Melbourne is gearing up to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with a vibrant lineup of events, cultural performances, and culinary delights.
Marking the Year of the Snake, this cherished holiday will bring the city to life throughout late January and early February, uniting communities to honor tradition and welcome prosperity.
Lunar New Year in 2025 falls on Wednesday 29 January 2025. This date marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac and is celebrated widely across many Asian cultures.
Across Melbourne, communities unite in joyous gatherings, adorned with dragon-themed decorations and traditional red lanterns. Parades dazzle with dragon dancers and firecrackers, creating a lively spectacle. Families indulge in sumptuous feasts featuring symbolic dishes, fostering unity and prosperity.
1. Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, Chinatown (2 February)
Immerse yourself in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown for the city’s most vibrant cultural celebration. Experience the iconic Millennium Dragon Parade as it winds its way through the streets, be captivated by electrifying lion dances, and enjoy an exciting mix of traditional and modern live performances.
Savour the flavors of Asia with mouthwatering dishes from bustling food stalls, unwind with a refreshing drink at the beer garden, and keep the little ones entertained with interactive games and hands-on activities in the Kid’s Area at Golden Square Open Air Car Park.
The festivities span from Lonsdale to Bourke Streets and along Little Bourke Street, stretching from Swanston to Exhibition Streets. Whether you’re drawn by the culture, the cuisine, or the family-friendly fun, the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival promises a memorable experience for all.
2. Lunar New Year on Clayton Road, Clayton (18-31 January)
Join in this jam-packed 14 day celebration in Clayton with highlights including a parade and festivities, music, performances, and other cultural activities.
3. Quang Mihn Tet Festival, Braybrook (28-29 January)
As a spiritual hub, Quang Minh Temple serves as a vital gathering place for community members to honor their ancestors, offering hope and inspiration to all who visit. The Quang Minh Tet Festival unites the local community, welcoming Vietnamese, Chinese Buddhists, and non-Buddhists alike to partake in the beauty and richness of Lunar and Buddhist traditions.
The festival features diverse experiences, including performances, firecrackers, fireworks, chanting, and delectable vegetarian cuisine, fostering a shared celebration of cultural heritage and spirituality.
4. St Albans Lunar New Year Festival (19 January)
St Albans proudly hosts one of Australia’s largest and most exciting festivals to ring in the new year! Held annually on vibrant Alfrieda Street, this lively event draws tens of thousands of visitors and showcases the cultural richness that makes St Albans one of Melbourne’s most inclusive and diverse neighbourhoods.
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, savor the mouthwatering cuisine, and enjoy captivating cultural performances and entertainment. Don’t miss the grand finale—a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky in true Lunar New Year style!
5. Whitehorse Lunar New Year Festival 2024, Box Hill (1 February)
Presented by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse the free Lunar New Year Festival embodies the essence of the Lunar New Year. The event unites the lively Whitehorse community, offering a feast of cultural delights, from delectable food to enthralling performances, traditional arts, amusement rides, a petting zoo, and beyond.
6. Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival (26 January)
Join the vibrant Sunshine shopping precinct on Sunday, 26 January, for the free Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival.
The Tết Festival is a day packed with excitement and fun for all ages. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s rides, music, dancing, and street performances that showcase the rich cultural diversity of the community. Delight in delicious street food, marvel at the magical Lion and Dragon dances, and immerse yourself in the joyful tradition of red pockets and firecrackers.
7. Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival 2024, Point Cook (9 February)
Ring in the Year of the Snake at the free Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival in Point Cook on 9 February. Hosted by the Point Cook Cultural Community group, this vibrant street festival draws over 20,000 attendees annually and promises a day filled with excitement and cultural celebration.
Enjoy a spectacular lineup of cultural performances and live music, alongside thrilling rides, market stalls, kids’ activities, and even an animal farm. Indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from food trucks and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
8. QV Melbourne interactive Snakes and Ladders (28 January to 9 February)
From 28 January – 9 February, QV Melbourne will celebrate Lunar New Year with an interactive Snakes & Ladders experience. The playful and architectural twist on the classic game of snakes and ladders will take over QV Square, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
9. 2025 Glen Waverley Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival (9 February)
Join the festivities and celebrate the Year of the Snake at the 2024 Glen Waverley Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. Taking place along Kingsway, the event promises a vibrant blend of colour, music, cultural activities, delicious food, and exciting amusement rides.
10. Lunar New Year Family Day at the Melbourne Museum (1 February)
Immerse yourself in the joy and traditions of Lunar New Year as Melbourne Museum transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration, offering traditional performances, engaging activities, and exciting experiences for all ages..
Join the festivities and experience the thrill of traditional dragon dances, embark on a scavenger hunt through the museum’s galleries, and enjoy captivating storytelling and talks that explore the fascinating world of snakes.
Perfect for families, this celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to kick off 2025 with joy, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of Lunar New Year.
11. Lunar New Year dragon and lion dancers, South Melbourne Market (1 February)
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the South Melbourne Market with dazzling Dragon and Lion Dancers as they weave their way through the crowd, bringing vibrant energy and joy to the festivities. The lion symbolizes strength, stability, and superiority, while the dragon represents power, boldness, and excellence.
These dances have a special purpose: to chase away bad spirits, welcome good times, and bring luck and blessings to the community. It’s a lively way to celebrate and embrace positive vibes for the year ahead.
