The calendar of Lunar New Year events in Sydney is one of the city's largest cultural celebrations, and the 2026 festivities are ready to go off with a colourful bang!

Ushering in the Year of the Horse, Sydney's Chinese New Year 2026 runs from 7 February to 1 March 2026, with epic events and dining experiences happening all across the city. We've rounded up some of the best Lunar New Year events for Sydney families to start the Year of the Horse off on a seriously festive note.

What is the Meaning of the Animal in the Chinese New Year 2026?

Before we delve into all the festivities happening this Chinese New Year, why don't we take a look at the meaning behind this year's animal? For 2026, the Chinese New Year gallops in with the Year of the Horse, an animal loved for its energy, confidence and free-spirited nature. The Horse symbolises movement, adventure, and momentum, making it a year to charge ahead, try new things, and follow your passions with enthusiasm. Known for being social, optimistic and always on the go, the Horse brings a lively, upbeat vibe to the year ahead, encouraging big ideas, bold plans and a little bit of fearless fun along the way.

The Best Lunar New Year Events in Sydney 2026

Family-Friendly Activities & Community Events

One of the loveliest things about the Lunar New Year in Sydney is how it naturally brings people together. Across the city, celebrations open their doors wide, inviting families of all backgrounds to gather, learn, taste and take part. For kids, it might be their first lion dance or red envelope; for parents, it's a chance to share stories, traditions and values that centre on respect, gratitude and togetherness.

These events are especially meaningful for multi-generational families, where grandparents, parents and kids can all enjoy the same experience, each connecting in their own way.

This time of the year is about the connection between families, neighbours and cultures, and Sydney's celebrations beautifully reflect the city itself: diverse, generous and eager to celebrate side by side.

1. Chatswood Year Of The Horse Festival

The Chatswood Year of the Horse Festival is one of Sydney's biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in 2026, stretching across 17 action-packed days of colour, culture and community fun. Families can dip into a full program of free and ticketed events, from the bustling Lunar Celebration Weekend with 130-plus food and market stalls, lion dances, live music, kids' activities and the signature Lantern Parade, to smaller experiences like Lunar New Year Storytime, creative workshops, the Nova Star Youth Talent Competition and the much-loved Wishing Tree.

With performances ranging from traditional Asian music to K-pop, plus film, art and hands-on activities, Chatswood delivers a festive, family-friendly way to welcome the Year of the Horse right in the heart of Sydney.

Where:   Various locations throughout Chatswood
When:    12-28 February 2026
Cost:      General entry is FREE. Some ticketed events.

2. Blacktown City Council 2026 Lunar New Year Celebrations

Blacktown's Lunar New Year Celebrations are a standout for families looking to welcome the Year of the Horse in Sydney's west. Held at the picturesque Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens in Nurragingy Reserve, this free community event runs from 4-9 pm on Friday 20 February and delivers a full evening of colour and culture.

Soak up the festive spirit with lion and dragon dances, fireworks, traditional music and dance performances, bustling food and market stalls, plus a huge program of free kids' activities including rides, craft workshops, face painting and calligraphy. It's a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that brings Chinese New Year traditions to life.

Where:      Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside
When:       Friday 20 February 2026 | 4 - 9 pm
Cost:         FREE entry

3. St Leonards Lunar Laneways

St Leonards is launching a brand-new Lunar New Year celebration in 2026 with the debut of St Leonards Lunar Laneways, a free twilight street party set to illuminate Canberra Avenue and Marshall Lane. Curated in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre, the event shines a spotlight on Korean culture with night markets, street food, live performances spanning traditional gugak to K-pop, interactive workshops, cultural games and glowing art installations.

With lanterns, immersive light displays and plenty of Lunar traditions from across Asia, this family-friendly festival transforms the precinct beneath Wadanggari Park into a lively hub of music, colour and community, just moments from St Leonards Station.

