Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney just keep growing every year, and they’re now recognised as some of the largest outside Asia. Aussies are always up for a celebration, and with so many of our residents having Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese heritage, it’s no wonder Sydney offers such a rich variety of ways to bring in the New Year!
Keep reading to discover all the incredible ways to celebrate the Year of the Snake across Sydney in 2025, as we welcome one of the most mystical and wise zodiac signs.
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2026 is the Year of the Horse. If you were born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, this is your year!
The Year of the Horse 2026
The Snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents wisdom, elegance, and transformation. In Chinese culture, the Snake is considered a little mysterious, enigmatic, and charming. Those born in Snake years are known for their acute wisdom, charm, and innate ability to accomplish great things with minimal effort.
2025’s Snake year is particularly special as it’s a Wood Snake year, combining the Snake’s intuitive nature with the growth and flexibility associated with the Wood element. This year invites us all to embrace thoughtful decision-making, personal growth, and spiritual development.
People born in Snake years are celebrated for their:
- Sharp intuition and wisdom
- Natural elegance and grace
- Strategic thinking abilities
- Deep philosophical nature
- Excellent communication skills
Sydney will be buzzing with events celebrating the Year of the Snake. You’ll find festivities from Chinatown to Chatswood, Hurstville to Campsie, offering everything from traditional lion dances to street markets, cultural performances, and delectable Asian cuisine. Best of all, many events are free and open to everyone, so there’s no excuse to miss out!
Lunar Lanes Haymarket Street Party
Wander through Haymarket and explore market stalls featuring street food, and unique gifts. A mix of traditional and contemporary performances will be offered across three sites.
Catch an incredible lineup of performances between 5:15pm-9:30pm:
- Harbour Street, corner of Harbour Street and Little Hay Street
- Sussex Street, corner of Sussex Street and Hay Street
- Ultimo Road, intersection of Ultimo Road and Thomas Street
Lunar Lanes Street Party – Haymarket
Kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations at Sydney Lunar Streets! This unforgettable street party launches Sydney Lunar Festival and welcomes the Year of the Snake in style.
Lunar Lanterns
12 majestic Lunar Lanterns will light up Haymarket and George Street during the Festival. Each animal of the zodiac stands at an impressive 4 metres tall, radiating playful charm and vibrant colour.
The Snake lantern, this year’s zodiac animal, takes pride of place outside St George Bank on 82 Ultimo Road. This impressive installation captures the grace and wisdom associated with the Year of the Snake.
Unlike previous years where the lanterns stretched from Circular Quay to Central, this year the lanterns are all located in Haymarket.
Lunar Gateways
Experience a stunning tribute to Asian architecture with four beautifully crafted gateways celebrating Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Each gateway has been meticulously hand-painted, incorporating distinctive architectural elements from these rich traditions. After dark the gateways will light up creating perfect photo opportunities.
Where to find the Gateways:
- Vietnamese Gateway: Hay Street, Haymarket
- Chinese Gateway: Hay Street, Haymarket
- Korean Gateway: Civic Connector, Darling Quarter
- Thai Gateway: Corner of George Street and Campbell Street, Haymarket
Darling Harbour Lunar New Year Festival
Join the festivities at Cockle Bay Wharf for a spectacular weekend celebration. The waterfront will come alive with special water shows, traditional performances, and evening light displays that pay tribute to the Year of the Snake. More than 3000 performers and participants will contribute to this two-day event.
Key events include:
- Dragon Boat Races – Cockle Bay – February 7-9, 2025
- Lion Dances – across Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour Dragon Boats
Sydney’s best Dragon Boat teams will head to Cockle Bay Wharf for the annual Lunar Dragon Boat racing weekend. More than 3000 individuals will paddle their way along the water of Cockle Bay over this two day event.
Darling Square Lunar New Year Festival
Darling Square transforms into a vibrant celebration space from January 22 to February 16, 2025, offering unique Year of the Snake festivities.
Key events in a nutshell:
- Live snake encounters with Australian pythons (February 8 & 15, 10am-12pm)
- Traditional lantern display illuminating the precinct nightly from 5pm
- Saturday evening entertainment (5pm-8:30pm) featuring:
- Live music performances
- Fan veil dancers (February 1)
- God of Wealth appearances with lucky gold coins (February 8 & 15)
- Traditional face-changing performances (February 15)
- Free Chinese calligraphy on decorative fans (4pm-7pm)
Special Dining Offers:
- Dopa Donburi & Dessert: Special spicy karaage menu
- Dapur Sate: Lunar New Year Munch Box ($69) with lucky red envelope
- XOPP by Golden Century: Four special banquet menus featuring Peking duck and seafood
- Hello Auntie: Vietnamese New Year banquet
- Shortstop Coffee & Donuts: Limited edition mango and black sesame donuts
Scroll below for details on the special dishes on offer at Darling Square restaurants.