12. Lunar New Year at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (1-2 February)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a weekend of music, food, crafts, and cultural activities at Sovereign Hill on 1-2 February.
Check out spectacular dragon and lion parades, experience live performances, and feast on a Lunar New Year-inspired menu as we honour the legacy of the thousands of migrants who settled on Ballarat’s goldfields from the 1850s onwards.
13. The Victoria Street Lunar Festival, Richmond (2 February)
Victoria Street’s annual Lunar Festival comes alive with colour, culture, and community to mark the start of the Lunar New Year.
Immerse yourself in the festival’s lively atmosphere, where tantalising street food and local eateries showcase flavors from around the globe. Whether you’re indulging in classic Chinese dumplings or savoring sizzling Korean BBQ, there’s a dish to delight every palate.
Enjoy a captivating lineup of performances, from traditional dances to contemporary music, showcasing the incredible energy and talent of the community.
Don’t miss the iconic lion dances and the electrifying crackle of firecrackers, a traditional Vietnamese ritual believed to bring luck and ward off bad spirits. Arrive early to grab the best spot for this unforgettable experience.
14. Lunar New Year Celebration on Koornang Road, Carnegie (1 February)
Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and welcoming new beginnings, and Koornang Road is the perfect place to experience the magic of this cherished tradition. This year, the festivities honour the Year of the Snake with vibrant activities, delicious food, and a sense of community spirit.
On Saturday 1 February 2025 the Carnegie Library Forecourt will come alive with free kids’ activities, including lantern craft decorating, face painting, and a chance to meet real snakes with Animals of Oz.
The celebration culminates in a breathtaking Lion and Dragon Dance performance by a talented troupe at 5pm.
15. Bendigo Chinese Association’s Lunar New Year Celebrations (1 February)
Join the Bendigo Chinese Association in celebrating the Lunar New Year in Bendigo in the Dai Gum San Precinct! There will be multi-cultural food and entertainment at this free-to-enter family event! Join us on Saturday 1 February 1st, 2025 from 4-8 p.m.
16. Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Century City, Glen Waverley (1 February)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Century City in Glen Waverley with a spectacular Lion Dance performance on Saturday 1 February 2025 at 6pm. This traditional dance, symbolising prosperity and good fortune, will take place near Village Cinemas within the centre. The event is free, and no bookings are required.
17. Springvale’s annual Lunar New Year Festival (2-14 February)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in vibrant Springvale andwelcome the Year of the Snake!
From delicious food and spectacular fireworks to stunning public art and captivating performances, there’s so much to see and experience.Eat, explore, and immerse yourself in this unforgettable celebration of culture and community!
18. Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the National Gallery of Victoria (10-11 February)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the National Gallery of Victoria on 1-2 February.Welcome the New Year with two days of food, music and fun. Visit the Yayoi Kusama exhibition and immerse yourself in the artist’s world of polka-dots and pumpkins.
Take part in art-making activities and relax in the garden with a game of Mahjong. Join guided tours of the NGV Collection and listen to a talk on culinary traditions with iconic Melbourne food personalities. Bring family and friends and enjoy a great day out at the NGV.
19. Lunar New Year at the Great Stupa, Bendigo (29 January to 9 February)
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Great Stupa .From Wednesday the 29th of January to Sunday the 9th February, join the Great Stupa in welcoming the Year of the Snake with family and friends: The Great Stupa is a large Buddhist monument and pilgrimage site and an architectural marvel, embodying traditional Buddhist symbolism and design. It serves as a place of worship, meditation, and learning about Buddhist teachings.
21. Lunar New Year at Burwood Brickworks (2 February)
Burwood Brickworks is set to host its most exciting event of the year with the Lunar New Year 2025 celebration on Sunday 2 February from 3-8pm. This cherished festival will bring the community together to experience the joy, culture, and spirit of the Year of the Snake.
Highlights of the celebration include Lion and Dragon Dances and drum performances , a live K-POP DJ, and interactive activities like dumpling workshops (bookings required), kids’ crafts, and Chinese painting classes. Guests can also enjoy a Hanfu dance performance, snap photos at the Waving Cats photo booth, and take part in traditional giveaways of lucky red envelopes and fans.
22. Preston Market Lunar New Year Festival 2025 (9 February)
Join in the Preston Market’s Year of the Snake celebrations on Sunday 9 February 2025. Enjoy a lively entertainment lineup, captivating Lion Dance and store blessings.
23. Lunar New Year celebrations at Federation Square (7-9 February)
Celebrate Lunar New Year with two nights of back-to-back martial arts action classics, featuring the master of Hong Kong Kung Fu cinema – Bruce Lee – on the Big Screen in Fed Square on 7-8 February.
Then on 9 February, Fed Square is celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Snake with a range of exciting performances and activities! Come see the dragon dancers in action, or join in a Tai Chi or Gentle Chinese Dance class.
24. Lunar New Year at M-City, Clayton (2 February)
M-City is hosting festivities to celebrate Lunar New Year at the centre. The celebration kicks off at 11 am with a lively dragon dance, bringing good luck and blessings to the community. Throughout the day, take part in free activities, including a Kids Lunar New Year art workshop, delightful food sampling, exciting giveaways, and more. The festivities culminate with a spectacular Lion Dance performance at 3 pm.
