Family-Friendly Lunar New Year Events in Sydney
Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant times of year to explore Sydney with kids, with the city coming alive through colour, culture and celebration. Whether Lunar New Year is something your family celebrates every year or you’re experiencing it for the very first time, there are so many welcoming, family-friendly ways to join in.
From lion dances and lantern-lit streets to hands-on craft, performances and free festivals, below we’ve rounded up some of the best Lunar New Year events happening across Sydney to help you celebrate the Year of the Horse together.
Chinese Cultural Fair at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Wed 11 – Thu 12 Feb | 10am – 4pm | Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour | $12 garden entry for adults, $8 for children aged 5-12 | No bookings required
Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Chinese Garden of Friendship with the China Cultural Centre Cultural Fair, a two-day festival filled with performances, hands-on activities and festive exhibitions in a beautiful garden setting.
Across both days, enjoy a lively program of cultural performances including lion dance, martial arts, traditional Chinese dance, diabolo acrobatics, singing and live folk music featuring instruments such as the erhu, pipa and guzheng. Families can also take part in interactive cultural experiences like sugar-figure blowing, kite making, paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy and traditional tea tasting, as well as explore themed photo and design exhibitions.
Visitors who complete five cultural activities can collect stamps and redeem a special gift, with a bonus Year of the Horse mascot available for the first 100 visitors each day (while stocks last).
More details: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/china-cultural-centre-cultural-fair
Sydney Lunar Streets – Haymarket Street Festival
Saturday 14 February | 5pm – 10pm | Haymarket | Free | No bookings required
Sydney Lunar Streets transforms Haymarket into a vibrant, family-friendly street festival for one unforgettable night of Lunar New Year celebrations. Stretching from Chinatown to Thaitown, the festival features lion dances, live performances, DJs, market stalls and street food, alongside the spectacular Fire Horse installation on Dixon Street and the glowing lantern canopy on Hay Street. With plenty of space to wander, watch and soak up the atmosphere, it’s an exciting evening out for families wanting to experience the energy, colour and joy of Lunar New Year in the heart of the city.
More details: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/sydney-lunar-festival
High Pole Lion Dances at Market City
Various dates until 1 March | Various times | Market City, Haymarket | Free | No bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Market City from Tuesday 13 January to Sunday 1 March 2026, with a vibrant program of free performances, kids’ activities, cultural experiences and festive installations in the heart of Chinatown. With events running across multiple levels of the centre, it’s an easy stop for families to enjoy Lunar New Year celebrations alongside shopping and dining.
Market City is open daily from 9am – 10pm.
Free parking is available after 6pm when dining at the 1909 Dining Precinct or any Level 3 restaurant (ticket validation required).
Giant Year of the Horse Installations
Tue 13 Jan – Sun 1 Mar | During centre hours | Level 1 Centre Court & Level 3 1909 Dining Precinct | Free | No bookings required
Snap photos with large-scale Year of the Horse installations, perfect for a festive family photo or Chinatown visit.
High Pole Lion Dance Acrobatics (Event Highlight)
Sat 14 Feb | 2pm & 6pm
Sun 15 Feb | 2pm
Level 1, Centre Court | Free | No bookings required
Watch the renowned Jin Wu Koon troupe perform spectacular high-pole lion dance acrobatics in a thrilling Lunar New Year display.
Kids Lion Dance Workshops
Sat 7 Feb & Sat 22 Feb | 2pm, 3pm & 5pm
Level 1, Centre Court | Free | No bookings required
Kids can learn basic lion dance movements in these fun, interactive workshops designed especially for young participants.
Store Blessings with Jin Wu Koon Lion Dance Troupes
Sun 15 Feb | 4:30pm – 6pm
Roaming across all three levels | Free | No bookings required
Follow the lion dance troupes as they perform traditional store blessings throughout Market City, symbolising good fortune and prosperity.
Lunar New Year Giveaways
Wed 12 – Mon 17 Feb | Times vary
Market City | Free | No bookings required
Look out for lucky coins, plush horses and retail vouchers available during selected shows and activations.
More details: http://www.marketcity.com.au/celebrate-lunar-new-year-at-market-city/
Fascinating Thaitown Lunar New Year
Saturday 14 February | 10am – 10pm | Thaitown Sydney (corner of Campbell & George Streets) | Free | No bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year in the heart of Haymarket with Fascinating Thaitown, a full-day cultural celebration filled with colour, flavour and festive energy. Thaitown comes alive with a vibrant community market, authentic Thai street food and lively performances, offering a wonderful opportunity for families to experience Thai culture as part of Sydney’s Lunar Festival celebrations. Wander through beautifully decorated laneways featuring Thai lanterns, murals and new public art installations created especially for the Year of the Horse. With markets running all day and striking displays on show throughout February, this is a relaxed and engaging way to explore Lunar New Year traditions in the city.
