The Must-do Events this Lunar New Year
Sssspring into the Year of the Snake: Sydney’s Top Family Lunar New Year Activities
The Year of the Snake is officially upon us, and if you’re born under its sign, you’re in for a year of sophistication, charm, and a little bit of mystery. Known for their intelligence, grace, and penchant for occasionally giving side-eye (hey, it’s a snake thing), those born in the Year of the Snake are natural-born problem-solvers with a flair for the dramatic. They’re the ones you turn to for wisdom, style, and just a hint of intrigue – no one does subtlety quite like a Snake.
But even if you’re not a snake (and don’t have any desire to start shedding your skin anytime soon), Sydney’s celebrations for the Lunar New Year are guaranteed to get you feeling just as charismatic. Whether you’re looking to mesmerize the kids with dragon dances, feed them until they’re rolling on the floor, or maybe just snap a pic by an oversized lantern, there’s something for every family. So, slither on over to these top family-friendly events across the city — after all, the Year of the Snake is all about shedding the old and embracing the new (and we can’t think of a better way to do that than with a little bit of fun!).
Sydney CBD and Surrounds
Encompassing Chinatown, the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and Haymarket, it’s no surprise that many of this year’s Lunar New Year festivities will take place around the CBD.
🏮 Sydney Lunar Festival – Haymarket Street Party
Kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations by joining the Sydney Lunar Festival on Saturday, February 1s, from 5-10 pm in Chinatown – arguably the epicentre of Lunar New Year festivities. This lively street party will dazzle kids and kidults alike with live entertainment, roving performers, mouth-watering food trucks, market stalls, DJs, and plenty of ‘gram-worthy moments. Keep an eye out for the 20m long traditional Chinese Dragon winding its way through the streets!
Location: Haymarket
Dates: 1 February 2025, 5-10pm
More info: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/lunar-lanes-haymarket-street-party
🏮 Lion Dancing and Cultural Performances
Can you really celebrate Lunar New Year without a Lion Dance? An important ritual in Chinese tradition believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits on auspicious occasions, you can get your fix of the beating drums and dancing lions this Lunar New Year across several locations. From performances in front of Sydney’s Town Hall to the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and Darling Square, there’s a free lion dance or cultural performance just around the corner during the Lunar New Year festival. Check out times and locations to ensure you don’t miss out.
Locations: Throughout the CBD, Haymarket and Darling Square
Dates: Thursday to Sunday: 30 January February – 16 February 2025, typically 6-7pm
More info: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/lion-dancing-and-cultural-performances
🏮 Dragon Boat Races, Darling Harbour
Experience the exhilaration of Dragon Boat Races – a thrilling tradition that dates back centuries – right in the heart of Darling Harbour. This annual event has grown to become the largest dragon boat festival in the southern hemisphere with more than 3,000 paddlers competing. Watch as teams paddle their way to victory, fuelled by adrenaline and camaraderie. The races will take place at various locations throughout the Lunar New Year festival, so get the details below, pack a picnic and grab a waterside spot where you can sit back and enjoy with the kids.
Location: Darling Harbour
Dates: 7-9 February 2025
More info: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/dragon-boat-races
🏮 12 Lunar Lanterns by Erika Zhu
Marvel at the magnificent 12 Lunar Lanterns installation created by artist Erika Zhu, a fusion of traditional and contemporary interpretations of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Venture into the magical world of Zhu’s imagination as you explore this stunning artwork that showcases the significance of each zodiac animal. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture some Insta-worthy moments with your little ones.
Location: Haymarket
Dates: 29 January – 16 February 2025
More info: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/12-lunar-lanterns-by-erika-zhu
🏮 Lunar Gateways
Take a stroll through the enchanting Lunar Gateways, an installation that celebrates Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai architecture. Delight in the intricate designs, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements that evoke feelings of luck, prosperity, and harmony. These gateways provide the perfect backdrop for family photos and a chance to learn more about Chinese culture.
Location: Haymarket
Dates: 10-25 February 2025
More info: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/lunar-gateways
Inner West Gems
There’s no need to venture further than your own backyard to celebrate the Lunar New Year – here are some local activities to enjoy.
🏮Lunar New Year Street Party, Burwood
For a Lunar New Year celebration bursting with energy, Burwood’s Lunar New Year Street Party is the place to be. This lively event will transform the heart of Burwood into a festival of lights, culture, and delicious food. With lion dances, vibrant street performances, and an array of cultural displays, plus fireworks to end the evening—there’s something for everyone. There’s a kids’ lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, traditional Korean drumming performances and more. Of course, don’t miss the buzzing street food stalls serving up Asian delicacies — think dumplings, noodles, and sweet treats.