Where:  Canberra Avenue, St Leonards (next to Wadanggari Park)
When:   Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4-9 pm
Cost:     FREE

4. Sydney Lunar Streets

One of our top picks to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Sydney is at the Sydney Lunar Streets—Haymarket Street festival. 

The streets of Haymarket will come alive with live entertainment, roving performers, food trucks, market stalls, DJs, and performances by Sydney's Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese community groups.

It really is an unmissable event on the festive calendar! 

Where:  Dixon Street, Haymarket 
When:   14 February 2026 from 5-10 pm
Cost:     FREE

5. 12 Lunar Lanterns by Erika Zhu

12 Lunar Lanterns by Erika Zhu is a bright, family-friendly Lunar New Year event in Sydney's Chinatown that's part of the Sydney Lunar Festival.

Stretching along Hay Street in Haymarket, this magical installation lights up the precinct with 12 large, colourful lanterns inspired by the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Each lantern is infused with playful charm and joyful character, inviting visitors of all ages to wander beneath the glowing canopy and discover the whimsical creatures that represent the lunar year's cycle. Designed by Sydney-based artist Erika Zhu, the lanterns combine vibrant hues such as scarlet red (a lucky colour in Chinese culture) and emerald green with contemporary artistic flair, creating a visually delightful celebration that's perfect for families to explore, snap photos, and soak up the spirit of the Year of the Horse together.

Where:  Dixon Street, Haymarket 
When:   All day from 11 February to 1 March 2026
Cost:     FREE

6. Fire Horse on Dixon Street

Right in the heart of Chinatown, a glowing Fire Horse installation will spring to life on Dixon Street, inviting families to celebrate Chinese New Year together. Part of the Sydney Lunar Festival, this striking public art installation is full of movement and warmth, with the horse appearing mid-stride as if formed from flickering flames. Kids will love spotting its fiery details, while grown-ups can soak up the energy and excitement it brings to the street.

The Fire Horse represents confidence, passion and bright new beginnings, making it a fun and meaningful stop for a family wander through Haymarket. Appearing only once every 60 years in the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Horse is a rare symbol of vitality and momentum, perfectly matching the buzz of the surrounding precinct. 

Where:  Dixon Street, Haymarket 
When:   All day from 11 February to 1 March 2026
Cost:     FREE

7. Traditional Lion Dancing

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Lunar parade featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, exciting collaborations with local businesses, and community performers as they transform George Street into a Lunar wonderland!

This premier Lunar New Year event in Sydney focuses on fostering community bonds, promoting cultural exchange, and showcasing the lively spirit of the Chinese New Year.

Where:  Hay Street, corner of Harbour Street and End of Campbell Street, near George Street. See the full lineup.
When:   Friday to Sunday from 6-6.45 pm; 20 February to 1 March 2026
Cost:     FREE

8. Lunar New Year in Parramatta & Epping

Celebrate the Year of the Horse in style with a bustling lineup of events in not one but two locations this year, in Parramatta AND Epping!

Start the year on a lucky note with free festival events featuring lion dancers, live music, cultural performances and plenty of delicious food. Head to Parramatta CBD for a lively celebration in the city centre, then make your way to Boronia Park in Epping for a brand-new community festival filled with colour, sound and tradition.

In Parramatta Square, feel the power and momentum of the Horse through thrilling high-pole Lion Dances, music and entertainment that set the tone for a joyful year ahead. In Epping, Boronia Park comes alive with a festive mix of high-pole lion dancers, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and cultural performances, inviting families to soak up the sights, flavours, and festive energy of the Year of the Horse.

Where:   Parramatta Square and Boronia Park, Epping
When:    Parramatta on 20 February 2026 from 4-9; Epping on 21 February 2026 from 4-9 pm
Cost:      FREE entry

9. Lunar Sea at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Delight in a Lunar New Year event filled with performances, art, workshops, and activities taking place every weekend at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Sponsored by the China Cultural Centre, Lunar Sea at the Sea Museum offers a full day of FREE activities for families, including lantern workshops, traditional ink painting, lion dancing, tea tasting, Mandarin language tours, activity trails, face painting, and more.

