Lunar New Year Sydney 2026: Complete Guide to Celebrations

Sydney hosts some of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, and 2026 is shaping up to be huge. Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Horse.

You’ll find events across the city from Chinatown to Chatswood, Darling Harbour to Hurstville. Expect dragon boat racing, lantern displays, lion dances, night markets, and excellent food. Most events are free.

This guide covers all the major Lunar New Year events confirmed for Sydney in 2026. I’ll keep updating as councils and venues release their final programs.

Welcome to the Year of the Horse, 2026!
If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, or 1954, this is your year.

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Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse

The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents energy, freedom, and perseverance. Those born in Horse years are known for their optimism, drive, and love of open spaces and new ideas.

Sydney will be buzzing with events celebrating the Year of the Horse. Expect festivities from Chinatown to Chatswood, Hurstville to Campsie, with traditional lion dances, street markets, cultural performances, and great food. Many events are free and open to everyone.

Sydney Lunar Streets: Haymarket Festival

Haymarket’s laneways transform into a street festival on Saturday 14 February from 5-10pm, kicking off Lunar New Year celebrations from Chinatown to Thaitown.

The fire horse installation rises over Dixon Street while 12 lunar lanterns and a carousel light up Hay Street. Lion dances perform at the corner of Sussex Street and Hay Street, on Ultimo Road near Thomas Street, and on Campbell Street near Pitt Street.

A DJ spins on Dixon Street at the corner of Little Hay Street. Try your hand at Mahjong with tables set up on Little Hay Street near Sussex Street. Street food vendors and market stalls line the laneways throughout the evening.

The festival runs traditional and contemporary performances celebrating the cultures of Haymarket’s Asian communities.

When: Saturday 14 February, 5-10pm
Where: Haymarket laneways (Chinatown to Thaitown)
Cost: Free

Lunar Lanterns and Gateways in Chinatown

Hay Street transforms into a canopy of colour with 12 Lunar Lanterns by Sydney artist Erika Zhu, lighting up Chinatown from Wednesday 11 February to Sunday 1 March.

The 12 zodiac animals crown a hanging canopy of coloured lanterns opposite Paddy’s Markets light rail stop. Each animal features a playful, rounded design that appeals to kids and adults alike. The installation uses scarlet red (a symbol of luck in Chinese culture) and emerald green (a nod to jade) combined with contemporary colours.

The lanterns stay lit all day and evening, creating perfect photo opportunities as you walk through Chinatown.

Artist Erika Zhu is a Sydney-based 3D artist who draws inspiration from her upbringing in Hong Kong and Japan. Her vibrant use of colour and character design reflects a nostalgic homage to childhood.

Four Lunar Gateways

Four hand-painted gateways celebrating Chinese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese cultural heritage will be installed around Haymarket. Each gateway incorporates distinctive architectural elements from these traditions and lights up after dark for photos.

When: Wednesday 11 February to Sunday 1 March (all day, every day)
Where: Hay Street, Haymarket (opposite Paddy’s Markets light rail stop)
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Quiet space on corner of Harbour Street and Hay Street. Accessible toilets on Sussex Street near Little Hay Street. Audio descriptions available for installations.

Darling Harbour Lunar Festival 2026

Dragon Boat Racing Sydney 2026

Dragon boat racing returns to Darling Harbour for Lunar New Year 2026, with two days of racing at Cockle Bay on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March.

Teams compete in 12-metre dragon boats decorated with fierce dragon heads. The races originated in southern China as a way to bring rain, but today it’s a fast-paced water sport with on-board drummers setting the pace for paddlers.

The opening ceremony celebrates Australian and Chinese cultures coming together. Best viewing spots are along Cockle Bay Wharf where you can watch the action for free. Live music and entertainment run all weekend.

Lunar New Year Jet Pack Shows and Fireworks

High-flying lion dancers in vibrant Lunar New Year costumes perform aerial acrobatics above Cockle Bay on Saturday 21 February at 4pm and 8.45pm. The jet pack performances combine breathtaking aerial maneuvers with a Lunar New Year themed soundtrack, featuring a special appearance by the fire horse zodiac.