More details: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/fascinating-thaitown-lunar-new-year
Family Sunday: Celebrate Lunar New Year at the State Library of NSW
Sun 15 Feb | 10am – 1pm | State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street | Free | Registration required
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a free family celebration at the State Library of NSW. The Learning Centre will be filled with craft, puzzles, books and hands‑on activities for children of all ages, while the Children’s Library hosts multilingual storytime sessions. At 11am, the Sydney Lion Dance team performs a lively lion dance in the library, bringing drumming, colour and movement into the historic building. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.
More details and registration here: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/event/family-sunday-celebrate-lunar-new-year-at-the-state-library/
LED Lion Dancing at Darling Square
Sat 14 Feb – Sun 1 Mar | Times vary | Darling Square, 35 Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket | Free | No bookings required
Darling Square comes alive for Lunar New Year with a vibrant program of free installations, performances and family-friendly activities running across February and early March. With glowing lanterns, live music, traditional arts and playful experiences for kids, it’s an easy spot to drop in and soak up the festive atmosphere while dining or exploring the precinct.
Illuminated Lantern Installation
Sat 24 Feb – Sun 1 Mar (evenings)
Stroll through a stunning tunnel of glowing lanterns symbolising good fortune, prosperity and joy. Hundreds of illuminated lanterns light up Darling Square each night, creating a magical backdrop for families and visitors.
LED Lion Dancing
Sat 14 Feb & Sat 28 Feb | 8pm
Enjoy a modern take on traditional lion dancing as dazzling LED lions light up the square in an energetic nighttime performance.
Chinese Calligraphy
Sat 14 Feb & Sat 28 Feb | 6pm – 8pm
Take home a personalised Lunar New Year keepsake with your name or a special message written by a Chinese calligrapher.
Live Music
Sat & Sun, 15 Feb – 1 Mar | 6pm – 9pm
Relax and enjoy live vocal performances while dining at Darling Square, with evening music across multiple weekends.
Lunar Toy Pony Ride
Sat & Sun, 14 Feb – 1 Mar | 3pm – 7pm
Kids can enjoy a free toy pony ride when you spend at any Darling Square retailer and show your receipt. One ride per receipt. Located between The Exchange and Pumphouse. T&Cs apply.
More details: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/lunar-new-year-at-darling-square
Lion Dances and Community Performances at Darling Harbour
17, 21 and 22 Feb, 1 Mar | Various times | Chinese Garden of Friendship and Palm Grove, Darling Harbour | Free (optional paid entry to Garden) | No bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Darling Harbour with a lively program of free community performances showcasing the rich diversity of Asian cultures. Across the weekend, Palm Grove comes alive with traditional and contemporary dance, live music and energetic lion dance performances by local cultural groups.
Schedule
Tue 17 Feb at the Chinese Garden of Friendship: 10:30am - 11:30am (Tickets required for Garden entry)
Sat 21 Feb at Palm Grove: 10:30am - 11:30am and 3:30pm
Sun 22 Feb at Palm Grove: 10:30am - 11:30am
Sun 1 Mar at the Chinese Garden Forecourt: 4pm - 4:30pm (Tickets required for Garden entry)
More details: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/lunar-new-year-community-performances
Lunar New Year at South Eveleigh
Wed 18 Feb - Sat 21 Feb | Various times | South Eveleigh, Locomotive St, Eveleigh | Free | No bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year at South Eveleigh from Wed 18 to Sunday 22 February 2026, with free performances, games and interactive experiences welcoming in the Year of the Fire Horse. From lion dances to Mahjong workshops, there’s plenty happening across the precinct for families and visitors of all ages.
All events are free and first come, first served. For more details, head here: www.southeveleigh.com/whats-on-new/events/2026/02/15/Lunar-New-Year
Two hours free parking is available under the South Eveleigh shopping precinct.
Plucking of the Greens (Lion Dance Ritual)
Wed 18 Feb | From 11:30am | Roaming throughout South Eveleigh
Watch lion dancers roam the precinct as part of the traditional Plucking of the Greens ritual. Participating retailers hang fresh lettuce for the lions to “pluck”, symbolising prosperity, success and good fortune for the year ahead.
