Lunar New Year Melbourne 2026 — Year of the Horse Celebrations, Events & Festivals

Lunar New Year Melbourne 2026 — Year of the Horse Celebrations, Events & Festivals

Melbourne's biggest cultural celebration kicks off in February 2026 — here's your ultimate guide to every lion dance, dumpling feast, lantern display and free festival happening across the city for Lunar New Year.

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February in Melbourne means one thing for hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors: it's Lunar New Year season. And in 2026, the city is rolling out the red carpet — quite literally — for the Year of the Horse.

From the historic laneways of Chinatown to the sheds of Queen Victoria Market, from the grand halls of the NGV to suburban libraries hosting dumpling-making workshops, Melbourne does Lunar New Year like few Western cities can. This isn't a token nod to multiculturalism — it's a full-blown, city-wide celebration that reflects the fact Melbourne is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Australia, and Chinatown Melbourne is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world, dating back to the 1850s gold rush.

Whether you're looking for free family events, a spectacular banquet dinner, or just want to know where to catch a lion dance on your lunch break, this guide has you covered.

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What Is Lunar New Year 2026? The Year of the Horse

Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival) marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. In 2026, the new year falls on Tuesday, 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Horse — specifically, the Year of the Fire Horse.

What Does the Horse Symbolise?

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle. People born in Horse years (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) are traditionally said to be:

• Energetic and adventurous — the Horse is always moving forward
• Independent and free-spirited — they resist being fenced in
• Sociable and warm — natural entertainers who light up a room
• Hardworking and determined — they don't give up easily

The Fire element in 2026 amplifies these qualities — expect a year of bold energy, passion, and forward momentum. As the ACBC Victoria puts it: the Year of the Fire Horse symbolises "stability, progress, and a fruitful year ahead."

Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?

While often called "Chinese New Year," Lunar New Year is celebrated across many cultures including Vietnamese (Tết), Korean (Seollal), Tibetan (Losar), and communities across Southeast Asia. Melbourne's celebrations reflect this beautiful diversity — you'll find Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian, Singaporean, and other Asian cultural elements woven throughout the festival program.

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Key Dates for Lunar New Year Melbourne 2026

Here's your at-a-glance calendar for all the major events:

📌 Good to know: Ramadan begins on Wednesday 18 February 2026, and the Ramadan Night Market at QVM runs Friday 20 & Saturday 21 February (5–10pm, C Shed). If you're visiting QVM on Friday 20 Feb, you can catch the Lunar New Year Lion Dance in the morning and the Ramadan Night Market that evening — a uniquely Melbourne kind of multicultural double-header.

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Chinatown Melbourne — The Heart of Celebrations

If there's one place you absolutely must be during Lunar New Year, it's Chinatown. Melbourne's Chinatown, centred on Little Bourke Street between Swanston and Exhibition Streets, has been the heart of Chinese-Australian culture since the 1850s — making it the oldest continuously operating Chinatown in the Western world.

Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival — Sunday 22 February

The flagship event of the season, the Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, is presented by the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association (MCBA) and transforms the entire precinct into a riot of colour, sound, and flavour.

What to expect:

• 🐉 Lion and dragon dances weaving through the streets — the signature spectacle of Lunar New Year
• 🎭 Cultural parade along Little Bourke Street
• 🎤 Live performances on multiple stages
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family activities and workshops
• 🍜 Food and market stalls featuring food, retail, arts, and community groups
• 🍸 Fenjiu cocktails at the Spiegel Haus lookout (Golden Square Car Park)
• 👗 UNIQLO's playful styling experience
• 🏮 Emporium Melbourne's House of Luck — discover your zodiac sign and lucky numbers

Where: Little Bourke Street, Russell Street, Chinatown Plaza & Golden Square Car Park (Spiegel Haus)

Cost: Free

Getting there: The easiest way is via Flinders Street Station or Melbourne Central Station, both a short walk away. Trams along Bourke Street (routes 86 and 96) stop right at the edge of Chinatown.

