In Montreal, Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year or Tết in Vietnam) is a symbolic celebration that brings together diverse communities to honour rich traditions through meaningful symbols and flavours. Marking the start of a new year in the lunar calendar, this festive occasion provides a unique opportunity to explore traditional dishes that hold deep cultural significance.
The Year of the Horse, especially a Fire Horse year like in 2026, symbolizes a dynamic, fast-paced period focused on action, independence and freedom. Expect high energy, social connection and potential for breakthroughs. In other words: can anyone say "feast"?!
Meals during Lunar New Year are central to the celebrations, both in Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, Lunar New Year in Montreal invites you to discover and connect.
Osmo X Marusan
51 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H2X 1X2
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Date: February 28th, 2026
After taking Toronto and Halifax by storm, it's Montreal's first ever time to take part in the phenomenon that is the Mandarin / Cantonese Disco Night. Celebrate the Year of the Horse on Saturday, February 28th, at the beautiful Osmo x Marusan with Hidi-San, Swee and Mollygum on the soundsystem. And knowing Osmo x Marusan, you can expect tasty snacks! Bop your head to strictly Cantonese and Mandarin music, disco, rare dance cuts, and high-energy selections: music rooted in Chinese culture, made for everyone who loves to dance.
705 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, H3B 4G5
Dates: February 15th to 19th, 2026
Savour a special Lunar New Year menu at Time Out Market Montréal crafted by Le Blossom,
Marusan, Le Red Tiger and Chanthy Yen. In addition to these culinary creations by some of Montréal's top chefs, including a Top Chef Canada winner, the cocktail bar will also feature an exclusive special cocktail creation from Time Out Market Osaka. The festivities extend to the Montréal Eaton Centre from February 9 to 22, 2026, with free activities including traditional performances like lion dances, K-pop dance performances and a Beijing Opera excerpt. You can also hang your wishes on the red ribbon wish arch.
Sammi & Soupe Dumpling
Multiple locations
Guess what Sammi & Soup Dumpling are doing this Lunar New Year? They're opening a whole new restaurant, that's what. Welcome to Sammi & Soupe Dumpling Centropolis, opening on February 27th, 2026. Head over there for your family celebration, to slurp up dozens and dozens of dumplings as you toast the new year. This Centropolis location is their most refined and high-end space to date, featuring their fanciest interior design among all Sammi locations. And, exclusively at Sammi & Soupe Dumpling DIX30 (from February 27th to March 22nd) and Royalmount (from February 22nd to March 22nd), try the fusion-tastic Pomodoro Mozza Xiao Long Bao, available for a limited time only. Later this winter, head to the Royalmount location for an exclusive three-day premium Xiao Long Bao and wine tasting on the afternoons of March 9th, 10th and 11th. This intimate event is by email reservation only.
Dobe & Andy
1071 Rue St-Urbain, Montreal, H2Z 1Y6
Dates: February 13th to 15th, and 20th to 22nd, 2026Dobe & Andy celebrates Lunar New Year with a special menu honoring luck, prosperity, and longevity. Priced at $150 for four people, this festive feast features must-try dishes like egg drop soup, XO fried rice, saucy yi mein noodles, steamed fish and supersized, tender, pork-perfect Lion's Head meatballs stewed with Napa cabbage. Welcome the Year of the Horse in style by reserving (quick!) by DMing them on Instagram. With over 40 years of history, Dobe & Andy remains a standout destination for enjoying recipes rich in meaning and heritage.
Dak Hing Barbecue
4705 Avenue Van Horne, Montreal, H3W 1H8
Dates: Always!
Is it really Lunar New Year if you haven't gorged on barbecue? Dak Hing Barbecue on Van Horne in NDG is renowned for its succulent duck and pork barbecue, but it's also got delicious roast chicken, braised beef and a dish of ground pork with mushrooms over rice that you don't want to sleep on. If you're getting a whole gang together for your own February 17th extravaganza, then call ahead for a whole roasted pig, crispy and tender and simply incredible.
Lunar New Year 2025 - Montreal's Chinatown
Multiple locations
Dates: February 21st and 22nd, 2026
On the weekend of February 21st and 22nd, 2026, head to Montreal's Chinatown, transformed into a vibrant place of tradition and festivities to welcome the Year of the Horse. The lively streets are home to fascinating art installations, interactive workshops and cultural performances, including cultural performances, music, calligraphy and tons of games on Saturday, and on Sunday, traditional lion dances. A unique opportunity to discover the richness of Chinese culture and celebrate with family and friends.
5050 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Suite 2110, Montréal, H4P 0C9
Date: February 20th, 2026
Le Fou Fou, located in the Royalmount, invites you to an exceptional celebration for the Year of the Horse. The whole space will be transforming into a club for the very first time to celebrate: on Friday, February 20th, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., come celebrate with an electrifying evening of music and festive fun. On the programme: guest DJs, live performances, lion dancing and red-hot energy until the wee hours of the morning. A night to celebrate prosperity, good fortune and the joy of being together. Keep an eye out for the LNY Giveaway for a chance to win four tickets and four free drinks!
Charyū par Thés Guru
6872 Rue St-Hubert, Montreal, H2S 2M6
Date: February 22nd, 2026
Charyū by Thés Guru in Rosemont celebrates the Lunar New Year with an exceptional event for tea enthusiasts: a discovery and tasting workshop led by Master Han Le and his team. This sensory journey features the tasting of seven grand cru teas, each representing one of the seven families of Chinese tea. Fascinating stories about their origins, health benefits, and ideal brewing techniques enrich the experience, accompanied by traditional Lunar New Year treats. Highlights on the menu include the Bai Hao Yin Zhen, a silver-tipped white tea culled from the Tai Mu mountain, and the Beng cha Hu nian (2022 reserve), an aged fermented tea from the Yunnan province.
Soleil de Saigon
1227 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2J 1Y2
Date: While stock lasts
Located in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Soleil de Saigon celebrates Lunar New Year with a quintessential Vietnamese specialty: banh chung. This sticky rice cake, filled with tender pork and mung beans, is carefully wrapped in leaves, resembling an elegant gift. Available exclusively by phone order, it's the perfect addition to your celebrations, bringing a touch of tradition to the table. Soleil de Saigon carries the spirit of Vietnam through simple yet meaningful dishes, making it an ideal choice to mark this festive season.
To continue your Lunar New Year journey, visit our section on Asian restaurants in Montreal, where tradition meets authentic flavours.