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

Where:   Australian National Maritime Museum
When:    22 February 2026 from 11 am to 4 pm
Cost:      FREE

10. Chinese New Year at Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens

Join the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations at Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens in Nurragingy Reserve, where a tapestry of colour and culture will unfold to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Set against this beautiful backdrop, the celebrations will unfold from 4 pm to 9 pm with an evening of cultural performances and festive entertainment. Enjoy the excitement of lion dancing, the official opening and firecrackers at 7 pm, followed by the much-anticipated Dragon Dance at 7.55 pm, before the night wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the sky at 9 pm.

Where:  Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside
When:   20 February 2026 from 4-9 pm
Cost:     FREE

11. Campsie Lantern Festival

 

Prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with flavour, culture and festive fun as the Campsie Lantern Festival returns to light up Anzac Mall and Anzac Park.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, 28 February 2026, from 5-9.30 pm, when the community comes together to celebrate the close of the Year of the Horse with a lively night out. Expect delicious Asian street food, dynamic cultural performances and a great lineup of free activities for kids. From glowing lantern displays and traditional costumes on the Campsie Catwalk to thrilling lion dance performances and photo moments with the dazzling Lantern Lady, there's something magical waiting around every corner.

Where:  Anzac Mall and Anzac Square, Campsie
When:   28 February 2026 from 5-9.30 pm
Cost:     FREE

12. Eastwood Lunar 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!

Where:   Eastwood Town Centre
When:    28 February 2026 from 4-9 pm
Cost:      FREE entry

13. Dragon Boat Races at Cockle Bay Wharf

Indulge in a spot of Dragon Boat Racing at Cockle Bay Wharf this Chinese 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 12-metre-long dragon boats battle it out for victory in one of the best Chinese New Year activities for kids in Sydney!

Where:  Darling Park, Cockle Bay Wharf 
When:   28 February and 1 March 2026
Cost:     FREE to watch

14. Lunar New Year in Bankstown

The City of Canterbury Bankstown invites you to share in the festivities and explore the neighbourhood's cultural diversity as they celebrate the Year of the Horse in spectacular style.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse in full stride with a jam-packed program of excitement, from electrifying main stage performances to dazzling Chinese dragon and lion dances. Wander through the lively Lunar Garden, spot the God and Goddess of Fortune as they make their rounds, and refuel at food and drink stalls serving up flavours from across a range of cuisines.

Where:  Griffith Park, 4A Olympic Parade, Bankstown
When:   7 February 2026 from 4-9 pm
Cost:     FREE entry

The Best Lunar New Year Lunches & Dinners in Sydney

Ready to feast? These restaurants are dishing up scrumptious Lunar New Year lunches and dinners in Sydney, especially for the Year of the Horse.
 

15. Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea

Celebrate Lunar New Year in a way the whole family can enjoy with this special Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, marking the Year of the Horse with colour, flavour and a touch of occasion.

The Fullerton's Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea is a great opportunity to slow down together and introduce kids to new flavours in a relaxed, festive setting. Families can share a mix of savoury favourites inspired by Central and Southeast Asian flavours, from barbeque duck bao sliders and prawn dumplings to sweet chilli soy prawns and classic quail egg sandwiches. There’s plenty to nibble, sample and pass around the table, making it easy for curious eaters and grown-ups alike.

The sweet spread is where the magic really shines for kids, with delicate mousses in flavours like cherry blossom, mandarin and jasmine, alongside chocolate with yuzu, matcha sponge cakes and fluffy scones with cream! 

Where:  The Fullerton Hotel
When:   Available daily at The Bar from 1-28 February 2026 between 12 and 4 pm
Cost:     From $90 per person

16. Darling Harbour

Chinese New Year at Darling Harbour is always a treat, particularly for families looking for festive festivities and festive food offerings!