Tips for Visiting Chinatown During the Festival

1. Arrive early. The streets get absolutely packed — if you want photos without a sea of heads, get there when things kick off.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking and standing on cobblestones and pavement for hours.
3. Bring cash. While many stalls accept card, the smaller community group stalls and some food vendors are cash-only.
4. Explore the laneways. Don't just stick to Little Bourke Street — duck into the side alleys and arcades. Some of the best food and atmosphere is tucked away.
5. Stay for the evening. Chinatown's restaurants will be buzzing, and many offer special Lunar New Year menus.

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Queen Victoria Market — Lunar New Year Celebrations

The beloved Queen Victoria Market joins the festivities with its own Lunar New Year celebration — a more intimate affair than the Chinatown festival, but utterly charming.

Lion Dance at QVM — Friday 20 February

When: Friday 20 February, approximately 10am

Where: Starting from Mary Martin Bookshop in String Bean Alley

What to expect:

• 🦁 A spectacular Lion Dance performance winding through String Bean Alley and the market sheds
• 🏮 Red lanterns lining the market sheds along Queen Street
• 🐱 Lucky Cat displays outside the Meat & Fish Hall and in the centreway of String Bean Alley
• Festive decorations and vibrant cultural atmosphere throughout the market

Cost: Free — just turn up and enjoy

The QVM Lunar New Year event is a great option if you want to experience the festive spirit without the huge crowds of the Sunday festival. Combine it with your regular market shop — grab your fresh produce, swing by the deli hall, and catch a lion dance. Very Melbourne.

🌙 Bonus: If you're at QVM on Friday evening, the Ramadan Night Market kicks off that same night (5–10pm in C Shed), presented in partnership with the City of Melbourne and the Islamic Council of Victoria. It features halal-certified food traders, a dedicated prayer space, complimentary dates and water for Iftar, calligraphy demonstrations, and kids' face painting. Melbourne's multiculturalism at its finest.

QVM Summer Night Market

Don't forget the Summer Night Market runs every Wednesday night from 5–10pm right through to 11 March 2026. Even if you miss the official Lunar New Year events, the Summer Night Market in the weeks around Lunar New Year often features Asian food stalls and cultural elements.

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Lunar New Year at NGV — Sunday 22 February (FREE)

The National Gallery of Victoria puts on one of the most impressive — and entirely free — Lunar New Year celebrations in the city. Held at NGV International on St Kilda Road, this is an all-day affair packed with performances, activities, food, and art.

Full Program — Sunday 22 February, 10am–5pm

Here's the complete lineup for the day:

Highlights not to miss:

• Dragon Dance in the Great Hall — the dramatic acoustics of the NGV's Great Hall make this an unforgettable spectacle
• Beijing Opera — a rare opportunity to experience this ancient art form in the Clemenger BBDO Auditorium
• Guzheng Performance by QiQi — Melbourne-based composer and musician QiQi plays music associated with the Year of the Horse on the traditional guzheng (a Chinese zither)
• Year of the Horse Children's Tour — led by NGV educator Sarah Fang-Ning Lin, this guided tour takes kids through the NGV Collection with a Horse-themed lens

Food & Drink at NGV

The Great Hall will host Festive Tastes (presented in partnership with HSBC), serving dumplings, sweet buns, and bubble tea from 11am–4pm.

The Garden Restaurant is also running a special Lunar New Year menu from 7–22 February — so even if you can't make the festival day, you can still celebrate over a modern Chinese-inspired meal at the gallery.

Getting there: NGV International is at 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. It's a short walk from Flinders Street Station, or take any tram along St Kilda Road to the Arts Precinct stop.

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Festival Guide: February 17–28 — Day by Day

Here's your day-by-day breakdown of what's happening across Melbourne during the Lunar New Year festival period:

Tuesday 17 February — Lunar New Year's Day 🎆

The first day of the Year of the Horse. Many Chinese-Australian families will celebrate with reunion dinners, red envelopes (hong bao), and visits to temples. Expect firecrackers, lion dances at businesses across the city, and a festive buzz in Chinatown.

