Chinese New Year in Melbourne 2025

Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne begin on New Year's Eve and last for about a week. Chinatown, which has been a cultural hub for over 160 years, is beautifully decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns and vibrant displays. During the festivities, the streets of the Chinese Quarter come alive with a variety of events, including open-air cinemas showcasing Chinese films, street food stalls offering classic dishes like dumplings, noodles, and dim sum, as well as martial arts performances and interactive cultural seminars. Visitors can also join in dance lessons and enjoy live entertainment.

Chinatown Chinese Lunar New Year Festival (February 1–14, 2025)

Thousands of spectators flock to Chinatown to experience the vibrant Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. The celebrations feature a variety of exciting activities, including the iconic Millennium Dragon Parade, traditional lion and dragon dances, stunning lantern displays, and a range of live performances that blend both traditional and contemporary styles. Highlights include Kung Fu performances, coffee, tea, and food tastings, a Chinese Zodiac Race, an exhibition celebrating Chinese culture and cuisine, and immersive theatre experiences. The market stalls offer a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts, while the festivities also include music, food, and cultural demonstrations by Melbourne's Chinese and broader Asian communities. The main event takes place on 2nd February (God of Wealth Day) from 11 am to 8:30 pm.

Dragon Boat Festival (February 2025, TBA)

Docklands hosts its own vibrant Lunar New Year Festival, featuring the thrilling spectacle of dragon boat racing. The event kicks off at 9 am with a traditional ceremony to awaken the dragons and bless the boats. The excitement builds throughout the day, culminating in a dramatic race along Victoria Harbour, with paddlers racing to the beat of the drums while thousands of spectators cheer them on. In addition to the dragon boat races, the festival includes lion dances, cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and food trucks offering a variety of delicious treats. The entertainment highlights include a lion and dragon dance from 12 to 12:30 pm, along with roving performances from 11 am to 1 pm. Best of all, the event is free to watch.

LNY Events in Australia

Australia's Lunar New Year celebrations, spanning several weeks, attract millions across cities like Sydney and Melbourne. These vibrant festivals bring together Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities for dragon dances, firecrackers, food markets, and live performances. Major events take place in Sydney's Chinatown, offering a lively mix of culture, food, and entertainment.