Chinese New Year in Sydney 2025

With a huge Chinese Australian population residing in New South Wales, Sydneysiders look forward to celebrating Chinese New Year every year. Despite the fact that this event is praised nationwide, Sydney celebrates it in a truly unique way. Chinese Australians commemorate this cultural event with the same fervor and enthusiasm as their Chinese counterparts.

Sydney Lunar Festival

Sydney hosts a program spanning more than two weeks, which makes Sydney Lunar Festival one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia. The festival is mainly centered around the Haymarket (home to Sydney's vibrant Chinatown) and Darling Harbor with large lion dance parades and firecrackers, Chinese night food fairs, interactive workshops, mahjong tournaments, and restaurants' special menus.

Haymarket Street Festival (January 29, 2025 TBC)

Also known as Sydney Lunar Streets, the Haymarket Street Festival marks the beginning of a two-week Chinese New Year celebration in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. Market, Dixon Street, Sussex Street, Market City, and Darling Square all transform into a bustling hub of vendor stalls, brimming with souvenirs, authentic Chinese food and other Asian cuisine, as well as delightful performances of Sydney-based ensembles, dancers, and troupes. Lion dances are a regular part of the festivities, anticipated by all visitors. The festival usually spans from 5 to 10 pm and is completely free to attend.

Dragon Boats Festival at Darling Harbour (February 7-9, 2025)

Although the Dragon Boat festival is traditionally observed in late May or June, Sydney's Lunar New Year festivities feature it as part of its annual program, giving participants a chance to enjoy the spectacle much earlier. Additionally, the weather is much warmer in February, which makes it perfect for experiencing this water event.

The competitors take on a 656-foot (200 m) distance on an elongated boat with a team of 26 participants, 16 of which have to be paddlers. Besides dragon boat racing, attendees will enjoy entertaining performances, music, and delicious food sold in the area. The races take place from 2 pm to 7 pm on the first day and throughout the entire day on the last two days.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship (late January–mid-February, 2025)

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is the heart of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Darling Harbor. Traditional tea ceremonies, Chinese horoscope readings, and calligraphy workshops can keep the whole family busy. Guests can head to the Hopes and Dreams Bookmarks Station to write down their hopes for the year ahead and hang them there. The garden is open every day from 10 am until 5 pm, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday, the Friday before Easter. Admission costs $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12 years old, as well as seniors and students who are Australian card holders. A family of five can enter for $30.

Lanterns on George Street

Situated between Town Hall and Haymarket, giant lunar lanterns on George Street depict the zodiac sign animals. Each year, new artists get to design the displays, giving Sydneysiders a chance to witness familiar characters in a new shape and form. The lanterns are especially mesmerizing at night, illuminated by dim lights in the dark.