture in a welcoming, historical environment together with others in our community. Then get creative with a kid-friendly craft--make and take home your own vibrant Lion Head Crown! This event is perfect for all ages, especially infants and toddlers. Come kick off the New Year with joy and creativity!
*Only on Saturday, February 1st at 11 A.M. and 1 P.M.

Elephant Garden Creamery Ice Cream Cart

Have a sweet start to the new year with some artisanal ice cream! Taste some delicious Lunar New Year inspired flavours at Elephant Garden Creamery’s pop-up cart at the museum.
* Only on Sunday, February 2nd from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Ice Cream Menu:

• Black Sesame Rice Ball (vegan): Pillowy, smooth and plump rice ball aka tang yuan (湯圓) is prepared as creamy coconut glutinous rice ice cream naturally flavoured with Chinese almonds and rippled with housemade roasted black sesame paste to simulate the ooze-y bursting effect of the delicate chewy tang yuan upon one nip 🖤🍡 contains: sesame seeds

• Lychee Osmanthus: The sweet n’ juicy flavours of lychee combined with the ethereal fragrant notes of osmanthus for a refreshing and light lickity lick 👅🌼 contains: milk, eggs

• Pandan Coconut Jade Snake (vegan): Fragrant and creamy pandan plant-based ice cream is marbled with lightly salted coconut cream sauce and adorned with succulent squiggly coconut meat 'snake' strands, creating a harmonious jade-like flavour that's all natural and evokes good health, wealth and new beginnings 💚🥥🐍

Balloon Art by faceaballoonza!

Internationally acclaimed balloon artist Kristal Yee from faceaballoonza will be making her twisted balloon creations for museum visitors, with a Lunar New Year twist!
*Only on Sunday, February 2nd from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M.