Melbourne's best Lunar New Year events
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
Chinatown's biggest festival is back with a dragon parade, lion dances, street food and family fun.
Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market
Welcome the Year of the Snake with vibrant displays and cultural experiences.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Chinese New Year
The MSO celebrates cross-cultural connections through music at this celebratory performance.
Lunar New Year at Fed Square
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Fed Square, with free activities and a dragon dance.
Lunar New Year at QV Melbourne
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a life-size snakes and ladders game.
Melbourne Central
Snap a pic in the free photobooth when you spend $80. Plus shop limited edition LNY products.
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Man Mo WTC
Welcome the Year of the Snake with lion dances and a festive feast.
The Legend of the White Snake – A Timeless Tale of Love
Fifteen stunning Yangliuqing hand-painted wood block paintings created for the Chinese New Year.
East @ West: Cutting Through Time with Love and Blessing
Delve into the fusion of ancient traditions and modern expression.
Lunar New Year at Collins Square
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with exciting festivities and immersive experiences.
Best Lunar New Year banquets and menu specials
Salted Egg
Enjoy a limited-time Year of the Snake lunch or dinner for $85pp from 28 Jan to 1 Feb.
Party World Karaoke Bar
Enjoy all night karaoke, an 8-course banquet and a bottle of Lucky Remy Martin XO, 7pm-3am.
Collins Kitchen
Celebrate the year of the snake with a dinner buffet at Collins Kitchen, 28 & 29 Jan, $139pp.
Yum Sing House Restaurant & Karaoke Bar
Celebrate with a Lunar New Year banquet and a lion dance show on Saturday. $108pp.
Warabi
Each guest dining during the Lunar New Year festival receives a red envelope with a lucky prize.
Dorsett Melbourne
Enjoy a selection of treats to bring good fortune and cheer. 1-9 Feb, 12.30-2pm. $80pp.
Old Beijing
Enjoy a menu of traditional dishes 28 Jan–11 Feb and watch lion dances on 28 & 29 Jan and 1 Feb.
New Year Festival Banquet
Experience an 11-course Chinese Banquet served with lashings of cultural meaning and wine.
RuYi
Enjoy a premium 5 or 7-couse set menu starting from $59pp. Seatings at 5:30 & 7:30pm on 28 & 29 Jan.
Le Yeahllow
Pick up exclusive Lunar New Year treats like genmaicha tea cake, box sets and more.
Le Yeahllow
Pick up exclusive Lunar New Year treats like genmaicha tea cake, box sets and more.
More Lunar New Year pop-up events, specials and shopping deals
Monopoly Dreams
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a free festival of Monopoly entertainment from 29 Jan–12 Feb.
Monopoly Dreams
For $50pp enjoy a Lunar New Year high tea with Monopoly sweets like raspberry riches choux pastry.
Where to eat and drink in Chinatown
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
Steamed, fried, baked or boiled – there’s no such thing as a bad dumpling.
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
Take a detour to find secret basement cocktails, secluded rooftop bars and a fairytale wonderland.
Discover more in 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 preserving and displaying the history of Chinese immigration.
Heart of the city walk
Take a walk through legendary landmarks, iconic malls, hidden little streets and art-filled alleys.
Last updated on Mon 20 Jan 2025
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Premium Busking Auditions
Come along and enjoy some of Melbourne's best busking talent at these auditions.
Candlelight Concerts
Experience the magic of intimate candlelit evening performances by original artists, at Fed Square.
Ants by Polyglot Theatre
A free interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.