The Lunar New Year is around the corner, and millions of people are gearing up to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Calculated using both the lunar and solar cycles, the exact date of the Lunar New Year changes each year. In 2025, it will occur on January 29, and celebrations will proceed until the full moon appears on February 12.
Celebrations around the Lunar calendar are significant in Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian and Korean cultures and each of these communities have unique rituals and traditions to ringing in the fresh chapter. In Australia, there are plenty of ways you can welcome the year of the Snake — and its bounty of good fortune, rebirth, wisdom, and change — with the country set to come alive with festivals, entertainment, and exhibitions across the two-week period. Below, see how to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year in your city.
Sydney
Lunar Spectacular
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with captivating performances by Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese groups. No bookings are required: doors open 45 minutes prior to each session for a vibrant celebration of dance, music and song.
Where: Centennial Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney
When: Saturday 8 February from 2pm - 3:15pm, and Saturday 8 February from 5pm - 6:20pm
Cost: Free
Sydney Lunar Streets - Haymarket Street Festival
Ring in the Lunar New Year with the Haymarket street party. Browse the market stalls, indulge in fare from a range of food trucks, be captivated by live performances, and dance to resident DJ sets as the streets of Haymarket come alive.
Where: Dixon street, Haymarket
When: Saturday 1 February, 5pm - 10pm
Cost: Free
Dragon Boats Festival
More than 3000 paddlers will take part in this epic water event, with three days of competition and entertainment taking over Darling Harbour.
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf
When: Friday 7 February to Sunday 9 February, 8am - 5pm
Cost: Free
Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
Be immersed in the city's biggest cultural celebration, taking place in Melbourne's bustling Chinatown. A Millennium Dragon Parade will wind down the streets, alongisde a host of traditional and contemporary performances. There's also set to be a range of food and drink stalls, plus in the Kid's Area at Golden Square Open Air Car Park.
When: Sunday 2 February, 10am - 8pm
Where: Chinatown
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year at Fed Square
Whether you're excited by the prospect of vibrant dragon dancers in action, or prefer the slower pace of a Tai Chi class, there's plenty to enjoy at Fed Square's Lunar New Year festival.
When: Sunday 9 February, 9:30am - 2pm
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
Brisbane
BrisAsia Festival
This cultural festival takes place over 10 action-packed days, bringing you over 25 events and activities to take place in across the city. From live music to delicious food, your only problem will be choosing which events you go to.
When: 31 January - 9 February
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year in Fortitude Valley
Herald the Lunar New Year in the heart of the Fortitude Valley, where traditional dragon dances, cultural markets, and performers are set to take over the streets. Several restaurants in the area are also slated to take part, making this the ultimate destination to welcome the Year of the Snake.
When: 1 February, 2pm-9pm, and 2 February 10am-3pm.
Where: The Fortitude Valley precinct
Cost: Free
Adelaide
Make a Chinese Drum
Celebrate the incoming Lunar New Year by getting crafty at the Adelaide City Library, where you'll learn to make a Chinese drum.
When: Wednesday 29 January, 11:30am - 12:30pm.
Where: Adelaide City Library
Cost: Free. Register here.
Her Majesty's Theatre Lunar New Year Concert
For two hours, be immersed in the sonic stylings of the Hong Kong String Orchestra, led by virtuoso Yao Jue. The performance is the Australian debut of the orchestra, and will span Vivaldi classics, traditional Eastern pieces, and a collaboration with pianist Yundi Yuan.
When: January 31, 7pm
Where: Her Majesty's Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $70. Book here.
Lunar New Year street party
Adelaide's Asian communities will converge in Chinatown for a celebration of art, music, and food. From lion dancers to delectable food stalls, there's plenty to experience here.
When: Saturday February 9, 2pm - 9:30pm
Where: Chinatown Plaza
Cost: Free
Perth
Perth Chinese New Year Fair
This annual event attracts 35,000 visitors each year — and for good reason. Expect live entertainment, arts and craft and, of course, plenty of food.
When: February 2, 12pm - 9pm
Where: James and Lake Streets, Northbridge
Cost: Free
