How to celebrate Lunar New Year in Sydney

What is the Lunar New Year?

A celebration for many cultures in Sydney, including the city’s Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian and Korean communities, this year's Lunar New Year falls on 29 January, with the city hosting an exciting number of events from 29 January – 16 February. Think street parades, lion dancing, huge lanterns, pop-up markets, art installations and plenty of delicious food. 

Fun fact: 2025 is the Year of the Snake, the sixth character in the Chinese zodiac, which is a symbol of renewal, wisdom, abundance and prosperity in Chinese culture. 

Lunar New Year celebrations at the Chinese Garden of Friendship - Credit: Anna Kucera | darlingharbour.com

Sydney Lunar Festival

Each year the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney seem to get bigger – and are now said to be one of the biggest outside Asia. At the centre of the celebrations is the CBD’s Sydney Lunar Festival. Street parties, live entertainment, delicious food, lion dances, dragon boats, and art and light installations will dazzle crowds during the 19-day festival starting Wednesday 29 January.

Dragon Boat Races, Sydney Lunar Festival - Credit: City of Sydney

Sydney Lunar Streets is a return favourite – when the lanes of Haymarket come alive with live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, food trucks and plenty of Insta-worthy moments on 29 January. 

Visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship for tea ceremonies, fortune readings, a Twilight Garden Party and more, and continue your journey to Darling Harbour for entertainment, lion dances and dragon boat races. Of course, it wouldn't be a celebration without food, so be sure to round up your loved ones for a cosy dinner or bustling banquet. There are over 150 places to eat and drink in Darling Harbour, including authentic Asian eats in Darling Square and Darling Quarter. 

Lanterns lining the streets for the Sydney Lunar Festival - Credit: City Of Sydney

Lunar New Year in the suburbs

Burwood, Chatswood, Cabramatta, Eastwood and Hurstville all have big celebrations for Lunar New Year. Expect feasts, markets, lion dances, kids’ activities and hundreds of lanterns all over the city. Check back closer to the date for more information.

Burwood Chinatown, Burwood

More fun to be had 

Many restaurants put on special menus and banquets for Lunar New Year. A few favourites include Spice Temple, Ho Jiak Haymarket, Kitchens on Kent at The Langham and Aria, as well as the multiple venues by New Shanghai, The Lotus Dining Group and Din Tai Fung.