The celebrations extend throughout the precinct with community performances on Hay Street (January 31, 6pm-7pm) as part of the wider Sydney Lunar Festival.
Meet the Snakes
Ever wanted to get up close with a python? Here’s your chance! On the first two Saturdays (February 8 and 15), expert reptile handlers will be bringing along some fascinating Australian pythons.
It’s a perfect photo opportunity, and you might even get to hold one if you’re brave enough! Drop by between 10am and 12pm for this unique experience.
A Sea of Lanterns
As the sun sets each evening, Darling Square transforms into a magical wonderland. Hundreds of traditional lanterns light up the precinct from 5pm, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s become a must-see annual tradition.
Bring your camera – these photo opportunities are too good to miss!
Weekend Entertainment
Saturday nights are when Darling Square really comes alive! Live music filling the air from 5pm to 8:30pm, while incredible performers roam the precinct.
- January 31 – Community performance on Hay 6pm-7pm
- February 1 – Catch graceful fan veil dancers
- February 8 – meet Cai Shen, the God of Wealth, who’ll be handing out lucky gold coins
- February 15 – witness the mind-boggling ancient art of face-changing from Sichuan Opera
Want a special souvenir? Stop by the Square between 4pm and 7pm on Saturdays, where a skilled calligrapher will personalise a fan for you with New Year wishes in beautiful Chinese characters – completely free
Feast Your Way Through the Festival
With over 50 restaurants in the precinct, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to celebrating with food (and let’s face it, that’s one of the best parts of Lunar New Year!). From quick bites to festive banquets, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
When: January 21 – February 16, 2025
Where: Darling Square precinct
Cost: Free entry (just bring your appetite for the food!)
Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship will kick off its Lunar New Year celebrations with an opening ceremony on February 10, 2025, featuring special Snake-themed installations throughout the garden.
Learn more about Chinese culture – you can take part in a traditional tea ceremony, calming meditation or brush painting demonstration. Or for an extra fee, have your Chinese astrology chart read.
There will be Lion Dancing of course along with Tea Ceremony demonstrations, and traditional Chinese music.
On Lunar New Year’s Day, there will be a traditional red envelope for each child who visits the garden. Inside will be a chocolate gold coin, for good luck! (Arrive early to avoid missing out)
They will stay open until 9 pm on Saturday so you can enjoy the ambience of the garden in the evening light.
Lunar Sea – Australian National Maritime Museum
This February, the Australian National Maritime Museum, in partnership with the China Cultural Centre, will present a full day of cultural performances and family-friendly creative workshops to celebrate Lunar New Year.
The celebrations will take place on February 9, featuring an exciting array of activities including traditional woodblock printing, weaving, tea tasting, Mandarin language tours, activity trails, face painting, and roving performances.
South Eveleigh Lunar New Year Festival
South Eveleigh is welcoming the Year of the Snake with three days of vibrant cultural celebrations. The festival features traditional ceremonies, performances, and fortune telling sessions that promise to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Where: South Eveleigh (formerly Australian Technology Park)
Cost: Free entry (except fortune telling sessions)
Paddy’s Markets Lunar New Year Celebrations
Ring in the Year of the Snake with festive merchandise and food exclusive to Paddy’s Markets. Explore good fortune produce, traditional clothing, red envelopes, chocolate coins, lanterns and beautiful decorations themed around 2025’s zodiac animal.
Top off the celebrations with a roaming lion performance to welcome prosperity and good luck for the year ahead. The performances will feature special choreography honoring the Snake’s graceful movements.
Don’t miss the special Snake-themed merchandise and traditional decorations available throughout the festival period at both locations.
Lunar New Year at World Square: Cherry Blossom Wonderland
World Square transforms into a magical Cherry Blossom Wonderland for the Year of the Snake, featuring a stunning display of LED cherry blossoms and towering illuminated trees.
