Melbourne's best Lunar New Year events
Find the best events and dining specials during Lunar New Year 2026, then plan year-round fun in Chinatown.
When is Lunar New Year in 2026?
The Year of the Horse officially starts on 17 February 2026.
The best Lunar New Year 2026 events
Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
Join the community and welcome the Year of the Horse in Chinatown.
Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market
Welcome the Year of the Horse with festive traditions, vibrant displays and cultural experiences.
Lunar New Year at NGV
Celebrate Lunar New Year at NGV with a whole day of festivities, food and fun.
Lunar New Year at QV Melbourne
QV Melbourne celebrates the year of the horse with a Happy Horse Noodle Bar installation.
Lunar New Year at Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum transforms into a vibrant hub to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Lunar New Year at Immigration Museum
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a vibrant day of music, storytelling and activities for all ages.
MSO Chinese New Year Concert
Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and special guests as they usher in the Year of the Horse.
The Goddess (1934), Live Score by Wang and Dallwitz
Celebrate Lunar New Year with this landmark of Chinese silent cinema with new live score.
Best Lunar New Year banquets and menu specials
Lunar New Year High Tea
Experience a high tea designed to delight all your senses and bring joy to your celebration.
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Enjoy shared platters, an optional Yu Sheng prosperity toss & free calligraphy (21 Feb), $45-$69pp.
From Here By Mike
Enjoy a special menu celebrating longevity, abundance, strength and good fortune, 17 Feb.
Spice Temple
Enjoy a limited-time Lunar New Year Banquet for lunch or dinner, Feb 9 to Mar 3, $159pp.
Oriental Teahouse
Choose from over 40 Yum Cha dishes as you take in a lively Lion Dance performance, 15 Feb, 12pm.
Miss Mi
Step into the Year of the Horse with a celebratory dinner & a glass of bubbles,16 Feb-3 Mar, $110pp.
Melba Restaurant
Enjoy a buffet crafted to bring prosperity and joy to the Year of the Horse, 16-21 Feb, from $140pp.
Cha Ching Melbourne
Enjoy a delicious Lunar New Year banquet, 17-23 February, $88 or $128pp.
Aru
Celebrate with four special dishes representing prosperity, luck, wealth and abundance, 16-28 Feb.
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 things to do 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 Thu 29 Jan 2026
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