Events:

• Lunar New Year Celebrations: A Slaysian Showcase — 7pm at Stay Gold, Brunswick. A vibrant showcase of Asian artists including drag, burlesque, dancing, and live singing, hosted by Randy Roy. Features a hilarious hobby-horsing segment where the audience rides into the Year of the Horse together.
• Lunar Chinese New Year Yoga — 7:30pm at Kaya Health Clubs in the CBD, powered by lululemon Emporium. Start the new year with intention and movement.
• Youth Phở Workshop — 4pm at Reservoir Library. Young people can learn to make traditional Vietnamese phở to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Wednesday 18 February

• Summer Night Market at QVM — 5–10pm. A great way to celebrate mid-week.
• Ramadan begins — a significant overlap of two major cultural celebrations in Melbourne.

Thursday 19 February

• Lunar Whisky Tasting with Johnnie Walker Blue — 6:30pm at Bar Selecta, Hawthorn. An intimate guided tasting exploring Scottish whiskies culminating in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Edition 2026, presented by Diageo Brand Ambassador Tracy Gardner. Vinyl sounds and relaxed vibes.
• Lunar New Year Storytime and Craft — 11am at Ashburton Library. For the little ones.

Friday 20 February

• 🦁 Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market — Lion Dance from 10am, String Bean Alley
• 🌙 Ramadan Night Market at QVM — 5–10pm, C Shed

Saturday 21 February

• Lunar New Year High Tea at Dorsett Melbourne — 1:30pm. In collaboration with T6 Patisserie Melbourne, featuring Mandarin & Jasmine Mousse, Cantonese-style Mango Pudding, Pork Char Siu Milk Buns, Sesame Garlic Chive Prawn Toast, and Oolong & Mandarin scones. Two sessions available.
• Chinese Calligraphy Workshop at Stamford Plaza Melbourne — 1:30–3:30pm. Complimentary for guests dining on the Lunar New Year sharing platter. Learn to write traditional prosperity characters.
• Double Lucky Disco — 7pm at Bad Decisions Bar, Fitzroy. Dance your way into the new year.
• Ramadan Night Market at QVM — 5–10pm, C Shed (second night)

Sunday 22 February — THE BIG DAY 🐉🏮

This is the main event day, with two flagship celebrations running simultaneously:

• 🏮 Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival — Chinatown (Little Bourke St, Russell St, Chinatown Plaza, Spiegel Haus). FREE
• 🎨 Lunar New Year at NGV — 10am–5pm, NGV International. FREE
• 🍪 Children's Lunar New Year Cookie Decorating — 3pm at 1 Hotel Melbourne, Docklands

Pro tip: The Chinatown festival and NGV are about 15 minutes' walk apart, so you can absolutely do both in one day. Start at NGV in the morning for the quieter, family-friendly activities, then head to Chinatown for the afternoon's festival atmosphere.

Tuesday 24 February

• ACBC Victoria Chinese New Year Gala — 6:30–10:30pm at The Langham, Southbank. A formal gala dinner with lion dance, dragon dance, live music, and performances by The Australian New Goldberg Orchestra (ANGO). Tickets from $300+GST for ACBC members, $400+GST general admission. Corporate tables available.

Wednesday 25 February

• Lunar New Year Storytime, Lion Dance and Dumpling Making — 11:15am at Preston Library. A wonderful combo for kids.

Saturday 28 February

• Lunar New Year Dinner at Novotel Glen Waverley — 6–9pm. A shared four-course feast featuring handcrafted dumplings, longevity noodles, and celebratory dishes. All ages welcome.

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Best Restaurants for Lunar New Year in Melbourne

Lunar New Year is, at its heart, a food celebration. The reunion dinner on New Year's Eve (Monday 16 February) and the feasting that follows over the next 15 days are central to the tradition. Here's where to eat in Melbourne during the celebrations.

