Lunar New Year with Kids in Sydney: Low‑Cost Events in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
We’re always here for a free or low‑cost cultural celebration, especially when it comes with crafts, lion dances and an excuse to eat dumplings together. Lunar New Year is a gorgeous way to introduce kids to Asian traditions, from zodiac animals and lucky red envelopes to dragon boats and lion dances.
Below, we’ve rounded up family‑friendly Lunar New Year events in the Eastern Suburbs, all free or under $20, and all suitable for kids of different ages.
Library Lunar New Year Activities
Free kid friendly activities in Eastern Suburbs of Sydney libraries
Library LNY activities
Doughy Dumplings and Wonky Wontons at Randwick City Libraries
Randwick Library is hosting a playdough dumpling and wonton making workshop. A squishy, sensory‑perfect way to celebrate Lunar New Year without getting messy with real food. Kids can shape colourful playdough into dumplings and wontons, learning a bit about the traditions behind Lunar New Year feasts along the way.
Need‑to‑Know
Locations & Times:
Randwick (Margaret Martin Library): 16 February 2026, 4:00 – 5:00pm.
Maroubra (Lionel Bowen Library): 18 February 2026, 4:00 – 5:00pm.
Malabar Library: 19 February 2026, 3:30 – 4:30pm.
Cost: Free
Ages: School years K-6 (younger siblings welcome to watch)
Good to know: Bookings are essential via Eventbrite
Watsons Bay Story Time – Lunar New Year Stories and Craft (ages 3–5)
Join a special Lunar New Year themed Story Time at Watsons Bay Library, perfect for preschoolers. Kids enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a simple zodiac craft to introduce festival traditions.
Need-to-Know
Where: Watsons Bay Library, 8 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
When: Tuesday 3 February 2026, 10:30am – 11:30am
Cost: Free
Ages: 3–5 years (parent/carer supervision required)
Good to know: No bookings needed; Woollahra Libraries membership encouraged. Beautiful location – combine with beach play or Campbell Park playground after.
Lunar New Year Story Time Fun at Waverley Library
Waverley Library has a bilingual storytime session with songs, crafts and a special guest Chinese storyteller. It’s a short, engaging morning that introduces Lunar New Year through stories in English and Mandarin, followed by a quick craft.
Eva the storyteller brings energy and cultural insights, making it interactive for little listeners.
Need‑to‑Know
Where: Waverley Library, Bondi Junction
When: 16th, 17th & 19th of February 2026, 11am – 11:30am
Cost: Free
Ages: Any age (best for preschoolers and early primary)
Good to know: Register via the library events page; parent/carer supervision required.
Shopping Centres Lunar New Year events in the East
Craft activities for kids at your local shopping centres
Shopping Centres LNY events in the East
Lunar New Year Craft Activities at Westfield Eastgardens
If you’re squeezing celebrations around a grocery shop or errands, Westfield Eastgardens is running Lunar New Year craft activities in the centre. Little ones can join short, guided craft sessions and make a zodiac animal or Year of the Horse lantern to take home.
Need‑to‑Know
Where: Kids Craft Zone, Level 2 near Myer, Westfield Eastgardens
When: Sat 17 Feb, 11am - 2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: Any age with parent supervision (best for preschool and primary kids)
Good to know: Sessions are usually short and run on rotation, so you can pair it with a quick lunch or a supermarket run without committing your whole day.
LNY Zodiac Hunt at Westfield Eastgardens
Westfield members can kick off the fun at the Concierge Desk, where they can pick up a trail map and begin their journey through the centre. The map leads families to participating retailers to spot all 12 hidden zodiac symbols. Once you’ve found every character, head back to Concierge to claim a special Lunar New Year prize.
Need‑to‑Know
Where: Westfield Eastgardens, Level 2 concierge desk
When: 11, 12, 13, 14 Feb, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages (best for preschoolers and primary kids who can help “hunt” the animals)
Good to know: Special LNY prize at the end of the LNY Zodiac Hunt.
Markets and Family Friendly Lunar New Year events
Lunar New Year Night Markets at Bondi Junction Oxford Street Mall
Oxford Street Mall transforms into a buzzing Lunar New Year Night Market with Asian street food stalls, craft vendors, live entertainment and lion dances lighting up the evening. It’s family‑friendly with roaming performers, photo ops and a festive atmosphere near Westfield – grab dumplings, spot zodiac lanterns and let kids enjoy the energy.
Need‑to‑Know
Where: Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction (near Westfield entrance)
When: Thursday 19 February 2026, 4pm – 9pm
Cost: Free entry
Ages: All ages
Good to know: Arrive early for parking/food lines.
Lunar New Year at Meeks Street Plaza, Kingsford
Celebrate Lunar New Year in the heart of Kingsford with a big, family‑friendly street party at Meeks Street Plaza. Kids can watch the lion dance roar down the street, hang wishes on the Wishing Tree, join drop‑in workshops and dance along to DJ Dumplings.
Need‑to‑Know
Where: Meeks Street Plaza, Kingsford
When: Saturday 21 February 2026, 4pm – 8:30pm
Cost: Free entry
Ages: All ages
What’s on:
Lion dance performance from 5:30pm
DJ Dumplings and live performances
Kids/family workshops and Wishing Tree
Food trucks plus nearby Kingsford restaurants serving festival favourites
Good to know: Arrive a little early if you want an easy park or to grab an early dinner before the lion dance starts.
