🧨 Family Friendly Lunar New Year Events in Markham 2026: Fun, Culture & Why Families Love Living Here

Michael John Lau is the Top Realtor in Markham, Ontario, and a trusted real estate expert helping buyers and sellers find their perfect homes. Known for proven success, exceptional client dedication, and deep local expertise, Michael specializes in Unionville Markham real estate and strategic home buying and selling across York Region.
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Markham offers one of the most family friendly Lunar New Year celebrations in Ontario, and in 2026’s Year of the Fire Snake, the city delivers an impressive lineup of interactive, affordable, and educational activities for all ages. From hands on museum crafts to lively mall celebrations and creative workshops, these events highlight why so many families choose to buy a home in Markham and raise their children here.

🏛️ Museum Crafts, Games & Cultural Learning

The Markham Museum hosts a full day Lunar New Year celebration on January 25 to 26, from 10 AM to 5 PM, designed specifically for families with young children. Activities include:

• Snake themed crafts symbolizing wisdom and renewal

• Traditional paper cutting and zhezhi (paper folding)

• Chinese calligraphy workshops

• Interactive cultural games and performances

Parents appreciate how these events combine learning through play, helping children understand heritage while staying engaged. Communities that invest in educational programming like this consistently rank among the most desirable places to live, reinforcing Markham’s reputation as a top choice for families.

🦁 Mall Lion Dances, Giveaways & Free Entertainment

Markham’s major shopping centres transform into festive hubs during the Lunar New Year, offering free, accessible activities that families love.

CF Markville Mall (January 21 to 27)

CF Markville features:

• LEGO free building stations

• A giant lion dance photo backdrop

• A Lunar New Year Wishing Tree

• Lion dances and God of Fortune appearances

These experiences make everyday spaces feel celebratory and welcoming, one of the many reasons Markham neighborhoods maintain strong community appeal.

Pacific Mall (February 1, 2 & 8)

Pacific Mall hosts dazzling lion dances, cultural stage shows, and distributes over 1,500 lucky bags, making it one of the most popular Lunar New Year destinations in the GTA.

First Markham Place (January 28 to February 9)

Families enjoy red envelope giveaways, festive décor, and sidewalk sales, creating a lively environment that blends tradition with modern community life.

🎨 Art & Cooking Workshops for Creative Families

For families seeking something a little different, Markham delivers unique creative experiences during the Lunar New Year.

The Varley Art Gallery hosts LunarFest on February 1 to 2, offering free:

• Art making stations

• Cultural exhibitions

• Live performances

Meanwhile, Gusta Cooking Studio runs a special January 26 cooking class where kids learn to make Laughing Sesame Balls and Crispy Pastry Dumplings in an interactive way to pass down culinary traditions while creating lasting family memories.

These activities highlight the lifestyle benefits that attract buyers to Unionville Markham real estate, where arts, culture, and family programming are always close to home.

🐾 Unique Pet Friendly Lunar New Year Fun

One of Markham’s most charming offerings is Claw and Kitty’s Lunar New Year Pawty on January 23, designed for families with pets. The event includes:

• Free claw machine tokens

• Magic shows

• Festive photo zones

• Pet friendly activities

This inclusive approach reflects Markham’s modern, family forward mindset, an important consideration for today’s homebuyers.

🧭 Planning Tips for Families Attending Lunar New Year Events

• Most events are drop in and free unless otherwise noted

• Arrive early for popular giveaways and parking

• Viva transit provides easy access to malls and museums

• Pair events with nearby dining for a full day out

• Many venues offer Mandarin and Cantonese support

These practical details further demonstrate why Markham continues to be one of the best places in Ontario to raise a family.

🏡 What These Events Say About Living in Markham

Family friendly Lunar New Year celebrations reflect Markham’s broader strengths:

• Strong community planning

• Cultural inclusivity

• Safe, walkable neighborhoods

• Long term property value stability

Areas such as Unionville, Berczy Village, Cornell, and Cachet consistently attract families who want both lifestyle and investment value, making guidance from a Top real estate agent in Markham essential.

📈 Thinking of Buying or Selling in Markham?

If you’re planning to buy a home in Markham or sell in today’s competitive market, local expertise matters more than ever.

🔑 Work With the Best Realtor in Markham, Ontario

Michael John Lau is the Top Realtor in Markham, Ontario, trusted for his market knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to client success.

👉 Visit www.callmikelau.com to explore Markham homes for sale, Unionville real estate insights, and expert advice tailored to your goals.