The Best Lunar New Year Events in Sydney 2024

By: The ellaslist Team, 18 January 2024

Lunar New Year in Sydney is one of the city's largest cultural celebrations, and the 2024 celebrations are ready to go off with a colourful bang!

Ushering in the Year of the Dragon, Lunar New Year 2024 runs from 10-25 February 2024, with epic events happening all across the city. We've rounded up some of the best Chinese Lunar New Year events for Sydney families to start off the Year of the Dragon on a seriously festive note.

Lunar New Year Events in Sydney 2024

1. Sydney Lunar Streets

Sydney Lunar Streets
Bring your celebrations to life at Sydney Lunar Streets.


One of our top picks to celebrate the Year of the Dragon is Sydney Lunar Streets—Haymarket street festival. 

The streets of Haymarket will come alive with live entertainment, roving performers, food trucks, market stalls, DJs and plenty of performances from Sydney’s Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Taiwanese and Japanese community groups on the main stage at Hay Street. It really is an unmissable event in the festive calendar! 

When:   10 February 2024, 5 pm -  10 pm
Where:  Dixon Street, Haymarket 
Cost:     FREE

2. Lunar New Year Extravaganza at Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens
 

Blacktown lunar new year
Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens Lunar New Year Celebration


Join the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations at Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens in Nurragingy Reserve, where a tapestry of color and culture will unfold to welcome the Year of the Dragon. This family-friendly event promises an evening brimming with cultural richness and entertainment including lion dances and energetic drumming sessions, enchanting dragon dance performances, a variety of live cultural acts across two stages, engaging kids' craft workshops, complimentary face painting for children, interactive cultural workshops and live demonstrations, an array of food and market stalls offering a taste of tradition, and a dazzling fireworks display to conclude the evening.

When:    Saturday, 10 February 2024, 5 pm - 9 pm
Where:   Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road
Cost:      FREE

3. Sydney Lunar Spectacular 

Sydney Lunar Spectacular
Sydney Lunar Spectacular 


One of the best Chinese New Year activities for kids—community and cultural groups are gearing up to shine on stage at this year's Sydney Lunar Spectacular show, celebrating the Year of the Dragon.

Get ready to be captivated as performers bring their rich cultures to life through vibrant dance, music, theatre, cherished traditions, and engaging storytelling. It's a celebration of diversity and creativity that promises to leave you inspired and thoroughly entertained!

When:   Saturday 17 February 2024
Where:  Centennial Hall, 483 George Street
Cost:     FREE

4. Dragon Boat Races at Cockle Bay Wharf

Dragon Boat Races
Water sports, anyone?


Indulge in a spot of Dragon Boat Racing at Cockle Bay Wharf this Lunar New Year, and enjoy traditions such as the Taoist Monks' blessing of the waters, and a unique eye dotting ceremony that's said to awaken the dragons. Paddlers churn the water as spectators watch the 12m long dragon boats battle it out for victory in one of the best Chinese New Year activties for kids in Sydney!

When:   Friday 16 February – Sunday 18 February 2024
Where:  Darling Park, Cockle Bay Wharf 
Cost:     FREE

5. Lion Dance Kids Roam Chinatown

Lion Dance Chinatown
The best Chinese New Year activities for kids


Come be a part of the lively Lion Dance Kids Roam Chinatown street celebration as part of Sydney's Lunar New Year festivities! Immerse yourself in the vibrant parade featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, exciting collaborations with local businesses, and a special visit and blessing of shops in the Chinatown area. This event is all about fostering community bonds, cultural exchange, and showcasing the lively spirit of Chinatown.

When:   Sunday 4 February, 12.30 - 3 pm
Where:  Dixon Street, Haymarket
Cost:     FREE

6. Lunar New Year Drone Show

Lunar New Year Drones Show
Darling Harbour Drones Show


Watch the skies over Darling Harbour come alive with flashing lights and colours in the Lunar New Year Drone Show.

Running on Friday evenings over three weekends, Darling Harbour's Drone Show is a symphony of 300 synchronised drones taking flight during a spectacular 10-minute show symbolising good luck, prosperity, and the Year of the Dragon. 

When:   9, 16 and 23 February 2024 from 9 pm
Where:  Darling Harbour
Cost:     FREE

7. Lunar Sea at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Lunar Sea
Head to the Australian National Maritime Museum for some of the best Chinese New Year Activities for kids.


Delight in a Lunar New Year extravaganza filled with performances, art, workshops, and activities taking place every weekend at the Australian National Maritime Museum from February 10th to February 25th. These free activities include Lunar Sea Kids activity trail, Lunar creative maker space and workshops, museum tours led by a Mandarin-speaking guide, traditional musical, opera, and dance performances and engaging sessions on Chinese calligraphy, painting, and incense art

It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a variety of entertaining and enriching experiences!

When:   Weekends from 10 February - 25 February 2024
Where:  Australian National Maritime Museum
Cost:     FREE

8. Lunar New Year with the City of Parramatta

City of Parramatta Lunar New Year
City of Parramatta Lunar New Year


Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a Lunar New Year Festival at Centenary Square and Parramatta Square. The City of Parramatta is hosting a family-friendly, fun Lunar New Year festival with night noodle markets offering delicious food and performers. Their gorgeous lantern display and a roving performer promise to well and truly light up the night.

Where:      Centenary Square, Church Street, Parramatta
When:       Saturday 10 February 2024, 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost:         FREE

9. Chatswood Year of the Dragon Festival

Chatswood Lunar New Year Festival
There are plenty of ways to usher in the Year of the Dragon in Chatswood this Lunar New Year.


For three weeks, Chatswood will be bursting with exciting new events and familiar favourites at their Year of the Dragon Festival. A feast of food and culture, this year’s festival includes art installations, performances and the always-popular Lantern Parade.

When:   1 February - 25 February 2024
Where:  Chatswood Concourse 
Cost:     FREE entry

10. Lunar New Year in Bankstown and Campsie

Canterbury Bankstown Lunar New Year
Noodle markets, lion dancing and lots of fun and festivities are on the agenda this year.


The City of Canterbury Bankstown invites you to share in the celebrations and explore the neighbourhood's cultural diversity as they celebrate the Year of the Dragon in spectacular style during their Lunar New Year celebrations. Join the exciting celebrations with live entertainment, lucky envelopes given by the God of Good Fortune, lion dancing, Chinese firecrackers and more.

When:   Saturday 3 February 2024
Where:  Saigon Place (Bankstown City Plaza), Bankstown and Anzac Street Mall, Campsie
Cost:     FREE entry

11. Eastwood Lunar New Year Festival

Eastwood Lunar New Year
Eastwood Lunar New Year Festival


The annual Eastwood Lunar New Year Festival extravaganza is back this year with lion dancing, an outdoor cinema, food trucks, entertainment, kids activities and plenty more - mark your calendars!

When:   17 February 2024
Where:  Eastwood Town Centre
Cost:     FREE entry

12. Lunar New Year at Lilymu

Lilymu Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year at Lilymu


Situated in the heart of Parramatta Square, Lilymu stands as a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant, creating a lively blend of culture, cuisine, and tradition. In honour of the Year of the Dragon, Lilymu has crafted a menu filled with delectable dishes for diners to relish, featuring a fusion of culinary delights such as wok-fried lobster, mud crab or full-blood Waygu.

As an extra treat, each guest will receive a Red Pocket containing a $20 dining voucher, redeemable at any future reservation. 

When:   Throughout Lunar New Year
Where:  3 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Cost:     Various

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