Key Attractions:
- Interactive Wishing Tree (receive a custom wishing card with $15+ spend at participating retailers)
- Traditional Lion Dancing (January 29) featuring the “Cai Qing” ceremony
- Live calligraphy and music demonstrations
- Spectacular photo opportunities among the cherry blossoms
Special Retailer Events:
- Gong Grocer is hosting a ‘Gong’ fortune money wall photo opportunity.
- Double Chin Eats will offer exclusive Snake Zodiac Bun and a traditional prosperity toss
When: January 22 – February 2, 2025
Where: World Square, 644 George Street, Sydney
Cost: Free entry
lunar New Year at the Sydney Opera House
Lunar New Year’s Eve Gala at Sydney Opera House
Ring in the Year of the Snake at Sydney Opera House’s spectacular Lunar New Year’s Eve Gala. This special concert brings together incredible performers from the Sydney Chinese Orchestra, Australia Dunhuang Arts Academy, and Wuhan Conservatory of Music for an unforgettable evening of music and dance.
The program features a brilliant mix of traditional Chinese music, Western classics, and unique cross-cultural performances that showcase the best of both musical traditions. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the New Year in one of Sydney’s most iconic venues.
When: Monday 28 January 2025
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Singapore Symphony Orchestra at Sydney Opera House
Don’t miss the Australian debut of the internationally acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra during the Lunar New Year festivities. Led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Hans Graf, this spectacular performance features teen violin prodigy Chloe Chua and Australian-born cellist Ng Pei-Sian.
The program includes:
- Brahms’s Double Concerto for Violin and Cello
- Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
- Luciola singapura – a new work by Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin
Named by the BBC as one of the world’s best orchestras, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra has been bridging Eastern and Western classical traditions since 1979.
When: Wednesday 12 February 2025, 7:00pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $69-189 (Booking fee of $8.95 applies per transaction)
Lunar New Year events in the Suburbs
Lunar New Year celebrations will be held across suburban Sydney with big celebrations planned in Chatswood, Campsie, Bankstown, Rhodes and Hurstville
Chatswood Year of the Snake Festival
Chatswood is pulling out all the stops for Lunar New Year with a month-long festival (January 23 to February 16) that transforms the Chatswood CBD into a celebration hub.
When: 23 January to 6 February 2025
Where: Chatswood Concourse
Bankstown Lunar New Year Celebrations
Get ready for an action-packed celebration in Bankstown with plenty of great food, cultural performances and live entertainment. The Dragon Parade kicks off at 4:30pm from the Vietnamese Boat People Monument.
Free Activities All Day:
- Try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy with expert Hoan Mai
- Join the multilingual karaoke fun – perfect for all ages
- Keep the kids busy with craft activities and face painting
- Challenge friends to garden games and Lucky 8 Putt Putt
- Add some sparkle at the nail bling station
The evening entertainment kicks off with graceful Áo Dài dancers performing traditional Vietnamese dances, followed by beautiful Vietnamese duets and stirring Mongolian singing performances.
When: Saturday 18 January 2025
Where: Griffith Park, 4A Olympic Parade Bankstown
Campsie Lantern Festival
Head to Campsie for a magical evening as the Lantern Festival wraps up the Lunar New Year celebrations in style. The night sky will light up with stunning displays while the streets come alive with food stalls, cultural performances and plenty of festivities.
This fantastic community event brings together traditional performances, good food, and lots of fun multicultural activities that show off the best of the area’s Asian culture.ome to the New Year action in Campsie, with a night noodle market being held on Friday and decorations on display throughout the festival period. Street performers will roam the mall providing entertainment. Korean, Chinese and Thai food will be available.
When: Saturday, February 8 2025, 5pm – 9:30pm
Where: Anzac Street Mall, Campsie
Cost: Free
Hurstville Lunar New Year Festival
Hurstville, the cultural heart of Sydney’s south comes alive with its annual Lunar New Year Festival. This beloved community celebration has grown to become one of largest New Year event in Sydney’s suburbs drawing visitors from across the city.
Over at Hurstville Plaza, you’ll find thrilling live entertainment, including lion dancing, martial arts displays, and an incredible fire-breathing dragon performance by Michael Speranza.
When: Saturday 1 Feb 2025
Where: Forest Road & Hurstville Plaza Markets: 12.00pm – 9.00pm.
Bayside Lunar New Year Festial
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Cahill Park in Wolli Creek with a vibrant Lunar New Year festival. Enjoy traditional lion dancing, live music, delicious food trucks, market stalls, and family-friendly rides. Hosted by Bayside Council in partnership with Aussie NightMarkets.
