The Year of the Dragon begins on February 10 this year and celebrations are in full swing. People around the world will be participating in the hopes of ushering in some change, good luck and abundance. Sydney is also embracing the spirit of the season with a spectacular celebration lined up. Lion dances, festive feasts, traditional ceremonies, live music, themed food and so much more will take over the city’s streets in the coming weeks. Find 10 exciting ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year and take part in the festivities happening around Sydney.
1. Visit Haymarket for the Sydney Lunar Festival
The Sydney Lunar Festival is set to take over Haymarket for 16 days filled with events and activations. Expect roving performers, lion dances, illuminated night sculptures and delicious street food in the area. Highlights include the Sydney LNY Market on Saturday, February 17 which will feature 20 stalls spotlighting local Asian Australian artists and small businesses, the Great Dragon Race on Saturday, February 24 and the Lunar Spectacular Show which will feature performances from Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese communities. Sydney Lunar Festival kicks off on Saturday, February 10 until Sunday, February 25, 2024.
2. Head to Parramatta for Lunar New Year festivities
Parramatta is looking like the place to be if you’re in Western Sydney this Lunar New Year. On Saturday, February 10 from 4pm to 10pm, Parramatta Square & Centenary Square will host a massive celebration which will include everything from delicious food and live entertainment to workshops, games and even a lovely lantern decoration for all your Instagram needs. Head here for all the details.
3. Enjoy a huge celebration at Darling Square
Once you’ve had your fill of fun at Haymarket, take a detour to Darling Square which is also buzzing for Lunar New Year this year. The celebrations in the vibrant neighbourhood are all about art, music and food. Expect lanterns, illuminated sculptures and more. A number of local eateries are also participating with themed food items including Kurtosh, Wing Boy, Dopa by Devon among others. The celebrations at Darling Square will take place from February 9 to February 25.
4. Explore Chatswood’s Year of the Dragon Festival
Chatswood’s Year of the Dragon festival features a vibrant program filled with art, comedy shows, music, live performances and lots of really good food. There’s heaps on the menu including a lantern parade, lion dancers and delicious eats across Chatswood’s CBD. Clear out your calendar and prepare for some knee-slapping laughter with the Lunar New Year Comedy Gala on February 17. A family-friendly and free outdoor concert event follows suit on February 23 with Symphony in the Park. There are also painting workshops, and stalls selling flowers and delicious Asian food throughout the neighbourhood. If you’re a newbie expeirencing Lunar New Year for the first time, Chatswood is the place to go to. Find all the details here.
5. Celebrate Lunar New Year at The Rocks
From February 10 to 25, The Rocks’ cobblestone streets will come alive with a huge celebration to mark the Chinese New Year. Restaurants will be serving up noodles, sweet treats and dumplings among a whole host of Asian delicacies while roaming lion dancers make their way through the crowd. For everything else that’s happening at The Rocks click here and get planning.
6. See a drone show over Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is hosting three spectacular drone shows in February to mark the Lunar New Year on February 9, 16 and 23 respectively. The short but memorable show will be free for all to attend. Get more information here.
7. Watch a jet pack water show in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour comes to life this Lunar New Year with several epic festivities. Along with lion dancing and the dragon boat races, thrilling jet pack water shows are coming to Cockle Bay. Performers will fly sky-high over the water, propelled by jet packs and dressed in Lunar New Year-themed costumes. The jet pack water shows will take place on February 10 and 24.
8. Have a garden party at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
For a bite to eat, head down to the Chinese Garden of Friendship and get immersed in Chinese culture with glowing lanterns, tea ceremonies, calligraphy demonstrations and Astrology readings. Contemporary jazz fusion duo ‘Scarlet Fusion’ will also be performing live in both English and Chinese. Get more information here.
9. Spend the day at Lunar Lanes
The beloved Lunar Lanes Festival on Saturday, February 10 will see everything from lion dancers to roving performers and pop-up food trucks. The streets of Haymarket will transform into a hive of activity with performers from the Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Taiwanese and Japanese diaspora. Find all the info here.
10. Ring in the Lunar New Year at World Square
Until February 29, World Square is getting decked up for a giant Lunar New Year party. Expect nearly five weeks of entertainment, music, exciting food pop-ups, shopping deals and lion dancing. This year they’re even doing an infinity mirror activation. Entry is free of cost and the centre promises a fun, family-friendly experience for all. Get all the details here.
11. Dive into Spice Temple’s auspicious menu
In the spirit of the season, the popular Chinese restaurant Spice Temple is bringing a feast of auspicious dishes to town. Menu items pickled cucumbers with mint and garlic and roasted cashews with basil for luck, raw tuna ‘Yu Sheng’ and tea eggs with smoked soy for prosperity and noodles with superior broth and chicken dumplings for longevity. The Lunar New Year banquets are available in Sydney until February 18.
12. Treat yourself at Novotel Sydney
If you’re after a staycation this festive season, Novotel Sydney Central is the place to be. The resort is slinging a special package which includes overnight accomodation, Lunar New Year-inspired cocktails and food from February 10 to 25. Plus it’s located near Haymarket and Chinatown which is where all the action is going down. Find parades, art installations and food markets just a stone’s throw from the venue. Get more information here.