Chinese New Year in Toronto 2008: Year of the Rat

The Chinese New Year is almost here and where's a better place to celebrate than in Toronto, Canada! Read on for excellent ideas where to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rat!

For a wonderful music experience to start off the Chinese New Year, why not take in the Tokyo String Quartet as they perform beautiful classic music? They will be playing at the Jane Mallett Theater, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts on Front Street East on February 7. You might find the tickets a bit pricey but well worth the entertainment value to start off the Chinese New Year with a cultural thrill!

Another excellent musical option to start off the Chinese New Year with might be attending a special concert at the Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto. The Chinese New Year starts off with a single appearance of Chengzong Yin performing the Yellow River Concerto! Accompanied by the Toronto Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra, this is sure to be a spectacular event! Ticket prices range from $28 and upwards, so be sure to book soon for this beautiful start to the Chinese New Year!

Looking for something a bit quieter to start off the Chinese New Year? Check out the PROOF Gallery in the Distillery District of Toronto for a special exhibition! The Year of the Rat will be represented in works from all over the world and the best thing is the cost - FREE! Why not see how different artists view the Chinese New Year and expand your horizons?

But, without doubt, one of the biggest events to start off the Chinese New Year will be held at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Front Street. The Chinese New Year Spectacular uses live performers and music to depict ancient folk tales and Chinese culture; soaking the audience in this ancient folklore. Running at the end of January this event is sure to start off your Chinese New Year with a bang as you are immersed in the mythology and culture with music and dance beyond imagination. Over 100 Chinese artists will be performing, so be sure to bring your family and friends to the event of the Chinese New Year at the Sony Centre! Tickets range from $38 and up, so be sure to get your reservations as quickly as possible to create a wonderful new memory of the Chinese New Year!

Toronto has a large and vibrant Chinese population that has thrived for decades and continues to create and enjoy the Chinese New Year. There is also an area in downtown Toronto that will transport you back across the water to China itself, Chinatown. Filled with restaurants, shopping malls and small vendors, just walking into this area of Toronto will dazzle your senses! Why not take a walking tour of the area to immerse yourself in the Chinese New Year experience and truly discover the Chinese culture?

Parades and parties have always been a part of the Chinese New Year, but why not look for something a bit different this year, the Year of the Rat? Start off your Chinese New Year with a visit to an art gallery or a musical extravaganza to really leap into the Chinese New Year with a bang!