Other events in Wolli Creek include Chapel Nights: Chinese Orchestra and a Korean Orchestra performing at the historic St Magdelen’s Chapel over the 30-31 January.
When: Friday 31 January 2025, 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Cahill Park, Wolli Creek
Cost: Free
Parramatta Lunar New Year Festival
Head to Parramatta Square and Centenary Square for an evening of festivities to welcome the Year of the Snake. This family-friendly celebration brings together traditional customs, great food, and live entertainment.
Festival Highlights:
- Watch high-pole lion dancers perform amazing feats 3 metres in the air
- Make a wish at the Optus Wishing Tree at PHIVE
- Join Annie Huang’s comic workshop with Lunar New Year themes
- Catch cultural performances at the Ngurra Gunya Stage including:
- Tai Chi demonstrations
- Lion dancing
- K-Pop dance workshops
When: Saturday 1 February 2025, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Parramatta Square & Centenary Square
Lunar New Year Dining in Sydney
Aria | Circular Quay
Aria celebrates the Year of the Snake with an exquisite eight-course tasting menu that honors traditional flavors. The restaurant’s sommelier has curated a special selection of wines from previous Snake years to complement the feast.
When: January 29 – February 12, 2025
Where: Aria, 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: $350 per person, wine pairing available
Fat Noodle | The Star
Celebrated chef Luke Nguyen returns to Sydney for an exclusive Lunar Feast, combining fine dining with cultural storytelling.
The evening begins with a welcome lychee and kalamansi mocktail, followed by a six-course menu.
When: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6:00pm
Where: Fat Noodle, The Star Sydney
Cost: $128 per person, includes welcome drink
Lunar Dining at The Star | Pyrmont
The Star Sydney celebrates the Year of the Snake with exclusive menus across its restaurants, alongside entertainment and cultural performances throughout the venue.
Special Menu Highlights:
When: January 28 – February 12, 2025
Where: The Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Cost: Various prices, special banquets from $48 to $888
Bookings here
Lunar New Year Dinner at the SOH with Luke Nguyen
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with celebrity chef Luke Nguyen at one of Sydney’s most spectacular dining locations – the Concert Hall Northern Foyer at Sydney Opera House. With stunning harbour views as your backdrop, enjoy a special four-course feast while lion and dragon dancers bring the festivities to life.
Luke will present each course personally, sharing stories about the inspiration and traditions behind his dishes. Each course comes perfectly matched with wines to complete this memorable dining experience.
When: Friday 7 February 2025
Where: Concert Hall Northern Foyer, Sydney Opera House
Cost: from $301- $355
Lunar New Year Eats in Darling Square
From traditional Chinese banquets to modern Asian fusion, Darling Square’s diverse dining scene comes alive during Lunar New Year with special menus and festive dishes that showcase the precinct’s culinary creativity. Here’s your guide to the must-try dishes across the square:
Must-Try Lunar Feast Guide:
- Dopa Donburi & Dessert – Special: Limited edition spicy karaage range. Spend $20+ for chance to win $1,000 voucher (until Feb 9)
- Dapur Sate – Must try: Lunar Munch Box ($69) which includes: 15 satay skewers, coconut rice, spring rolls. Bonus lucky red envelope with purchase.
- Shortstop Coffee & Donuts – Special: Mango black sesame donut, filled with mango jam, fresh mango glaze.
- XOPP by Golden Century – Signature: Peking duck pancakes, Luxury: Australian red rock lobster with e-fu noodles and special: XO pipis with crispy vermicelli
- Lilong by Taste of Shanghai – Must try: Xiao long bao, Special: Pan-fried pork buns
- Holy Basil – Thai-Laotian banquet ($55 per person)
- Hello Auntie – Highlight: Lobster wonton, Special: Banh xeo savoury pancake, feature: Vietnamese beef tartare
- Beom Beom – Star dish: Hay-smoked short rib galbi, Must try: Garlic pork bossam, special: Spicy bibim noodles
All special menus available during Lunar New Year period (Jan 22 – Feb 16, 2025)
Lunar New YEar at Shangri La
Perched high above Sydney Harbour, Altitude Restaurant offers one of the city’s most breathtaking dining experiences for Lunar New Year. Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi has crafted an elegant five-course menu that promises to be as spectacular as the panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline.
