Chinese New Year in Australia 2025

Huge celebrations in Sydney, Melbourne, and other cities last for several weeks and attract millions

Dates: January 29–February 16, 2025

Australia’s Lunar New Year celebrations are vibrant, drawing together Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities across major cities for dragon dances, firecrackers, food markets, and live performances. The 2025 celebration marks the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, renewal, abundance, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Events and performances unfold in areas like Sydney’s Chinatown and Melbourne’s Docklands, with large gatherings, cultural displays, and special food offerings that reflect the festive traditions of the Lunar New Year.

Melbourne Celebrations (January 29–February 14, 2025)

Melbourne’s Lunar New Year celebrations are a dynamic ten-day festival, with Queensbridge Square serving as the main hub. Visitors can enjoy Kung Fu demonstrations, dragon dance parades, and a variety of cultural performances by over 300 artists, including traditional Chinese music, theater, and magic acts. The festivities include a lantern parade and a Chinese square dance competition. Other areas like Southgate, Queen Victoria Market, Docklands, and the Yarra River are beautifully decorated for the occasion, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Chinatown hosts its own Chinese Lunar New Year Dragon Festival, with lion dances, firecrackers, market stalls, and authentic Chinese cuisine.

The Chinatown Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, from February 1–14, 2025, draws thousands of spectators. Key events include the Millennium Dragon Parade, lion dances, stunning lantern displays, and a range of live performances blending traditional and contemporary styles. Visitors can participate in Kung Fu shows, food tastings, and a Chinese Zodiac Race. The festival also features an exhibition celebrating Chinese culture, along with immersive theater experiences and music. Docklands hosts the Dragon Boat Festival, offering the excitement of dragon boat races along Victoria Harbour, along with lion dances, cultural performances, and food trucks, all free to enjoy.

Sydney Celebrations (January 29–February 16, 2025)

Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival, held from January 29 to February 16, 2025, is one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, attracting over a million visitors each year. The festivities span across Haymarket, Chinatown, and Darling Harbour, offering a rich blend of traditional and modern cultural experiences. Highlights include large lion dance parades, firecrackers, Chinese food fairs, interactive workshops, mahjong tournaments, and special restaurant menus. Visitors can enjoy performances, dragon boat races, tea ceremonies, and Chinese zodiac lantern displays at iconic locations such as Circular Quay and George Street.

The festival kicks off with the Haymarket Street Festival on February 1, 2025, where streets like Dixon Street and Market City are transformed into a lively hub of food stalls, performances, and lion dances. Another major attraction is the Dragon Boat Festival at Darling Harbour, held from February 7-9, 2025, featuring thrilling dragon boat races and cultural performances. The Chinese Garden of Friendship hosts traditional tea ceremonies, horoscope readings, and calligraphy workshops, offering a serene escape from the bustling celebrations. Giant lunar lanterns along George Street further enhance the festive atmosphere, offering a spectacular visual display for all.

Adelaide Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Chinatown Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party. Join the festivities on Saturday, February 8, from 12 pm to 9:30 pm, as Gouger Street and Moonta Street come alive with cultural performances, delicious food, and vibrant traditions. Don't miss this spectacular celebration in the heart of Chinatown Adelaide!