Hotel & Venue Dining Experiences

Stamford Plaza Melbourne — Harry's Restaurant 16 February – 1 March | Sessions at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Inspired by Stamford's Singaporean heritage, Harry's Restaurant offers a sharing platter ($69 adults, $45 children 5–12, free for under 5s) featuring:

• Prawn & chive dumplings
• Signature curry puffs
• Chilli soft crab sliders
• Char siu pork belly bao
• Vegetable spring rolls
• Satay beef & chicken skewers
• Matcha tiramisu and pandan panna cotta

Add the Yu Sheng prosperity toss ($45, serves 4) — a traditional raw fish salad tossed together at the table for good fortune. Plus a free Chinese calligraphy experience on Saturday 21 February.

Dorsett Melbourne — Lunar New Year High Tea 21–22 February | Two sessions

In collaboration with T6 Patisserie Melbourne, this luxurious high tea features:

• Mandarin & Jasmine Mousse
• Cantonese-style Mango Pudding
• Yuzu milk chocolate tart
• Pork Char Siu on milk bun
• Roasted Peking duck wrap
• Tofu banh mi on mini-baguette
• Sesame garlic chive prawn toast
• Sweet and sour chicken bao bun
• Oolong and mandarin scones
• Chrysanthemum tea, jasmine green tea, and more

NGV Garden Restaurant — Lunar New Year Menu 7–22 February

A special modern Chinese-inspired menu available throughout the Lunar New Year period. Perfect for a cultured lunch surrounded by world-class art.

Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley — Lunar New Year Dinner Saturday 28 February, 6–9pm

A shared four-course feast with handcrafted dumplings, longevity noodles, and celebratory dishes. Great for the southeastern suburbs crowd.

Chinatown Restaurants — Where the Locals Go

For the most authentic Lunar New Year dining experience, head straight to Chinatown. These restaurants will be buzzing throughout the festival period:

• Flower Drum (Market Lane) — Melbourne's most celebrated Cantonese restaurant. Book well in advance for Lunar New Year — this is one of the hardest reservations in the city.
• Shark Fin House (Little Bourke Street) — A Chinatown institution, famous for yum cha (dim sum). Expect long queues during Lunar New Year, but the experience is worth it.
• HuTong Dumpling Bar (Market Lane) — Iconic xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a vibrant atmosphere. Multiple locations around Melbourne.
• Dainty Sichuan (Little Bourke Street) — Fiery Sichuan cuisine with signature mapo tofu and dan dan noodles.
• Secret Kitchen (Little Bourke Street) — Known for Cantonese roast meats and congee.
• Supper Inn (Celestial Avenue) — The late-night Chinatown classic. Open until the early hours, it's where chefs from other restaurants go to eat after their shifts.

Yum Cha (Dim Sum) Picks

Yum cha is a Lunar New Year tradition — gather a group, order too many bamboo steamers, and let the lazy Susan do its thing.

• The Oriental Tea House — Multiple locations including South Yarra and CBD
• Tim Ho Wan — The world-famous Michelin-starred dim sum chain, with locations in Melbourne CBD
• David's (Prahran) — A Melbourne institution mixing Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisines with a stunning yum cha menu

Suburban Celebrations

Don't overlook Melbourne's eastern and southeastern suburbs — Box Hill, Glen Waverley, and Springvale are home to thriving Asian communities with incredible restaurants that go all out for Lunar New Year. Many will have special menus, decorations, and lion dance visits to businesses.

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Cultural Events & Performances

Beyond the big festivals, Melbourne's cultural institutions and community organisations host an impressive range of events:

Performing Arts

• Chinese Beijing Opera at NGV — Sunday 22 February, 12pm & 2pm, Clemenger BBDO Auditorium. Free. Beijing Opera is one of China's great cultural treasures, combining music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. Don't miss this rare opportunity in Melbourne.

