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

Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

Join the community and welcome the Year of the Horse in Chinatown.

Lunar New Year at narrm ngarrgu

Lunar New Year at narrm ngarrgu

Come and welcome in the Year of the Horse 2026.

Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market

Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market

Welcome the Year of the Horse with festive traditions, vibrant displays and cultural experiences.

Lunar New Year Traditional Lion Dance

Lunar New Year Traditional Lion Dance

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a traditional Lion Dance.

MSO Chinese New Year Concert

MSO Chinese New Year Concert

Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and special guests as they usher in the Year of the Horse.

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 things to do 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 13 Jan 2026

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