Mahjong Workshops
Thu 19 Feb | 11am – 2pm
Sat 21 Feb | 10am – 1pm
Shop 1, Locomotive Street, South Eveleigh | Free | No bookings required
Learn the art of Mahjong or sharpen your skills in these relaxed, hands-on workshops. Play with friends or learn from an experienced instructor who shares the history, strategy and traditions behind the game.
Lion Dance on Poles
Sat 21 Feb | From 1pm | Innovation Plaza, South Eveleigh (near BrewDog)
Experience a high-energy Lion Dance on Poles performance by the renowned Jin Wu Koon. This spectacular display of skill, balance and tradition is a Lunar New Year highlight and always draws a crowd.
Lunar Extravaganza
Saturday 21 February | 2pm – 3:15pm & 5pm – 6:15pm | Sydney Town Hall, Centennial Hall | Free | No bookings required
Lunar Extravaganza is a free, large-scale cultural performance celebrating Lunar New Year as part of the Sydney Lunar Festival. Held inside the beautiful Centennial Hall at Sydney Town Hall, this vibrant showcase brings together dance, music and song from Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese communities. Across two afternoon and evening shows, families can enjoy a colourful program featuring traditional and contemporary performances by community groups and youth ensembles.
This event is first in, first served. So arrive early to save a spot in line! Doors open 45 minutes before show time.
More details and list of performers: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/lunar-extravaganza
Lunar New Year Jetpack Shows
Sat 21 Feb | Shows at 4pm & 8:45pm | Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour | Free | No bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year with two spectacular aerial show over the waters of Darling Harbour at 4pm and 8:45pm. Jet pack performers soar high above Cockle Bay, transforming the waterfront into a open-air stage for a high-energy cultural celebration.
Watch as performers dressed as vibrant Lunar New Year lion dancers execute breathtaking aerial manoeuvres, flying and flipping above the water to a festive Lunar New Year soundtrack. Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes, and the evening show concludes with a fireworks finale.
More details: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/lunar-new-year-jet-pack-shows
Year of the Horse Craft Creations at the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Sat 21 & Sat 28 Feb | 11am–1:45pm (multiple session times) | Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour | $8 child / $12 adult garden entry (includes the craft) | No bookings required
Year of the Horse Craft Creations (at the Chinese Garden of Friendship) is a fun hands-on kids’ workshop where children can make their own miniature horse using recycled materials, markers, stickers, wool and more — perfect for little creators aged 5–12 with an adult helper.
It runs on Sat 21 & 28 Feb, with three sessions each day from 11am-11:45am, 12pm-12:45pm, and 1pm-1:45pm.
The activity itself is part of the Chinese Garden’s broader Lunar New Year program. Entry to this craft is included in garden admission. Tickets are $8 for children (5-12 years) and $12 for adults.
More details: www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/crafting-the-horse
Lunar New Year Celebrations at the Maritime Museum (Sydney)
Sun 22 Feb | Times vary (main activities 10am – 4pm) | Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour | Free events + ticketed Maker Space | Some bookings required
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Australian National Maritime Museum with Lunar Sea, a full-day cultural celebration marking the Year of the Horse. Many of the performances and activities across the museum and waterfront are free to attend, making it a great option for families wanting to soak up Lunar New Year festivities at Darling Harbour.
Enjoy traditional music, dance and acrobatics from Tianjin, dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, roving performers, tea tastings, cultural displays, Mandarin-language tours and a Lunar treasure trail through the museum. These performances and cultural experiences are open to the public at no cost.
The Lunar Maker Space and face painting sessions are only available to paid museum ticketholders, with ticketed entry also giving access to the museum galleries. Maker Space activities include dragon boat model making, shadow puppets, block printing and fan painting. Specialty art-making activities and souvenir prizes are limited and offered on a first-come basis.
More details: www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/lunar-sea
Larger-Than-Life Lanterns
Wednesday 11 February – Sunday 1 March | All day | Dixon Street & Hay Street, Haymarket | Free | No bookings required
Haymarket comes alive for the Lunar New Year with glowing lanterns and striking public art that invite families to slow down and soak up the celebration. From the powerful Fire Horse rising on Dixon Street to the colourful canopy of zodiac lanterns stretching along Hay Street, this free outdoor experience blends tradition, storytelling and playful design. It’s an easy, festive outing to enjoy together — especially in the evening, when the lights transform the precinct into something truly magical.
More details:
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/fire-horse-on-dixon-street
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/12-lunar-lanterns-by-erika-zhu
