Dim sum, dancing and drag queens: Lunar New Year at Toronto’s Dragon City Mall

Toronto’s hidden gem in Chinatown is kicking off its Lunar New Year celebrations this weekend, and we have the inside scoop.

Dragon City Mall — a landmark that many pass on their downtown commute — is an iconic Toronto locale offering some of the most authentic vendors and restaurants Chinatown offers. 

As a result of its long history as a hub for locals and tourists, the Chinatown BIA has released a full schedule for its Lunar New Year festivities set to take place this weekend. 

Saturday, February 1, 2025 

• 11 am to noon: Lunar New Year Concert
• Noon to 1 pm: Opening Ceremony, Lucky Draw and Concert (cont.)
• 1 pm to 1:30 pm: Wonderful world of Circus Magic Show 
• 1:30 pm to 2: 30 pm: Anime Performance (ONITA) 
• 2:30 pm to 3 pm: Chinese Caligraphy 
• 3 pm to 3:30 pm: 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs/Lucky Draw 
• 3:30 to 4 pm: Chinese Cultural Dancing (The Orient Dance Company Toronto) 
• 4 pm to 4:45 pm: Zumba Dancing w/ Winnie Kwong 
• 4:45 pm to 5 pm: End of day Lucky Draw  

Sunday, February 2, 2025

• 11 am to 11:30 am: Chinese Caligraphy
• 11:30 am to noon: 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs w/ Rockie Cheng 
• Noon to 12:30 pm: Belly Dance w/ Alice Li
• 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Chinese Orchestra
• 1:30 pm to 2 pm: HanFu (Han Ancient Costumes)
• 2 pm to 2:15 pm: Tarot Fortune Reading 
• 2:15 to 3:15 pm: New Year Music Singing Box
• 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm: Sichuan Face Changing/Lucky Draw
• 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm: Tai-Chi (Fookmoon Tai-Chi association)
• 4:30 pm to 4:45 pm: 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs w/ Rockie Cheng 
• 4:45 to 5 pm: Closing Ceremony/Lucky Draw

With Dragon City Mall set up as the epicentre of celebrations — to those who haven’t visited before — this downtown secret is truly special, no matter the time of year. 

Walking through its busy front doors off Dundas and Spadina, you will encounter two institutions demanding your attention.

To your left is a single stand with no signage that does one thing better than anyone in the city — Hong Kong-style bubble waffles.

These sweet and fluffy miracles served at the Tung Tung Dan Quen King kiosk are the perfect snack for wandering around Chinatown’s go-to hub. However, if you want something more savory, Dragon City Corner Snacks across the way has you covered. 

This street food stop seemingly possesses all the inner workings of a full-scale restaurant folded inside a single pick-up window.

Whether you are grabbing perfectly prepared sticky rice, beef balls or some hot soup, this is another guaranteed stop for any pedestrian. 

While Dragon City Mall includes numerous restaurants, such as the iconic Korean BBQ at the Owl of Minerva and Juicy Dumping, there is only one place that, quite literally, rises above the rest. 

Head to the main elevator and hit the button for the top floor and you arrive at the iconic Sky Dragon Restaurant. 

This massive dim sum locale is not only one of a kind but it also features a stunning view of the downtown Toronto skyline. 

While there is almost too much to mention cuisine-wise, trust us when we say this is some of the most authentic dim sum you can get in Chinatown.

Those visiting the Sky Dragon during Dragon City’s Lunar New Year celebrations are also in for a unique treat, as the locale will be hosting the ‘Queen’s of Dim Sum Lunar New Year Event’ on Feb. 1 — a massive drag brunch complete with DJ themed around the Year of the Snake. 

For more information on Dragon City Mall’s event schedule, visit the Toronto Chinatown BIA’s official website.