Best viewing is from Cockle Bay Wharf and the surrounding Darling Harbour waterfront.

When: Sat. 21 Feb. – shows at 4pm and 8.45pm, fireworks at 9pm. Sat. 28 Feb. – fireworks at 9pm
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free

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.

Join In: Mahjong and Tea Ceremonies

Ready to try your hand at an ancient game of strategy? The Mahjong Garden in Tumbalong Park lets you play the traditional Canton game of skill and luck.

Mahjong master Eric Wa will be on hand to guide beginners and share tips with experienced players. The park is set up with styled Mahjong tables creating a relaxed social atmosphere to celebrate Lunar New Year.

When: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February
Where: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free

Traditional tea ceremonies run at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. A master tea expert from Topotea guides you through the ritual of boiling, pouring, and washing tea leaves, followed by tea tasting at 2.30pm. This is your chance to experience an ancient practice in a peaceful garden setting.

There will be Lion Dancing of course and traditional Chinese music performances.

When: Saturday 22 February from 2pm
Where: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Cost: Free after entry

These events are perfect if you want to experience Lunar New Year traditions rather than just watch performances.

Market City Lunar New Year Celebrations

Market City runs Lunar New Year celebrations from Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 1 March with giant Year of the Horse installations on Level 1 Centre Court and Level 3 at the 1909 Dining Precinct.

The highlight is high pole lion dance acrobatics by Jin Wu Koon on 14 February at 2pm and 6pm, and 15 February at 2pm. These performers are spectacular to watch. The troupe also performs store blessings across all three levels on 15 February from 4.30-6pm.

Kids can join free lion dance workshops on 7 and 22 February at 2pm, 3pm and 5pm at Level 1 Centre Court.

A personalised calligraphy station runs 31 January to 13 February and 16-18 February (fees apply). Giveaways of lucky coins, plush horses and retail vouchers are available during shows and from 12-17 February.

The 1909 Dining Precinct on Level 3 serves authentic Asian cuisine daily from 11am-10pm. Free parking after 6pm when you dine at any Level 3 restaurant (validate your ticket at the restaurant). The Eight Modern Chinese Restaurant offers two hours free parking between 9am-3.30pm.

When: Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 1 March, 9am-10pm daily
Where: Market City Shopping Centre, 9-13 Hay Street, Haymarket
Cost: Free (calligraphy station has fees)

South Eveleigh Lunar New Year 2026

South Eveleigh celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse from Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 February with interactive digital experiences, lion dances, and mahjong workshops. The precinct is a few minutes’ walk from Redfern Station.

Try the Lunar New Year Augmented Reality Mirror at Innovation Plaza, Village Green, and Interchange Pavilion to discover your BaZi (Chinese astrology). The mirrors run continuously from 16-22 February.

Watch the traditional Plucking of the Greens on Wednesday 18 February from 11.30am as lions roam the precinct “plucking” fresh lettuce hung by retailers – an auspicious ritual symbolising prosperity and good fortune.

Join free mahjong workshops on Thursday 19 February (11am-2pm) and Saturday 21 February (10am-1pm) at Shop 1, Locomotive Street. Learn from expert instructors or play with friends.

The highlight is Jin Wu Koon’s lion dance on poles on Saturday 21 February from 1pm at Innovation Plaza near BrewDog. This high-flying performance is a crowd favourite.

When: Sunday 16 February to Saturday 22 February
Where: South Eveleigh precinct (near Redfern Station)
Cost: Free

Suburban Lunar New Year Celebrations

Lunar New Year celebrations will be held across suburban Sydney with big celebrations planned in Chatswood, Campsie, Bankstown, Rhodes and Hurstville

Chatswood Lunar Festival 2026

Chatswood hosts one of Sydney’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations on Saturday 21 February (10am-9pm) and Sunday 22 February (10am-6pm) welcoming in the Year of the Horse.

Over 130 food and market stalls line Victoria Avenue from Chatswood Interchange to Archer Street. Expect steamed dumplings, fried rice, pork rolls, and dishes from across Asia and beyond.

The Concourse runs two full days of outdoor entertainment from traditional Asian music to K-pop, Latin dance, and guzheng performances. Large lion dance performances take over Anderson Street, while roving performers move through Chatswood Mall and near Archer Street.

