The Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s Spring Festival brings culture, lanterns, animal talks and family activities together on the Family Day Long Weekend.
In 2026 the Greater Vancouver Zoo celebrates the February long weekend with Lunar New Year traditions on February 14th to 16th. The event combines wildlife experiences with cultural performances, crafts, food and evening lantern displays. This is the first time the zoo has hosted this event. Hopefully it’ll be back again in 2027!
During the Spring Festival, guests can explore the zoo during the day, enjoy cultural programming and activities, and stay later in the evening to experience illuminated lantern displays inspired by zodiac animals and traditional stories.
For details about the event, either continue reading or visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s website.
When and Where
The Spring Festival takes place over the Family Day Long Weekend in mid-February at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The zoo is located at 5048 – 264th Street in Aldergrove (which is part of Langley).
The zoo operates with extended hours during the festival and remains open until 8:00 pm each evening.
At the event, animals and habitats are viewable until 5:00 pm, the last Safari Express train departs at 5:30 pm, and final admission entry is at 7:00 pm. Evening access after 5:00 pm focuses on event spaces and the lantern displays as animal viewing areas close by that time.
Admission Details
Admission to the festival is included with general admission to the zoo. Ticket prices in 2026 are $38 for adults (ages 18 to 64). It’s also $27 for children, seniors and students. Children aged 16 and under must attend with an adult. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
At the event, guests can also ride the Safari Express train for an additional $10 to experience the zoo by rail.
During the festival weekend, visitors born in a Year of the Horse are eligible for free general admission as long as they show a valid ID to confirm their birth year.
People born in the Year of Horse were born during the following dates:
- 1954: Between February 3rd, 1954, and January 23rd, 1955
- 1966: Between January 21st, 1966, and February 8th, 1967
- 1978: Between February 7th, 1978, and January 27th, 1979
- 1990: Between January 27th, 1990, and February 14th, 1991
- 2002: Between February 12th, 2002, and January 31st, 2003
- 2014: Between January 31st, 2014, and February 18th, 2015
What to Expect at the Zoo’s Spring Festival
With cultural performances, animal encounters, crafts, lantern displays and festive treats, the Greater Vancouver Zoo’s Spring Festival offers families a lively and memorable way to celebrate the season together.
At the Spring Festival visitors can enjoy a full schedule of cultural and family activities included with regular zoo admission. Food trucks operate daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
A Cultural Marketplace showcases artisans and cultural groups, including members of the Hanfu Cultural Association. The market runs from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily. At the market visitors can watch crafts demonstrations, try paper cutting, and even try on traditional Hanfu clothing for photos. Hanfu try-ons costs $5 for children and $10 for adults with a deposit or ID required while garments are borrowed.
Live cultural programming at the event includes daily lion dance performances, meet-and-greet sessions, and traditional Chinese sugar painting demonstrations on select days. Sugar paintings are available for purchase throughout the weekend.
Guests can also attend special animal spotlight talks featuring animals connected to the Chinese zodiac. Zoo keepers explain animal behaviours, conservation efforts and how the zoo enrichment activities support animal well-being.
At the event, children can receive festive red pocket surprises while supplies last. Some lucky guests may receive special bonus surprises inside their red pockets.
After sunset, visitors can stroll through the event space to view illuminated lantern displays until 8:00 pm. The displays are inspired by zodiac animals, mythical stories like the dragon gate legend, and zoo animals. Lantern viewing continues until closing time each evening.
Other Information
To learn more about the event, see the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s website.
Other articles that might also be of interest include the following:
- Greater Vancouver Zoo
- Family Day Long Weekend
- Vancouver’s February Calendar of Events
- Lunar New Year in the Lower Mainland
