With Lunar New Year in Sydney kicking off from Tuesday, February 17, locals and visitors are set for over two weeks of street parties, art and light installations, and lion dances. But there’s also Chinese comedy, Dragon Boat Festivals and decadent banquets to be enjoyed.
Lunar New Year is a busy time in Sydney, sweeping the streets from Haymarket to Cabramatta with the auspicious sounds, sights and tastes of this time-honoured tradition. This year is no different as we celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, galloping towards good luck and honouring the animal that embodies vitality, passion, perseverance and an unyielding spirit.
If you’re looking to get involved and see all the many different things planned for Lunar New Year in Sydney, then check out our top picks below.
Lunar New Year events in Sydney
1. Sydney Lunar Streets
Sydney Lunar Streets is Chinatown’s official opener for the next few weeks of Lunar New Year events. The five-hour street parade begins in the evening, transforming different pockets around Haymarket into vibrant hubs of live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, food trucks, DJs and lion dances.
This year, expect to see a fire horse installation rise over Dixon Street, 12 lunar lanters on Hay Street, plus a colourful carousel. For the ultimate experience, check out our guide to Chinatown and dine at one of Haymarket’s vibrant and authentic Asian eateries.
Where: Haymarket, NSW 2000.
When: February 14, 5pm to 10pm.
Price: Free.
2. Lunar Extravaganze
The grand Centennial Hall at Sydney Town Hall will host the official Lunar Extravaganza on Saturday, February 21. Performance groups from Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese communities will all be getting involved across two sessions on the day, filling the historic space with dance, music and song to welcome the Year of the Horse.
Participating performers in the earlier show include the Australian Youth Chinese Orchestra, Siam Class Dance Studio, Sydney Jacaranda Performance Group and Today and Always Korean Dance Group. Following them in the 5pm show will be Yunnan Arts Troupe, Happy Singing Tribe, Mulan Dance Studio and more.
This is one City of Sydney’s most popular Lunar New Year events each year, and it’s completely free to attend. No bookings are required to attend either the 2pm or 5pm Lunar Extravaganza shows. Doors open 45 minutes before each start time, so arrive early to snag a good seat and settle in before the show begins.
Where: Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: February 21, 2pm-3:15pm, 5pm-6:15pm.
Price: Free.
3. Chinatown Comedy Club Lunar New Year Special
Soul of Chinatown will host their annual Lunar New Year event once again at Chinatown Comedy Club. The hidden gem will feature a line-up of Asian comedians, lucky door prizes and giveaways to help celebrate the Year of the Horse with good humour.
For the unversed, the Chinatown Comedy Club is one of Haymarket’s many hidden secrets. This year, their Lunar New Year Special will be hosted at Dynasty Karaoke on Dixon Street.
Where: Dynasty Karaoke, 1/63 Dixon Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: Wednesday, February 12; 7:45pm.
Price: $18 for early bird, $28 regular.
4. Lunar New Year Street Party in Burwood
Burwood had a major moment in 2025, landing a spot as the 16th coolest suburb in the world according to Time Out, as well as earning a reputation as Sydney’s second (and maybe even coolest) Chinatown.
Head to the inner west suburb on the night of February 21 to find one of the Lunar New Year’s major street festivals, dotted around Burwood Town Centre. This year, they’re expanding their celebrations to Burwood Road, Ford Lane, Clarendon Place, Chinatown, Emerald Square, and Unity Place.
Live music, performances, lion dancing, creative markets, kids’ activities, fireworks and dining at 50-plus local restaurants and eateries have all been squeezed into the program, set to kick off at 5pm and wrap up at 10pm.
Where: Burwood Town Centre, Burwood NSW 2134.
When: Saturday, February 21 at 5pm-10pm.
Price: Free.
5. Lunar New Year at Darling Square
Darling Square is one of the major hubs of Lunar New Year 2026, with so many different events planned over the next few weeks. You can catch an on-water jetpack show (how very Aussie), cheer on teams in the fan-favourite dragon boat races and be captivated by vibrant lion dance performances.
The best time to head along would be February 21 and 22, when roving entertainment and live music by renowned local community groups will help bring Darling Square to life.
Don’t miss the Dragon Boat Races scheduled over two days at Cockle Bay Wharf, from February 28 to March 1. It’s being touted as the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 3,000 paddlers shredding water in 12 metre long-tail boats that have been dressed up as dragons.
Where: Darling Square, NSW 2000.
When: February 17 until March 1.
Price: Free.
6. The Year of the Horse at Market City
Haymarket’s endearing Market City will be hosting its own series of Lunar New Year events between now and February 28, with various activations, performances, store blessings, lion dances, and kids workshops planned for the next few weeks. There are also 3000 gold-coloured lucky coins, 2,000 gold foil stickers and 400 plush horses up for grabs as part of their huge Lunar New Year giveaways.
If you want to see a spectacle, head along on Saturday, February 14 or Sunday, February 15 at 2pm (and 6pm on the 14th) to catch a performance from the Jin Wu Koon troupes with high pole and dragon dances. Market City advises arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime to secure a spot.
Where: Centre Court, Level 1, 1909 Dining Precinct, Level 3, Haymarket NSW 2000.
When: January 13 until February 28.
Price: Free.
7. Lunar New Year Festival in Cabramatta
One of the last Lunar New Year street festivals for this year will be located in Cabramatta. Set for Saturday, February 28, the famous Vietnamese enclave will be welcoming the Year of the Horse with a full day of family-friendly fun. A tradition for over 25 years, the street festival will once again push for good fortune, happiness and good health with a schedule packed full of lion dances, food trucks, arts and crafts, workshops, amusement rides, competitions, fireworks and interactive activities for kids.
Where: Arthur Street, Cabramatta, NSW 2166
When: February 28, 11am-9pm.
Price: Free.
8. Lunar New Year Banquets
Feasting and reunion dinners are a big part of Lunar New Year celebrations, with some of Sydney’s best Chinese restaurants putting their best chicken feet forward for the occasion. From the CBD to Hurstville, there are plenty of opportunities to pack a lazy susan with plates of dim sum, longevity noodles, whole seafood and cured meats.
To plan ahead, check out our round-up on the best Lunar New Year dinners in Sydney.
