Lunar New Year Events 2025

Chinese New Year Events in Sydney 2025

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the most vibrant and exciting celebrations in Sydney. In 2025, the Luna New Year Sydney festivities begin on January 27th and end on February 16th. Here’s a detailed guide of the best Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney, plus Scape’s own celebrations across Australia, to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

1. Lunar Gateways

When: From January 27, 2025

Where: Haymarket

Highlights: Explore tributes to Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese architecture through stunning installations.

2. Lucky 8 Snakes Light Rail by Chrissy Lau

When: From January 29, 2025

Where: Sydney Light Rail

Highlights: Ride the light rail adorned with ‘Lucky 8 Snakes’ artwork, celebrating the Year of the Snake.

3. 12 Lunar Lanterns by Erika Zhu

When: From January 29, 2025

Where: Along George Street to Haymarket

Highlights: Admire 12 beautiful lanterns representing the zodiac, illuminating the path from George Street to Haymarket.

4. Snake Installation on Dixon Street

When: From January 29, 2025

Where: Chinatown, Dixon Street

Highlights: Meet a family of friendly snake installations welcoming visitors to Chinatown.

5. Lion Dancing and Cultural Performances

When: January 30, 2025

Where: Sydney Town Hall

Highlights: Enjoy lion dancing troupes and cultural groups bringing the Lunar New Year to life with drumming, dance, and vibrant displays.

6. To Freely Flourish – Film Screening with Panel Discussion

When: January 30, 2025

Where: Marconi Room, Town Hall House

Highlights: Attend a free community screening of a queer coming-of-age Chinese diaspora family drama, presented by filmmaker Victor Wu.

7. Sydney Lunar Streets – Haymarket Street Festival

When: February 1, 2025

Where: Haymarket

Highlights: Join the city’s largest street party featuring live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, and food trucks.

8. Lunar New Year Street Festival at Kensington Street

When: February 1, 2025

Where: Kensington Street, Chippendale

Highlights: Celebrate with food, entertainment, and cultural activities in the heart of Chippendale.

9. Lunar New Year Concert with Hong Kong String Orchestra

When: February 2, 2025

Where: Sydney Opera House

Highlights: Attend the Australian debut of the Hong Kong String Orchestra, performing to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

10. Tasty Trivia – Lunar New Year Celebration of Asian Cuisine

When: February 3, 2025

Where: Pyrmont

Highlights: Participate in an Asian food-themed trivia quiz, perfect for food lovers.

11. Book Launch: The Old Reliable Firm by Dr Sophie Couchman

When: February 6, 2025

Where: 815 George St, Haymarket

Highlights: Join Dr Sophie Couchman and the Chinese Heritage Association of Australia as Dr Mei-fen Kuo launches The Old Reliable Firm.

12. Lunar New Year Dinner at Sydney Opera House

When: February 7, 2025

Where: Sydney Opera House

Highlights: Enjoy ‘The Red Dinner’ with renowned chef Luke Nguyen, featuring a special menu to celebrate the New Year.

13.  Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour

When: February 7–9, 2025

Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Highlights: Witness thrilling dragon boat races over three days, featuring teams from various backgrounds competing in this traditional sport.

14.  Lunar Spectacular

When: February 8, 2025

Where: Centennial Hall

Highlights: Experience a celebration of culture, community, and friendship with performances showcasing traditional and contemporary acts.

15. Cabramatta Lunar New Year Festival

When: February 9, 2025

Where: Cabramatta

Highlights: Tradition and culture are celebrated with lion dancing performances and workshops, the God of Fortune, and traditional craft activities.

16. Fashioning the Sydney Chinese Community in the Global 60’s

When: February 15, 2025

Where: Sydney Mechanics School of Arts

Highlights: Hear from Dr. Mei-Fen Kuo as she shows how Chinese women’s associations in Sydney shaped their communities and identities during the 1960s.

Tips for Enjoying Chinese New Year Events in Sydney

• Plan Ahead: Many events are free, but some, like concerts, may require tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment.
• Arrive Early: Popular events like the parade and dragon boat races attract large crowds. Arriving early ensures a good viewing spot.
• Try the Food: Chinese New Year is a time for feasting. Don’t miss out on traditional dishes like dumplings and spring rolls.
• Respect Traditions: Participate in activities respectfully, especially cultural rituals and performances.

Scape Events for Chinese New Year Australia

It’s not just Sydney having all the fun… Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style at Scape locations across Australia, where the festive spirit of Chinese New Year comes alive with vibrant activities and cultural experiences!

Chinese New Year Brisbane

• Scape Merivale: Wednesday, 29 January
• Scape Toowong: Thursday, 30 January

Both events will feature:

• Dumpling bar
• Traditional lion dance performance
• Paper cutting activity
• Two-meter light-up wishing tree (available from 28 Jan to 2 Feb)
• Festive decorations

Chinese New Year Sydney

• Scape Darling Square: Tuesday, 30 January

Includes a dumpling bar and lion dance performance. The wishing tree will be available from 20 Jan to 3 Feb.

 Chinese New Year Melbourne

• New Shanghai Dinner: Saturday, 27 January at New Shanghai

Additional activities:

• Wishing tree at Scape Franklin from 20 Jan
• Red envelopes and festive decorations in all buildings from 20 Jan

Whether you opt for joining one of the dynamic events in the heart of Sydney or participate one of Scape’s unique festivities, this Chinese New Year promises unforgettable memories filled with culture, tradition, and joy.