Chinese New Year

As there is a large community of Chinese-Australians living in New South Wales, Sydneysiders love celebrating Chinese New Year each year. 2019 is the year of the Pig.

Although this festival is celebrated all across the country, Sydney does it a bit different. Chinese-Australians celebrate this cultural festival with the same vigour and energy as they do in China.

The Chinese New Year celebrations begin at the end of January or the start of February each year and run for a week. With live music, food stalls, parades and fireworks; the Chinese New Year is a great family event to celebrate together.

Explore the exhibitions around the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay including spectacular lunar lanterns bringing to life the traditions of the Chinese New Year including large installations of dogs, rats, pigs, snakes and roosters. Take part in a game of Mahjong at Martin Place or enjoy some traditional Chinese delicacies at the many market stalls.

There is also a traditional Dragon Boat Race which runs along the Darling Harbour where over 5000 paddlers will take part in this treasured tradition. Come and watch the dragon boats as they race along the harbour. Races will run over the weekend with competition races as well as charity and corporate team races.

There is also a fabulous Twilight Parade featuring lion dancers, drummers, marching bands, dragons and acrobats which is held in George Street. Each night there will also be a spectacular firework display over the harbour, making a specular backdrop to the Opera House. The fireworks display will commence at approximately 8.45pm.

If you would like to take part in the Chinese New Year in Sydney, come down to the Harbour and get in amongst it all. The festival is FREE! Make sure to secure accommodation early, as it will book out quickly. Click the link below to explore the range of accommodation options in the Sydney CBD.