• Guzheng Performance by QiQi at NGV — Sunday 22 February, 3pm & 4pm. Melbourne-based composer and musician QiQi performs music associated with the Year of the Horse on the guzheng, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. Free.

• A Slaysian Showcase — Tuesday 17 February, 7pm at Stay Gold, Brunswick. A celebration of Asian artists across drag, burlesque, dancing, and live singing. Hosted by Randy Roy, with performers including Gloss, Jxcky, Miss Gender, Dragon Yutahell, and more. The hobby-horsing audience participation segment is a Year of the Horse highlight.

Business & Networking

• ACBC Victoria Chinese New Year Gala — Tuesday 24 February, The Langham, Southbank. The Australia China Business Council Victoria's annual celebration features a gala dinner, lion and dragon dances, live music, and performances by The Australian New Goldberg Orchestra. A premium networking event connecting business, government, and community leaders.

Library & Community Programs

Melbourne's library network goes above and beyond during Lunar New Year with free programs across the suburbs:

• Youth Phở Workshop — Tue 17 Feb, 4pm, Reservoir Library
• Lunar New Year Storytime and Craft — Thu 19 Feb, 11am, Ashburton Library
• Lunar New Year Festival — Craft Station — Sun 8 Feb, 12pm, Sunshine Library (Brimbank Libraries)
• Lunar New Year Festival — Calligraphy Demonstration — Sun 8 Feb, 1pm, Sunshine Library
• Lunar New Year Storytime — Mon 23 Feb, 11:15am, Fairfield Library
• Lunar New Year Storytime, Lion Dance and Dumpling Making — Wed 25 Feb, 11:15am, Preston Library
• Lunar New Year Storytime — Fri 27 Feb, 11:15am, Reservoir Library

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Free Events — Celebrate Without Spending a Cent

One of the best things about Lunar New Year in Melbourne is how much you can experience for free. Here's a roundup of all the free (or gold coin donation) events:

Major Free Events

✅ Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival — Sun 22 Feb, Chinatown. Lion dances, dragon dances, cultural parade, performances, food stalls, and family activities.

✅ Lunar New Year at NGV — Sun 22 Feb, 10am–5pm, NGV International. Dragon dance, Beijing Opera, guzheng performance, paper folding, drawing activities, mahjong, children's dance party, and kids' tours.

✅ Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market — Fri 20 Feb, approx 10am. Lion dance, red lanterns, Lucky Cat displays.

Free Community Events

✅ All library events (storytimes, craft stations, calligraphy demonstrations, dumpling-making workshops)

✅ Lunar Chinese New Year Yoga — Tue 17 Feb, 7:30pm, Kaya Health Clubs CBD (registration required)

✅ Chinese Calligraphy Experience at Stamford Plaza — Sat 21 Feb, 1:30–3:30pm (free for dining guests)

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Where to See Lion Dances & Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are the iconic visual spectacle of Lunar New Year. Here's where you can catch them in Melbourne:

Confirmed Lion & Dragon Dances

🦁 Queen Victoria Market — Friday 20 February, approximately 10am, starting from Mary Martin Bookshop in String Bean Alley

🐉 Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival — Sunday 22 February, Chinatown. Lion and dragon dances are a centrepiece of the festival, weaving through Little Bourke Street

🐉 NGV International — Sunday 22 February, 12pm & 2pm, Great Hall. Dragon Dance

🐉 ACBC Victoria Chinese New Year Gala — Tuesday 24 February, The Langham. Lion dance and dragon dance performances during the gala dinner

Businesses & Shopping Centres

Throughout the Lunar New Year period, you'll often spot lion dance troupes performing at:

• Emporium Melbourne & Melbourne Central — shopping centres in the CBD often host lion dances
• Box Hill Central — the heart of Melbourne's eastern suburbs Chinese community
• Glen Waverley's The Glen — frequently hosts Lunar New Year activations
• Chadstone Shopping Centre — Australia's largest shopping centre usually puts on Lunar New Year celebrations
• Individual businesses across Chinatown — business owners invite lion dance troupes to "bless" their premises, feeding the lion lettuce and red envelopes for prosperity. If you hear drums and cymbals, follow the sound!

