The Lunar New Year is on the horizon once again, providing a welcome moment to pause, take stock, and look ahead. Guided by the lunar calendar, the date changes each year, but in 2026 it falls on February 17. Despite the changing date, the intention surrounding the Lunar New Year stays the same: to close one chapter and welcome the next with clarity, hope and good fortune. 2026 marks the transition from the introspective Year of the Snake into the energetic Year of the Horse — a shift that invites momentum, confidence and forward motion.
Across many Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is celebrated through food, family, ritual and community. In Australia, those traditions spill out into the streets, with cities coming alive through lantern festivals, lion dances, night markets, performances and exhibitions. Whether you’re honouring long-held customs or simply joining in the festivities, there are countless ways to celebrate. Below, we round up how to welcome Lunar New Year across every state and territory.
NSW
Baker Bleu is celebrating Lunar New Year with a limited-edition collaboration with Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook, available across Baker Bleu stores in Melbourne and Sydney from 16 February - 1 March. The menu includes a duck sausage roll with quince hoisin sauce, a spring onion twist, and a jasmine tea-infused custard tart.
Opera Bar is ringing in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant Lunar New Year seafood menu, available 16 February – Tuesday 3 March. You can make a booking here.
Love, Tilly Devine’s next Tilly Takeover will take place on March 3, the last night of Lunar New Year celebrations. The evening will showcase a selection of unique bottles from vineyards across China, and there will also be a selection of Grape Garden dumplings available for one night only. Bookings available here.
South Eveleigh will host a series of vibrant physical and digital experiences in celebration of Lunar New Year. From a High Pole Lion Dance to Mahjong Workshops, there's something for everyone in this exciting program. Plan your visit here.
Felons Barrel Room will celebrate Lunar New Year with a four-day program of food, tradition and community on Manly Wharf, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse from 19 - 22 February. More information and bookings available here.
From 16 February to 3 March, Aria invites guests to celebrate Lunar New Year with an intimate dining experience, available exclusively in the bar. The limited menu features a selection of refined snacks and a signature Juzi honeybee cocktail throughout Lunar New Year. Bookings available here.
Lotus Brangaroo is marking the Year of the Horse with the only traditional Lion Dance on Wulugul Walk on 20 February from 6:30pm. Lotus will also be offering a $189pp Prosperity Banquet and celebratory specials including a Seafood Prosperity Salad (Yee Sang) with salmon and scallop ($98) and Char Siu Pork Ribs with Pickled Fennel ($38).
Delta Rue is welcoming the Lunar New Year with a French-Vietnamese set menu designed for sharing from 17 - 27 February. Bookings available here.
VIC
JUNI Melbourne has launched a limited-time seven-plate set menu designed around fire, spice and shared feasting, created to mark the Year of the Horse. The $88pp menu will be available from 17 February until 1 March.
The Melbourne Chinatown Business Association (MCBA) will present the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival, transforming Little Bourke Street, Russell Street, Chinatown Plaza and Golden Square Car Park (Spiegel Haus). The precinct will come alive on 22 February between 9am and 10pm with lion and dragon dances, a cultural parade, performances, and food stalls.
NGV will celebrate Lunar New Year on 22 February with a full day of free festivities, from drawing activities to dragon dances.
On 19 February, welcome the Year of the Horse at Queen Victoria Market. Visitors can expect a Lion Dance performance, festive decorations, and other vibrant displays throughout the day.
Floral arranging is said to be a fortuitous way to celebrate the Lunar New Year, welcoming auspiciousness and good fortune. Engage in this ancient tradition with a New Year flower arranging workshop at the Museum of Chinese Australian History. More information and bookings here.
QLD
BrisAsia festival returns for 2026, celebrating the Lunar New Year from 13 - 22 February with Brisbane's biggest showcase of Asian culture, cuisine, art and music. You'll also get a taste of the inaugural BrisAsia Comedy Gala and a special KPOP Showcase.
Fortitude Valley will celebrate Lunar New Year with a host of free activations and pop-ups. These include traditional lion dances, cultural markets, and roving performers, running on 21 and 22 February.
Southport's Lunar New Year Celebrations return on 21 February, with market stalls, food trucks, Chinese calligraphy workshops, and a dragon dance. The day will culminate in a fireworks show at 7:30pm.
WA
The forecourt of the Terracotta Warriors exhibition will transform into a Lunar New Year celebration, featuring food trucks, photo booths and live music from February 17 - 20.
Perth Festival will showcase a series of Southeast Asian performers on February 14. The festivities will take place at East Perth Power Station, and attendees are encouraged to wear red.
Long Chim will ring in the Lunar New Year with a special set menu available from February 17 - 21. Bookings available here.
Victoria Park is hosting a special edition night market to celebrate the Lunar New Year on February 20 from 6:30pm. Expect lvie music, lantern making, calligraphy, and plenty of food.
TAS
Hobart will host the largest Lunar New Year festival in Tasmania on the Parliament House Lawns. The event will take place on 22 February from 10am - 4pm, featuring lion dances, firecrackers, food stalls and much more.