Kids’ activities include jumping castle near Charlotte Lane, pony rides, and a fortune booth with lucky prizes. A lantern parade will light up the evening on Saturday night.

Bankstown Lunar New Year 2026

Bankstown celebrates the Year of the Horse on Saturday 7 February from 4-9pm at Griffith Park with main stage entertainment, roaming Chinese dragons and lions, the Lunar Garden, and appearances by the God and Goddess of Fortune.

The main stage program features Vietnamese welcome songs, traditional dances, live music from string instruments to saxophone solos, Chinese blessings, silk fan dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, drum performances, and a lion dance finale with firecrackers.

Kids can enjoy free face painting, body art, and craft stations to decorate Year of the Horse artwork. Try giant Chinese Xiangqi chess, Lucky 8 Putt Putt, or spin the Where Interesting Happens Lucky Wheel. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs mascots roam with giveaways.

The Lunar Garden showcases Vietnamese culture with a traditional hut, bonsai displays, and Lunar New Year calligraphy where a master writes auspicious characters like Phúc (Happiness), Lộc (Prosperity) and Thọ (Longevity) for you.

Food stalls run throughout the park. Look out for the God and Goddess of Fortune handing out lucky red envelopes.

When: Saturday 7 February, 4-9pm
Where: Griffith Park, Bankstown
Cost: Free (some activities have small fees) Details here

Campsie Lantern Festival 2026

Campsie wraps up the Year of the Horse celebrations on Saturday 28 February from 5-9.30pm with the Campsie Lantern Festival lighting up Anzac Mall and Anzac Park.

Up to 17 food stalls will serve Asian cuisines including Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The main stage runs cultural entertainment throughout the evening with traditional performances, the colourful Campsie Catwalk showcasing traditional outfits, and high-energy lion dancing.

Free kids’ activities run all evening. Look out for the God and Goddess of Fortune roaming the festival handing out blessings, and snap photos with the Lantern Lady against glowing lantern displays.

Note: The event includes loud music, bright lights and firecrackers.

When: Saturday, 28 February, 5-9.30pm
Where: Anzac Street Mall, Campsie
Cost: Free l Full program will be available here shortly

Hurstville Lunar Festival 2026

Hurstville hosts Sydney Metro’s biggest council-led Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday 21 February from 11am-9pm. This is the 23rd year Georges River Council has run the festival.

The event takes over Forest Road and Hurstville Plaza with free entertainment including live stage performances, roving acts, cooking demonstrations, lion dances, and cultural displays. Official proceedings start at 12.30pm.

In the weeks leading up to the main festival, Georges River Council runs a full program of Lunar New Year activities including ink painting workshops with artist Bryan Mew (15 and 18 February), horse and lantern paper weaving at Hurstville Library (20 February), and bilingual storytimes in Mandarin and Cantonese at local libraries. Most workshops require bookings.

When: Saturday 21 February, 11am-9pm
Where: Forest Road, Hurstville and Hurstville Plaza
Cost: Free l Full program and workshop bookings:

Walking Tours and Cultural Experiences

Join Local Sauce Tours for their award-winning Chinatown Street Food & Stories tour. This 2.5-hour walking experience uncovers Sydney’s long connection with China and the contributions Chinese-Australians have made to the community. I took this tour last year and really enjoyed learning more about Sydney’s Chinese history.

You’ll sample 4-5 street foods and snacks from some of Chinatown’s best restaurants, representing different regions of China including Cantonese, Nanjing, Xinjiang, and Xi’an cuisines. All samples are designed to be eaten on the move. The tour accommodates vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary requirements with advance notice.

The tour combines food with history, using “pub trivia” style games to keep it interactive. You’ll discover hidden details in Chinatown you’ve probably never noticed, even if you’ve visited dozens of times.

When: Fridays and Sundays, 11.30am-2pm (runs year-round)
Where: Starts at 108 Dixon Street, Haymarket
Cost: Adult $75, Child $65l Recommended for ages 8+. Maximum 12 guests per tour.
Book directly with the operator here

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, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)