Where to catch lion dances in KL

Everyone knows the IPC Shopping Centre because it’s where IKEA is. It has recently been refurbished and has additional stores like H&M, Harvey Norman and Ben’s Independent Grocer. For Chinese New Year this year, the kids will enjoy craft workshops, traditional Chinese dance performances and acrobatic lion dances. 

Feb 11, from 12noon
Traditional lion dance
God of Prosperity walkabout
Chinese lantern craft workshop
Spring blossoms craft workshop
Traditional Chinese dance

Feb 16, from 11am
Acrobatic lion dance
Fuk Luk Sau walkabout
Cherry blossom lantern craft workshop
Chinese orchestra performance
Year of the Dog mascot walkabout
Wooden dog rattle craft workshop
Traditional Chinese dance

Feb 17 Feb, from 12noon
Traditional lion dance
God of Prosperity walkabout
Paper puppies craft workshop
Chinese face-changing performance
Fuk Luk Sau walkabout
Dragon puppets craft workshop
Traditional Chinese dance

Feb 18, from 12noon
Traditional lion dance
Year of the Dog mascot walkabout
Chinese lantern craft workshop
Chinese orchestra performance
God of Prosperity walkabout
Spring blossoms craft workshop
Traditional Chinese dance

Feb 24 & 25, from 12noon
Fun crafts for kids
Year of the Dog mascot walkabout
Traditional lion dance

The CNY Bazaar at family-friendly Publika is worth a visit and is open from now till February 13. Get your stash of Chinese New Year biscuits, new outfits for the kids and home décor to spruce up for your open house. 

CNY bazaar 
Until Feb 13, 10.30am to 9.30pm
The Boulevard, Red Zone

Until Feb 18, from 12noon
Music busking
Arts & crafts DIY workshops 
Workshops by Me.Reka Makerspace 
Chinese instrumental performances

Head into the city centre for yet another variation of the traditional lion dance. This year, the troupe performing at Suria KLCC will be on high poles, which requires incredible balance and is amazing to watch. There will also be Chinese acrobatic and instrumental performances. For an extra bit of fun, Aquaria KLCC’s annual festive underwater activities (like feeding sessions with the God of Prosperity, lion dance and kung fu performances) are taking place every weekend this month. 

High-pole lion dance
Feb 10 & 16-18, 6.30pm
Esplanade

Chinese acrobatic performance
Feb 10 & 18, 5pm; Feb 16, 4pm
Centre Court

God of Prosperity appearance
Feb 10, 11 & 16-18, 2pm
Centre Court

Lion dance
Feb 11, 16 & 17, 5pm
Centre Court

Chinese musical performance
Feb 12 & 15, 1.30pm
Lumba Kuda Walkway – next to Longchamp
Feb 13 & 16, 1.30pm
Aseana Walkway – next to Marc Jacobs

Every year lion dances have a new twist, and this time round it’s all about the LED at the Pavilion KL. From now till March 2, this shopping centre is playing host to LED acrobatic lion dances, lion dance performance by kids from a local school, dance and musical performances, and visits from the God of Prosperity. 

LED acrobatic lion dance
Feb 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24, 7pm
Main Entrance, Level 3

Children’s lion dance performance
by SJK (C) Kampung Baru Ampang
Feb 11, 18, 25 & Mar 2, 3pm
Centre Court, Level 2

God of Prosperity - magician
Feb 10, 11, 16-18, 24, 25 & Mar 2, 2pm
Centre Court, Level 2

'The Dream of Prosperity' dance performance
Feb 11, 18, 25 & Mar 2, 5pm
Centre Court, Level 2

Chinese instrumental performance
Feb 16 & 23, 6pm
Centre Court, Level 2
Feb 12-15, 19-22, 26-28 & Mar 1 & 2, 7pm
Centre Court, Level 2
Feb 10, 17 & 24, 7pm
Pavilion Elite, Level 4
Feb 11, 18 & 25, 7pm
Dining Loft, Level 7

Unlike its busy neighbour, The Gardens Mall will have a series of Chinese New Year themed events in a more tranquil setting, which is better if you have young kids with you. There’ll be dancing, singing and acrobatic lion dances to keep the family entertained. 

Acrobatic lion dance
Feb 10, 11 & 16-18, 3pm
Feb 28, 12noon

Chinese contemporary dance
Feb 10, 11, 17 & 18, 1pm
Feb 11, 5pm
Feb 10 & 11, 6pm

Voices of Spring
Feb 16, 1pm
Feb 17 & 18, 5pm

If you’re up for a casual day out and want to avoid the crowds, Bangsar Village is a good option. There won’t be as many activities as the larger malls, but at least you won’t have to battle big crowds with the family in tow to catch lion dance performances. 

Acrobatic lion dance 
Feb 25, 11.30am
Bangsar Village II

Chinese red paper calligraphy
Feb 10 & 11, 10am-6pm
Bangsar Village I

Chinese orchestra performance
Feb 10, 11 & 24, 1-1.30pm & 2-2.30pm
Bangsar Village II

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to really get into the Year of the Dog, head up to Resorts World Genting where celebrations promise to be incredible. The highlight will be a very unique show called ‘The Prosperity of 9’, featuring nine dog mascots and a host of other characters including the God of Prosperity. 

'The Prosperity of 9'
Feb 14-Mar 4
Hotel lobbies around the resort and the SkyAvenue Mall

Acrobatic lion dance by award-winning troupe, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance
Feb 14-Mar 4
Level 2, SkyAvenue and SkySymphony Stage

Lion dance parade
Feb 17
Throughout the resort