Location: Burwood Road, between Railway Parade and Belmore Street, Burwood
Dates: 31 January 2025, 5-10pm
More info: Lunar-New-Year-Street-Party
🏮 Lunar New Year in Ashfield
Ashfield’s Lunar New Year festival is a proper Inner West celebration — think vibrant lion dances, delicious street food, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The streets will be alive with cultural performances and market stalls brimming with dumplings, bubble tea, and other tasty treats. Kids can get creative at craft workshops, making their own lanterns (which you can proudly show off at the Lunar New Year Dusk Parade) and decorations to celebrate the occasion. There’s also a Lunar New Year drumming workshop, an opera and folk song performance, and much more. Whether you’re heading there for the food, the performances, or just the buzzing atmosphere, Ashfield’s Lunar New Year bash is a must for anyone looking to kick off the Year of the Snake with style and flair.
Location: Liverpool Road, Ashfield and surrounds
Dates: 29 January – 15 February 2025
More info: www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/lunar-new-year
Greater Sydney Lunar New Year Festivities
Want to go further afield? Here’s our picks of the top Lunar New Year celebrations across Sydney.
🏮Lunar New Year at Parramatta
Join in the festivities as the City of Parramatta celebrates the Year of the Snake during Lunar New Year at Parramatta Square and Centenary Square. Expect vibrant lion dances, live entertainment, cultural performances and workshops including flower arranging, traditional Chinese and stamp printing. entertainment. Want more? There’ll be food trucks showcasing P’matta’s diverse foodie scene, ‘gram worthy lanterns and art installations and prizes and comps for the whole family.
Location: Parramatta Square and Centenary Square
Date: 1 February 2025, 04:00pm – 10:00pm
More info: atparramatta.com/lunar-new-year
🏮 Lunar New Year at Cabramatta
If you’re after a vibrant Lunar New Year experience, head west to Cabramatta, Sydney’s bustling Asian hub, where the celebrations are nothing short of electric. Known for its epic street food scene and thriving cultural vibe, Cabramatta goes all out with lion dances, live performances, and pop-up markets. Kids will love the dazzling dragon parades, while foodies can feast on everything from steaming dumplings to crispy spring rolls. Don’t miss the colourful lantern displays or the traditional craft workshops — perfect for little hands to create their own Lunar New Year keepsakes. Trust us, Cabramatta is where the magic happens!
Location: Parramatta Square and Centenary Square
Date: 10 February, 04:00pm – 10:00pm
More info: /www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Whats-on/Events-Workshops-and-Social-Calendar/Major-Events/Cabramatta-Lunar-New-Year
🏮Chatswood Celebrates Lunar New Year
Chatswood will be alive with the Year of the Snake Festival kicking off on 1 February and running through until the 16th. With one of the largest Chinese populations – close to 50% of Chatswood residents are of Chinese origin – the city is marking the Lunar New Year with what can only be described as a cultural extravaganza. With over 130 stalls spread throughout Chatswood on Victoria Avenue from Chatswood Interchange to Archer Street, you’ll smell the aroma of steamed dumplings, fried rice, and succulent pork rolls as well as many other flavours from the globe as locals celebrate the Year of the Snake. Head to The Concourse to enjoy a full day of outdoor entertainment. From traditional Asian music to modern pop, relax in the atmosphere with smooth musicians as well as be amazed by headlining acts such as Trace the Magician and social media busker sensation, Shirina Holmatova. Other activities include: lion dance performances and traditional Korean drummers on Anderson St, jumping castle near Charlotte Lane, Reptile and Snake show on The Concourse grass area, roving performances in Chatswood Mall and near Archer St, a fortune booth with lucky prizes at the entrance to The Concourse and much more activities by stallholders.
Location: Chatswood Concourse, 409 Victoria St, Chatswood and adjacent streets
Dates: 1 February 2025
More info: www.visitchatswood.com.au/LNY/Home
🏮 Visit Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Blacktown
Did you know that Blacktown’s sister city is Liaocheng – located in the Western Shangdong province in China? In fact, a stunning garden located within Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside, was designed and constructed by Blacktown City Council and Liaocheng Municipal Government in China, as a gesture of friendship between the two sister cities. Local government relations aside, this Lunar New Year why not get a first hand glimpse of traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture featuring in the gardens (be sure to check out the Gateway, Seven Arch Stone Bridge, and Light Mountain Pavillion) along with your fix of Lunar New Celebrations at the Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens? Blacktown City will be welcome in the Year of the Snake with a day of activities – from 4pm onwards kids can enjoy face painting, dough sculptures and fortune telling, there’ll also be kids’ rides, fan decorating and lion dances galore.
Location: Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Knox Rd, Doonside
Dates: 7 February, 4.00pm – 9.00pm
More info: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2025-Lunar-New-Year-Celebrations
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Do you celebrate Lunar New Year? Leave a comment below and share with us how you mark this event with the family 🥟
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