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
Lunar New Year at QV Melbourne
QV Melbourne celebrates the year of the horse with a Happy Horse Noodle Bar installation.
Lunar New Year: Cocktails & Conversation with Melissa Leong
An intimate evening with Melissa Leong to celebrate LNY 2026 and her new book.
Best Lunar New Year banquets and menu specials
RuYi
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with either a seven or five-course set menu, $118/$63pp, to 2 Mar.
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Enjoy shared platters, an optional Yu Sheng prosperity toss & free calligraphy (21 Feb), $45-$69pp.
Spice Temple
Enjoy a limited-time Lunar New Year Banquet for lunch or dinner, Feb 9 to Mar 3, $159pp.
Miss Mi
Step into the Year of the Horse with a celebratory dinner & a glass of bubbles,16 Feb-3 Mar, $110pp.
Aru
Celebrate with four special dishes representing prosperity, luck, wealth and abundance, 16-28 Feb.
Lee Ho Fook
Celebrate with a special menu featuring yee sang, 8 treasure duck and lucky lychee.
Rice Paper Scissors
Enjoy a six-course banquet celebrating Filipino cuisine, 16 Feb to 1 Mar, $69pp.
Juni
A limited-time seven-plate set menu designed around fire, spice and shared feasting, $88pp.
Le Yeahllow
Order the limited-time Kumquat cake, inspired by gold, prosperity and fresh beginnings.
Miilk Cake Studio
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a limited-time only Fifty Shades of Black cake, to 1 March.
More Lunar New Year pop-up events and specials
Emporium Melbourne
Read your horoscope and find your lucky numbers at the House of Luck installation until 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 19 Feb 2026
Discover more
Kids Day Out
A family fun festival day out, hosted by The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The best free Christmas events in Melbourne
Find free Christmas markets, street parties, family-friendly events and more.
Pickleball at Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
Pickleball returns to the rooftop at Hilton Melbourne.
Melbourne Vixens Fan Day
A family-friendly day celebrating netball, community and all things Vixens.