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Family Activities — Things to Do with Kids

Melbourne's Lunar New Year program is wonderfully family-friendly. Here are the best events for kids:

At the NGV (Sunday 22 Feb — All Free)

• Children's Dance Party — 10am–5pm, Ground Level Children's Gallery
• Year of the Horse Children's Tour — 11–11:40am, led by NGV educator Sarah Fang-Ning Lin (meet at Information Desk)
• Paper Flower Folding Activity — 11am–4pm, Great Hall
• Children's Drawing Activity — 12–4pm, Level 2
• Watch the Dragon Dance (12pm & 2pm) — kids love it

Around Melbourne

• Children's Lunar New Year Cookie Decorating — Sun 22 Feb, 3pm, 1 Hotel Melbourne, Docklands. Kids decorate cookies shaped like lanterns.
• Lunar New Year Storytime and Craft — Ashburton Library — Thu 19 Feb, 11am
• Lunar New Year Storytime, Lion Dance and Dumpling Making — Preston Library — Wed 25 Feb, 11:15am
• Lunar New Year Festival — Craft Station at Sunshine Library — Sun 8 Feb, 12pm
• QVM Kids Passport — Available every market day. A fun interactive way for kids to explore the market.

DIY Family Activities

• Make red envelopes (hong bao) — grab red paper and gold pens from Daiso in Melbourne Central or QV
• Visit the Chinese Museum (22 Cohen Place, Chinatown) — learn about Melbourne's Chinese heritage, including the famous Dai Loong dragon
• Cook dumplings together — hit the Asian grocers on Little Bourke Street for dumpling wrappers and fillings, and make it a family activity at home

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Tips for Visitors

Getting Around

• Public transport is your best friend during Lunar New Year. Parking in the CBD will be a nightmare, especially on Sunday 22 February.
• Free tram zone: Melbourne's CBD is a free tram zone — hop on any tram within the central grid at no cost.
• Walk between events: The Chinatown festival, NGV, and QVM are all within walking distance of each other. Budget 15–20 minutes between them.

What to Wear

• Red is the colour of luck and prosperity — wearing red is a lovely way to get into the spirit.
• Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for the Chinatown festival and QVM.
• February in Melbourne can be hot (30°C+) or cool (18°C) — check the forecast and layer up.

Cultural Etiquette

• "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Kung Hei Fat Choy" (Cantonese) — both mean "Wishing you prosperity." Don't be shy about saying it to stallholders, restaurant staff, and fellow festival-goers.
• Red envelopes (hong bao) traditionally contain money and are given by married couples to unmarried people, and by elders to children. If someone gives you one, accept it with both hands and don't open it in front of the giver.
• Avoid the number 4 and embrace the number 8 — four sounds like "death" in Chinese, while eight sounds like "prosperity."
• Enjoy the noise! Firecrackers, drums, cymbals, and gongs are believed to ward off evil spirits. Embrace the cacophony.

Photography Tips

• The lion and dragon dances are best photographed from slightly above — try to find a spot on a balcony or elevated area.
• Chinatown's iconic paifang (archway gates) make excellent photo backdrops, especially when lit up at night.
• The red lanterns at QVM and the decorations in the NGV's Great Hall are particularly photogenic.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Lunar New Year 2026?

Lunar New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. It marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse (specifically the Year of the Fire Horse) in the Chinese zodiac. Celebrations in Melbourne typically extend from mid-February through to early March.

What animal is 2026 in the Chinese zodiac?

2026 is the Year of the Horse — the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The Horse symbolises energy, freedom, adventure, and forward momentum. The element for 2026 is Fire, amplifying these dynamic qualities.

Is the Melbourne Lunar New Year Festival free?

