How to celebrate Chinese New Year in Sydney
This weekend marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year festival in Sydney. Now in its 21st edition, more than 1 million people are expected to attend one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia. We have put together the top 5 events you can’t miss to ring in the Year of the Rooster:
1. Watch Sydney’s world famous icons turn red
Across the entire opening weekend, Sydney’s renowned landmarks – including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House – will be bathed in bold red light to welcome the New Year. If you want to enjoy the best view of the harbour minus the crowds, join us on a Night Climb and see the city turn red from the summit of the Bridge. Book your Climb here.
2. Sing your heart out 134 metres above the harbour
Looking to do something special to celebrate? The Karaoke Climb will run throughout the Chinese New Year Festival: available in English and Mandarin, belt out your favourite songs on a karaoke booth like no other. You will even get to keep an 8 second video of your stellar performance! Find out more here.
3. Take a stroll around the Lunar Lantern Trail in Circular Quay
Take a walk around Circular Quay to discover 12 larger-than-life animal lanterns designed exclusively by Asian-Australian artists. Blending modern technology with classic Chinese techniques, these animal lanterns represent the 12 signs of the Lunar Zodiac and tower up to 10 metres tall, so they’ll be hard to miss!
4. Sample the best contemporary Asian food at the Night Market
The Night Market, curated by award-winning chef Kylie Kwong, returns to Carriageworks this Saturday 28th of January from 5 to 10pm. Showcasing some of Sydney’s best producers, you’ll be immersed in the food, pop culture and sounds of Contemporary Asia.
5. Step into another world at the Lunar Lantern Hub
Underneath a ceiling of Glowing Lanterns, Martin Place is transformed into another world with live DJs, pop-up cocktail bars and delicious treats from Bao Stop and Gelato Messina.