There are plenty of yummy restaurants open at Darling Harbour this year to make your Chinese New Year extra yummy. But, before you get to the tasty finale, here are all the events happening at our favourite waterfront venue. 

Feel mesmerised by high-flying jet pack shows over Cockle Bay, vibrant lion dance performances, epic Drone Show and the fan-favourite dragon boat races on the water. There'll be opportunities to explore the serene Chinese Garden of Friendship with kids' crafts, zodiac readings, tea ceremonies and live music, plus a Twilight Garden Party after dark. Families can enjoy community cultural performances and Saturday fireworks in February.

There are over 150 Darling Harbour dining options, perfect for sharing Lunar feasts and treats with family and friends. Here are our top picks for the Chinese New Year:

Best Dumplings:
Savour classic and creative dumplings across the precinct, with highlights like juicy xiao long bao at One Dining in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and delicate steamed prawn dumplings at XOPP by Golden Century.

Best Noodles:
Slurp hearty noodle bowls for comfort and celebration, from Vietnamese pho at Tan Viet Noodle House, to spicy Korean-style jjampong at Kao Kao, and for authentic tonkotsu ramen, head to Hakatamon Ramen in Darling Square.

Seafood Highlights:
Seafood is stealing the spotlight this Chinese New Year! Enjoy fresh and luxurious seafood with wok-fried pippies in XO sauce or expansive seafood platters at places like Nick's Seafood and MuMian, both perfect for themed Lunar New Year dining.

Sweet Treats:
Cap your feast with Lunar-inspired desserts, from bubble tea and parfaits to indulgent waffles and fruit-topped pastries at spots like Bubble Nini's, Matcha-Ya, Auvers and Pancakes on the Rocks.
 

17. Festive Celebration Menus & Experiences

From lavish banquets to limited-edition menus and one-off dining events, these Sydney restaurants are marking the Year of the Horse with festive experiences designed for sharing, celebrating and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.

Luna Lu (The Rocks): 16 February to 3 March 2026

Luna Lu is serving a Chinese New Year banquet menu with a curated four-course shared feast celebrating the Year of the Horse, with dishes like Sydney rock oysters, XO butter lobster noodles and more against harbour views.

Spice Temple (CBD): 9 February to 3 March 2026

Spice Temple is hosting a nine-course banquet featuring traditional prosperity dishes such as Pink Snapper Yu Sheng and longevity noodles, along with red packets for guests.

Aria (Circular Quay): Throughout the festival

Aria is offering a limited bar-side menu throughout the festival, featuring Asian-inspired bites and celebratory cocktails, set against the harbour backdrop.

Sydney Opera House – Lunar New Year Dinner with Victor Liong: 19 February 2026

A special three-course dinner experience featuring yee sang, stuffed duck and more, with lion dance performances and paired wines or tea in the Yallamundi Rooms.

Fat Noodle (The Star): Throughout the festival

Fat Noodle is hosting a Lunar Feast with Luke Nguyen, featuring a one-off six-course menu inspired by Chinese New Year traditions and flavours.

The Dynasty (Belmore): Throughout the festival

Enjoy banquet menus and specials, perfect for families or groups looking to celebrate with classic festive dishes.

Why are Shared Dining Experiences Important During the Lunar New Year?

Dining out on Lunar New Year is a way for families to come together and honour traditions centred on connection, abundance and good fortune.

Shared dishes symbolise unity; long noodles represent longevity; seafood and dumplings are associated with prosperity; and banquet-style dining reflects the belief that the year should begin with generosity and togetherness. For families, eating out also becomes a gentle way to pass these stories and symbols on to kids, turning a celebratory lunch or dinner into a meaningful ritual that welcomes luck, health and happiness for the year ahead. Happy Chinese New Year!

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