The Year of the Snake officially starts on 29 January 2025. Find the best events and dining specials during Lunar New Year 2025, then plan year-round fun in Chinatown.

The best Lunar New Year 2025 events

Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

Chinatown's biggest festival is back with a dragon parade, lion dances, street food and family fun.

Best Lunar New Year banquets and menu specials

A person assembling a leaf wrap with various ingredients from metal bowls, including vegetables, meat, and a sauce, using chopsticks on a black table.

Salted Egg

Enjoy a limited-time Year of the Snake lunch or dinner for $85pp from 28 Jan to 1 Feb.

Special offer

Where to eat and drink in Chinatown

Chinatown’s most iconic restaurants

Chinatown’s most iconic restaurants

These restaurants are some of the oldest and most loved in Melbourne's famous Chinatown precinct.

The ultimate dumpling guide to Melbourne

The ultimate dumpling guide to Melbourne

Steamed, fried, baked or boiled – there’s no such thing as a bad dumpling.

The best yum cha restaurants in Melbourne

The best yum cha restaurants in Melbourne

Dine with friends on all-you-can-eat dumplings, seafood share plates and more.

Where to find the best hidden bars in Chinatown

Where to find the best hidden bars in Chinatown

Take a detour to find secret basement cocktails, secluded rooftop bars and a fairytale wonderland.

Discover more in Chinatown

The ultimate guide to Chinatown

The ultimate guide to Chinatown

Where to eat, drink and karaoke the night away in Melbourne's famous Chinatown precinct.

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Museum preserving and displaying the history of Chinese immigration.

Chinatown Cinema

Chinatown Cinema

This cinema screens the latest Chinese-language movies.

Heart of the city walk

Heart of the city walk

Take a walk through legendary landmarks, iconic malls, hidden little streets and art-filled alleys.

Last updated on Tue 17 Dec 2024

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

Discover more

Premium Busking Auditions
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Premium Busking Auditions

Come along and enjoy some of Melbourne's best busking talent at these auditions.

The best free Christmas events in Melbourne

The best free Christmas events in Melbourne

Find free Christmas markets, street parties, family-friendly events and more.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

From fireworks to fancy dinners and family fun, Melbourne is the perfect place to celebrate NYE.

 Candlelight Concerts

Candlelight Concerts

Experience the magic of intimate candlelit evening performances by original artists, at Fed Square.