The Best of Things to Do & See in Sydney for Lunar New Year 2026
Lanterns at Chinatown (Destination NSW)
Lunar New Year is one of the most significant celebrations across Asia and beyond, marking the start of a new lunar calendar. In 2026, the festival welcomes the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, freedom, and ambition. It’s a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and setting intentions for the year ahead. We've put together a list of activities to help you ring in the Year of the Fire Horse.
When is Lunar New Year in 2026?
Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, with the Sydney Lunar Festival activities happening from the 14th of February until the 1st of March 2026.
Chinese New Year Lantern Festival (Destination NSW)
Top Lucky Things to Do for Lunar New Year in Sydney
Start the year on a high note—literally. One of the most symbolic ways to celebrate is by ascending to great heights, and there’s no better place than the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A BridgeClimb experience is more than an adventure; it’s a metaphor for rising above challenges and embracing new opportunities. Imagine standing at the Summit waving a red hanky for good luck, overlooking Sydney’s sparkling harbour, and setting your intentions for the Year of the Horse. We've got lots going on at BridgeClimb to celebrate, including increasing our Mandarin Climbs through the festival period where every Climber will receive a limited-edition Year of the Horse gold coin at check-in, plus more additional guest experiences. Check out what on at BridgeClimb during the Lunar New Year Festival.
Other lucky Lunar activities include:
- Visiting temples for blessings
- Giving red envelopes for good fortune
- Enjoying traditional lion dances and dragon boat races
Book your Lunar New Year Climb
Key Suburbs to Visit
Sydney’s Lunar New Year celebrations span several vibrant neighbourhoods:
- Haymarket, Chinatown & Darling Harbour: The heart of the festivities with lantern displays, live performances and street markets.
- Chatswood: Hosts two full days of outdoor entertainment with over 130 food stalls, lions dance performances, jumping castle, pony rides, roving performances, a fortune booth with lucky prizes and much more.
- Cabramatta: Known as a hub for authentic Asian cuisine, Cabramatta's Lunar New Year Festival is vibrant celebration filled with cultural performances, live music, rides, traditional food, lion dances, and more
- Burwood: The new Burwood Chinatown precinct serves authentic Asian street food with over 50 hawker style eateries, night markets and a lunar events and performances throughout the festive period.
- Hurstville: The perfect destination for Lunar New Year celebrations, offering a wide array of authentic Asian restaurants that make it a cultural and culinary hotspot. Hurstville also hosts a vibrant Lunar New Year festival with free entertainment, live stage performances, cooking demonstrations, and much more!
- Eastwood: A fantastic spot to celebrate Lunar New Year, with an incredible selection of Asian restaurants that make it a true foodie paradise. Eastwood's festival will feature amusement rides, market stalls and food trucks, cultural performances including lion dance performance, plus fireworks in the evening!
Darling Harbour Festival (Destination NSW)
Getting Around Sydney During Lunar New Year
Sydney comes alive during Lunar New Year with vibrant decorations, street performances, and bustling food markets. Public transport is the easiest way to get around key festival hubs like Chinatown, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour. If you’re planning to explore multiple suburbs, consider using an Opal card for seamless travel.
Cultural Workshops and Activities
Immerse yourself in traditions with hands-on workshops and activities like:
- Calligraphy classes to write auspicious characters
- Dumpling-making sessions (where the best part is eating handmade dumplings)
- Lunar Lantern workshops to get the kids involved
- Tea ceremonies that celebrate harmony and prosperity
- BridgeClimb experiences where you can wave a red hanky at the Summit for good luck
Book your Lunar New Year Climb
Live Performances
Sydney comes alive with dazzling lion dances, live music, and cultural showcases across the city. Haymarket transforms into a cultural hub with lunar light installations, night markets and food trucks. Darling Harbour often hosts spectacular fireworks displays to mark the occasion.
Food: A Feast for Good Fortune
Food is central to Lunar New Year celebrations. Indulge in symbolic dishes like:
- Dumplings for wealth and great news! On select dates throughout the festival (Wednesday 18, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026), our friends at Dumpling Cheers will be onsite with a pop-up dumpling.
- Noodles for a long life
- Sweet rice cakes for prosperity
- Traditional prosperity toss salad
Explore night markets in Chinatown or book a banquet at one of Sydney’s renowned Asian restaurants.
Prosperity toss Lunar New Year salad (Destination NSW)
FAQs
What does the Year of the Horse mean for 2026?
The Horse represents energy, independence, and success. It’s a year to embrace ambition and take bold steps forward.
Where are the best suburbs to experience Lunar New Year festivities?
Haymarket, Chatswood, and Cabramatta are top picks for cultural events and authentic food.
What are some lucky ways to celebrate Lunar New Year?
Waving a red hanky at the Summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sharing festive meals, and participating in cultural traditions are all considered auspicious.
Ready to Start the Lunar Year on a High?
Book your BridgeClimb experience and make Lunar New Year 2026 unforgettable. Whether you choose a day experience to soak in the views or a twilight experience to see Sydney sparkle, reaching the Summit is the ultimate way to set a positive trajectory for the year ahead.
Book your Lunar New Year Climb