Yes! The major celebrations are free to attend. The Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival in Chinatown on Sunday 22 February is free entry, as is Lunar New Year at NGV and the Lunar New Year celebration at Queen Victoria Market. Food and some activities at the festivals may have a cost.

Where is the best place to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne?

Chinatown (Little Bourke Street) is the heart of Melbourne's Lunar New Year celebrations and the best place for the most vibrant, authentic atmosphere. For a more relaxed, family-friendly experience, head to NGV International on St Kilda Road. For a quick morning celebration, the lion dance at Queen Victoria Market is a treat.

Where can I see lion dances in Melbourne during Lunar New Year?

Lion dances are confirmed at: Queen Victoria Market (Friday 20 Feb, ~10am), Chinatown (Sunday 22 Feb, during the festival), NGV International (Sunday 22 Feb, dragon dance at 12pm & 2pm), and the ACBC Gala at The Langham (Tuesday 24 Feb). You'll also spot lion dances at shopping centres like Emporium, Box Hill Central, and at individual businesses throughout Chinatown.

What is the best food to eat during Lunar New Year?

Traditional Lunar New Year foods include dumplings (symbolising wealth), longevity noodles (for long life), whole fish (for abundance — the word for fish sounds like "surplus" in Chinese), spring rolls (for wealth), and tang yuan (glutinous rice balls for family togetherness). In Melbourne, head to Chinatown for yum cha, visit the NGV's Festive Tastes in the Great Hall, or book a banquet at restaurants like Flower Drum, HuTong, or Shark Fin House.

Can I still experience Lunar New Year if I miss the main festival day?

Absolutely! Celebrations run for weeks across Melbourne. The Stamford Plaza Lunar New Year sharing platters run from 16 February to 1 March. The NGV Garden Restaurant Lunar New Year menu is available from 7–22 February. Library events, dinners, and cultural performances continue through to late February. Chinatown restaurants celebrate for the full 15 days of the festival.

Is Lunar New Year only a Chinese celebration?

No — while it originated in China and is most widely associated with Chinese culture, Lunar New Year is celebrated across many Asian cultures. Vietnamese celebrate Tết, Koreans celebrate Seollal, and communities across Mongolia, Tibet, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines all mark the occasion. Melbourne's celebrations reflect this diversity.

What is Ramadan Night Market and how does it relate to Lunar New Year?

In 2026, Ramadan begins on 18 February — just one day after Lunar New Year. The Ramadan Night Market at Queen Victoria Market runs on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February (5–10pm, C Shed), featuring halal-certified food, cultural activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. While a separate celebration, its timing alongside Lunar New Year showcases Melbourne's remarkable multicultural calendar. You can experience both celebrations at QVM on Friday 20 February.

How do I get to Chinatown Melbourne?

Chinatown is located on Little Bourke Street between Swanston Street and Exhibition Street in Melbourne's CBD. The closest train stations are Melbourne Central (exit onto Swanston Street, walk one block south) and Flinders Street (walk north along Swanston Street). Tram routes 86 and 96 run along Bourke Street, one block south. The area is within Melbourne's free tram zone, so you won't need to touch on with a Myki.

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Final Thoughts

Lunar New Year in Melbourne isn't just a festival — it's a reflection of who this city is. When you stand on Little Bourke Street watching a dragon dance wind past buildings that have housed Chinese-Australian businesses for over 170 years, when you share dumplings with strangers at the NGV, when your kids' eyes go wide at their first lion dance at QVM — that's Melbourne at its multicultural best.

The Year of the Horse is about energy, freedom, and forward momentum. Melbourne's 2026 celebrations embody all of that. Whether you're deeply connected to Lunar New Year traditions or experiencing them for the first time, there's a place for you in the festivities.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 恭喜发财! May the Year of the Horse bring you prosperity, adventure, and plenty of dumplings. 🐴🏮

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Last updated: February 2026. Event details are subject to change — check linked websites for the latest information. For more Melbourne events and guides, visit What's On Melbourne and Eventbrite Melbourne.