The Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s Spring Festival brings culture, lanterns, animal talks and family activities together on the Family Day long weekend.
Last year, the Greater Vancouver Zoo celebrated the February long weekend with Lunar New Year traditions on February 14th to 16th. The event combined wildlife experiences with cultural performances, crafts, food and evening lantern displays. This was the first time the zoo has hosted this event. Hopefully it’ll be back again in 2027.
During the Spring Festival, guests could 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.
Continue reading or visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s website for details about the event.
When and Where?
The Spring Festival took place at the Greater Vancouver Zoo over the Family Day long weekend in mid-February last year. The zoo is located at 5048 – 264th Street in Aldergrove (which is part of Langley).
The zoo operated with extended hours during the festival and remained open until 8:00 pm each evening.
At the event, animals and habitats were viewable until 5:00 pm, the last Safari Express train departed at 5:30 pm, and final admission entry was at 7:00 pm. Evening access after 5:00 pm focused on event spaces and the lantern displays as animal viewing areas closed by that time.
Admission Details
Admission to the festival was included with general admission to the zoo. Ticket prices last year were $38 for adults (ages 18 to 64). It was also $27 for children, seniors and students. Children aged 16 and under had to attend with an adult. Kids ages 2 and under were free. Admission prices will likely be similar in 2027 should the event return, but with exact details to be confirmed.
At the event, guests could 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 were eligible for free general admission as long as they showed a valid ID to confirm their birth year.
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 offered families a lively and memorable way to celebrate the season together.
At the Spring Festival visitors could enjoy a full schedule of cultural and family activities included with regular zoo admission. Food trucks operated daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
A Cultural Marketplace showcased artisans and cultural groups, including members of the Hanfu Cultural Association. The market ran from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily. At the market visitors could watch crafts demonstrations, try paper cutting, and even try on traditional Hanfu clothing for photos. Hanfu try-ons cost $5 for children and $10 for adults with a deposit or ID required while garments are borrowed.
Live cultural programming at the event included daily lion dance performances, meet-and-greet sessions, and traditional Chinese sugar painting demonstrations on select days. Sugar paintings were available for purchase throughout the weekend.
Last year, guests could also attend special animal spotlight talks featuring animals connected to the Chinese zodiac. Zoo keepers explained animal behaviours, conservation efforts and how the zoo enrichment activities support animal well-being.
At the event, children could receive festive red pocket surprises while supplies lasted. Some lucky guests may have also received special bonus surprises inside their red pockets.
After sunset, visitors could stroll through the event space to view illuminated lantern displays until 8:00 pm. The displays were inspired by zodiac animals, mythical stories like the dragon gate legend, and zoo animals. Lantern viewing continued until closing time each evening.
Other Information
See the Greater Vancouver Zoo‘s website to learn more about the event.
Other articles that might also be of interest include the following:
- Greater Vancouver Zoo
- Special Events at the Zoo
- Family Day Long Weekend
- Vancouver’s February Calendar of Events
- Lunar New Year in the Lower Mainland
