Capella Sydney Celebrates the Year of the Snake with Exclusive Lunar New Year Programme

Capella Sydney 

Capella Sydney is embracing the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year with an exclusive 2025 programme that offers guests a unique fusion of ancient traditions and luxury. As part of Sydney’s vibrant celebrations, the hotel has curated an immersive cultural experience to honor the Year of the Snake, featuring traditional ceremonies, art, tea, and wellness.

A Spectacular Beginning: Eye-Dotting and Lion Dance Ceremony

The festivities begin on 28 January with a public Eye-Dotting and Lion Dance Ceremony at Farrer Place, starting at 11:00 am. This symbolic event, an ancient tradition to "awaken" the lion dancers, is set to be a joyous occasion for both Sydney residents and visitors. Jin Wu Koon, one of Australia’s oldest and most esteemed Dragon & Lion Dance associations, will lead the vibrant ceremony, ushering in the Year of the Snake with energy and vibrancy.

Capella Moments: Signature Cultural Experiences

Throughout the Lunar New Year, Capella Sydney will offer a series of cultural experiences through its exclusive Capella Moments programme. Guests can immerse themselves in Chinese traditions with a traditional tea ceremony and a Chinese calligraphy masterclass led by Master Raymond Leung of Zensation Tea House. With nearly four decades of expertise, Master Leung is a respected figure in Sydney's Chinese cultural community.

Additionally, guests can engage in Tai Chi classes with Grandmaster Gary Khor, a renowned martial artist who has trained celebrities such as Jet Li and Chris Hemsworth. These classes are designed to promote balance and wellness, offering an enriching experience for mind and body.

For those interested in contemporary art, a guided tour of the Cao Fei: My City is Yours exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW (Naala Badu) will provide an exciting insight into the work of one of China's most influential modern artists. Fiona McIntosh, a knowledgeable art expert, will lead the tour, helping guests delve deeper into the world of modern Chinese art.

Little Stars Programme: A Fun Way for Children to Celebrate

Capella Sydney’s youngest guests can enjoy the Little Stars Programme, which introduces children to traditional Lunar New Year activities. Children can engage in crafting movable snake costumes, participate in baby lion dancing, create snake collages, and even make their own fortune cookies—ensuring a magical experience for the little ones.

Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Aperture

Aperture, Capella Sydney’s elegant dining venue, is offering an exclusive Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, expertly curated by Head Pastry Chef Arthur Carré. This specially designed menu includes delicacies such as Capella Kaluga Caviar, sesame prawn toast, Peking duck pancake roll cornettos, fried pork dumplings, and pandan and mandarin lamingtons. Complementing the treats is white rabbit jasmine tea from Zensation Tea House, with the option to upgrade to a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne for an extra touch of indulgence. This exclusive afternoon tea is available daily from 28 January to 16 February and is priced at $125 per person, with a $25 champagne upgrade.

Special Lunar New Year Celebration Package

Capella Sydney is offering an exclusive Lunar New Year Celebration Package, which includes luxurious overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room, daily breakfast for two at Brasserie 1930, and a thoughtful welcome amenity. Guests who book the package will also receive access to the hotel’s curated Lunar New Year programming and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages from the personal bar. The package starts at $1,190 per night.

A Commitment to Excellence

Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney, shared, “The Lunar New Year marks a fresh beginning, a time to reflect on the past and embrace the prosperity, health, and good fortune that lie ahead. We are deeply honoured to celebrate this enchanting time at Capella Sydney, and we invite both our esteemed guests and our Sydney community to join us in celebrating the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, grace, transformation, and elegance.”

About Capella Sydney

Capella Sydney, which opened in March 2023, reimagines the historic Department of Education building in Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct. The property combines heritage elements with a contemporary design, offering 192 spacious guestrooms and suites, world-class dining options, wellness experiences, and cultural immersion. Located near the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Capella Sydney provides guests with an unparalleled experience in the heart of the city.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit capellahotels.com/sydney.