Indulge in a sumptuous feast of good fortune with a plethora of exquisite dishes, including:
- Smoked eel mousse topped with Avruga caviar
- Scallops with slow-cooked abalone
- Wagyu MB8+ with X.O sauce
- Mandarin curd Golden Parfait
When: 29 January – 13 February 2025, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (2.5-hour seating)
Where: Altitude Restaurant, Shangri-La Sydney, 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks
Cost: $175 per person, optional wine pairing from $155 per person
Lilymu | Parramatta Square
Contemporary Pan-Asian hotspot Lilymu is bringing Lunar New Year festivities to Western Sydney with an indulgent banquet menu. The specially curated feast features modern interpretations of traditional favorites, including:
- Dumpling assiette with Layu and black vinegar
- Roast barramundi with ginger and shallot
- Beef short rib with gochujang and perilla
Adding to the celebration, each guest receives a lucky Red Pocket containing a $20 dining voucher for future visits. Don’t miss the spectacular lion dance performances at noon on both February 1st and 2nd.
When: 25 January – 2 February 2025
Where: Lilymu, Parramatta Square
Cost: $108 per person
Lunar New Year at Capella Sydney
The historic Capella Sydney is hosting a series of cultural events to welcome the Year of the Snake, starting with a traditional Eye-Dotting and Lion Dance Ceremony. Open to the public, this free event takes place at Farrer Place on January 28, 2025, at 11:00am.
Throughout the Lunar New Year period, visitors can experience several cultural activities including tea ceremonies led by tea master Raymond Leung, calligraphy classes, and Tai Chi sessions with Grandmaster Gary Khor. For families, children’s workshops offer snake-themed craft activities and traditional cookie making.
A special Lunar New Year afternoon tea menu combines traditional flavors with contemporary presentation, featuring both sweet and savory items paired with specialty teas from Zensation Tea House.
When: January 28 – February 16, 2025
Where: Capella Sydney, 24 Loftus Street
Cost: Afternoon tea $125 per person Bookings: Call +61 2 9071 5090
Walking Tours and Cultural Experiences
Chinatown Street Food and Stories with Local Sauce Tours
Sydney’s Chinatown is full of history, secrets and excellent restaurants, and on this award-winning experience hosted by Local Sauce Tours, guests get to see and taste a bit of everything the precinct has to offer.
The tour has a strong focus on uncovering Sydney’s long connection with China, and the contributions Chinese-Australians have made to the community.
When: Fridays and Sundays, 11:30am to 2pm
Special Lunar New Year evening tours: January 29, February 5 and 12 (6:30pm to 9pm)
Where: Starts at 108 Dixon Street, Haymarket
Cost: Adults $70, Children $60
Behind Your City with Soul of Chinatown
This walking tour, inspired by the exhibition Cao Fei: My City is Yours, leads participants through Chinatown’s bustling streets. Experience the sites and sensations that artist Cao Fei encountered, including the historic Marigold yum cha restaurant site, traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops, and vibrant market vendors.
When: Saturday February 8 and 15, 11am-12:30pm
Where: Starts at City Mark Building (corner of George and Hay Streets)
Cost: $28 general, $25 concession, $20 member find out more here
Exhibitions and Entertainment
LET’S EAT Exhibition
Blank Gallery presents an exploration of food’s significance in Asian cultures during Lunar New Year. This immersive exhibition showcases the traditions of communal dining through various artistic mediums.
When: January 16 – February 17 (Thursday-Monday), 11am – 5pm
Where: 2F/17 Valentine Street, Haymarket
Cost: Free
Chinatown Comedy Club
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Australia’s top comedians at Sydney’s first Chinatown-based comedy club, hosted by Soul of Chinatown at the historic Covent Garden Hotel.
When: Wednesday, February 12, 7:45pm-9:30pm
Where: 1/102-108 Hay St, Haymarket
Cost: $18
Do you know which animal represents your year?
Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
Goat (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)
Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)
Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)
Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)
Pig (1959, 1971, 1988, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)
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Hi,
Thanks for the lovely article, but we’ve been struggling to find the zodiac lanterns. Are you able to provide more information on their exact locations?
We love seeing them every year!
Cheers
Thank you for this info for the lunar new year 2024. It is the most comprehensive site for Sydney that i have seen so far, and thats after many searches. Thank u for all the research and to those who contributed.
Glad it was helpful! We hope you had a fun time at the lunar new year celebrations.