Lunar New Year 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Colour Across Sydney

Lunar New Year 2025

Sydney is set to come alive with vibrant celebrations, dazzling parades, and a feast of cultural experiences as the Lunar New Year 2025 festivities sweep through the city from 29 January to 16 February 2025. With one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, Sydney will once again be the place to be for those seeking to embrace the energy, joy, and traditions of the Year of the Dragon.

Lunar New Year is an occasion marked by communities around the world to honour the arrival of a new year based on the lunar calendar, and in Sydney, it’s an explosion of colour, culture, and creativity. From stunning light displays to street food markets, performances, and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of ways to join in on the festivities.

Sydney’s Cultural Core Comes to Life

The celebrations will be centred around key areas such as Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and Circular Quay, where Sydney’s multicultural spirit is on full display. The city will be transformed with dazzling decorations, including massive lanterns, golden dragons, and intricate designs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year.

One of the highlights of Sydney’s Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lunar Lanterns display, held in Circular Quay. This year, expect even more stunning lanterns illuminating the harbour, showcasing traditional symbols of prosperity, good fortune, and happiness, all while providing a beautiful backdrop to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

A Feast for the Senses: Street Food and Markets

Food is an integral part of Lunar New Year celebrations, and Sydney’s festive markets are a highlight for foodies. From the bustling stalls of Chinatown to the mouthwatering street food at Darling Harbour, there’s a feast of flavours to discover.

Lunar New Year 2025

Savour the tastes of traditional Asian dishes such as dumplings, baos, satay skewers, and baozi (steamed buns) alongside innovative fusion creations. Don’t forget to try your hand at the symbolic “lucky foods” such as fish (representing abundance), rice cakes (symbolising prosperity), and sweet treats like sesame balls that are said to bring good luck in the new year.

At the Lunar Markets, you'll also find arts and crafts, cultural performances, and stalls featuring everything from traditional clothing to intricate homeware, perfect for those looking to bring home a piece of the celebrations.

Lunar New Year Parade: A Dazzling Display of Culture

One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the Lunar New Year Parade. Expect a stunning procession through the heart of the city, featuring dragon and lion dances, vibrant costumes, and marching bands. The parade is a true spectacle, with dancers, acrobats, and performers from various Asian cultures coming together to mark the start of the new year with high-energy performances. This parade is a celebration of Sydney’s diverse cultural fabric and is a sight to behold.

Traditional Performances and Interactive Experiences

Sydney’s Lunar New Year celebrations are not just about food and parades—they also offer a chance to experience traditional music, dance, and art from various Asian cultures. Expect to see performances from traditional Chinese opera, Korean drumming, Vietnamese folk dance, and much more.

For those who want to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions, there will be a variety of workshops and interactive experiences available, from calligraphy lessons to lantern-making workshops, where you can create your own piece of festive art.

Family Fun: Activities for All Ages

Lunar New Year is a family-friendly celebration, with a range of activities designed to entertain all ages. Children will love the Lunar New Year Kids Zone, featuring craft activities, face painting, and puppet shows. The Lunar New Year Fair in Darling Harbour is another must-see, with live entertainment, magic shows, and carnival rides that will keep younger festival-goers entertained throughout the event.

Cultural Workshops and Exhibitions

Lunar New Year 2025

Throughout the celebrations, museums and cultural centres across Sydney will also be hosting exhibitions and workshops celebrating Lunar New Year. The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour will host a series of cultural activities, including tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy sessions, and traditional Chinese medicine demonstrations. Visitors can also explore the exhibition spaces at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Art Gallery of NSW, which often feature special Lunar New Year installations.

Don’t Miss the Fireworks

No Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without a spectacular fireworks display. Sydney will light up the sky with a dazzling Lunar New Year Fireworks Show over Darling Harbour. The fireworks will be a breathtaking spectacle, with vibrant colours lighting up the night sky, and will be a fitting way to bring the celebrations to a close.

Plan Your Visit to Sydney for Lunar New Year 2025

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another year of celebrations, the Lunar New Year 2025 in Sydney is an event not to be missed. With a rich program of cultural events, mouth-watering food, stunning visual displays, and immersive performances, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the energy and excitement of the new year.

Mark your calendars for 29 January – 16 February 2025, and prepare to experience Sydney’s most vibrant cultural festival yet. Bring your family, your friends, and your appetite for adventure, and be ready to usher in the Year of the Dragon in style!

Lunar New Year 2025 Highlights:

• Dates: 29 January – 16 February 2025
• Locations: Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and various cultural centres across Sydney
• Ticket Information: Free entry to many events, with special tickets available for premium events and performances.

Don’t miss out on Sydney’s biggest cultural celebration—experience the magic of Lunar New Year this January and February!

https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/sydney-lunar-festival