Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and Hillcrest in Richmond Hill are once again partnering with the North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Jan. 25, ushering in The Year of the Snake.
The shopping centres have also teamed up with Rebecca Chan to install an eight-and-a-half-foot snake structure, on display beginning Jan. 17 at Upper Canada.
“The Lunar New Year marks a significant cultural moment for our community, and for the fourth year Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall are partnering with the North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church to transform both malls into destinations for celebration and gifting,” said Ryan Da Silva, director and general manager, in a news release. “We approach activations with an innovative lens to ensure immersive experiences enhance the standard shopping trip, forging deeper bonds with the community of York Region.”
Rebecca Chan's eight-and-a-half-foot snake structure will be in the following locations for unique photo opportunities:
- Upper Canada Mall, Market Court, Friday, Jan. 17 to Sunday, Feb. 2.
- Hillcrest Mall, Centre Court, Saturday, Jan. 18 to Monday, Feb. 3.
Event Details:
On Saturday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Market Court at Upper Canada and Centre Court at Hillcrest are hosting a variety of hands-on traditional activities and performances.
Upper Canada Mall performances on Jan. 25:
- 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Children’s show featuring a community choir and a Lion Dance.
- 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Yangko and fan dances, Chinese New Year Songs and a Qipao performance.
Hillcrest Mall performances on Jan. 25:
- 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Yangko and fan dances, Chinese New Year Songs and a Qipao performance.
- 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Children’s show featuring a community choir and a Lion Dance.
Interactive booths at Upper Canada and Hillcrest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25:
- Balloon Twisting: Learn about the definition of lucky 吉 and get your own Tangerine balloon symbolizing good luck in the next year.
- DIY Lanterns and Red Pocket envelopes: Create iconic Lunar New Year decorations and learn about the significance of red envelopes.
- Face Painting: Enjoy Lunar New Year-themed face painting with multiple designs and patterns.
- Make a Wish: Hang your wishes on a tree, adding to the festive spirit.
- Photo Booth Fun: Snap a celebratory photo with your family.
- Fai Chun: Create your own traditional decoration for your doorway to create an optimistic, festive atmosphere
- Five Colour Candy Box: Experience the traditional Chinese candy box with five different flavours.
Upper Canada Mall, Jan. 31
On Jan. 31, a PA Day for York Region District and York Catholic District school boards, Newmarket Public Library will be onsite at Upper Canada Mall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. hosting Lunar New year activities such as colouring the Chinese zodiac signs and an accordion snake craft. Books will be on site for guests to read about the Lunar New Year and snakes at their leisure, and library representatives will help guests identify and learn more about their own Chinese zodiac sign.
Visit uppercanadamall.com or hillcrestmall.ca for more information.
About North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church
North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church is a member church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada. Currently, there are three separate adult Sunday services (Cantonese, English, and Mandarin) with a total attendance of over 500. The church has a dedicated pastoral staff team of eight members serving in five ministry areas: Cantonese Ministry, English Ministry, Mandarin Ministry, Children’s Ministry, and Church Ministry. The church is located at 11221 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill. All are welcome.
