2025 is the year of the Dragon, starting from January 29th, 2025 (Chinese Lunar New Year Day) and lasting until February 16th, 2026. If you were born in 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013…, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Snake.
As a large community of Chinese-Australians who live in Victoria, Melbournians love celebrating Chinese New Year after year.
Although this festival is celebrated across the country, Melbourne does it differently. Chinese Australians celebrate this cultural festival with the same vigour and energy as in China.
Chinese New Year, 2025 Dates, Dragon Dance & Fireworks, Melbourne
Gather in Melbourne Chinatown, where all the actions are, along with the DJs who, true to the traditional Chinese New Year festivities, will warm up the crowd with New Year competitions and riddles for onlookers whilst the artists and performers come out into the streets and also on the stage.
Traders in Chinatown will be encouraged to decorate their windows and trading premises with Chinese New Year memorabilia. Visitors and customers will also be encouraged to log onto the website to vote for the Best Decorated Outlet.
It would be challenging for the Traders to dress up their premises with beautiful Chinese New Year memorabilia pieces. It could be anything cultural or any items from A to Z.
Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
Step into the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown for the city’s most vibrant and biggest cultural celebration.
Witness the legendary Millennium Dragon Parade winding down the streets, marvel at electrifying lion dances, and groove to a mix of traditional and contemporary live performances.
Treat your taste buds to Asian delicacies from bustling food stalls, have a refreshing beverage at the beer garden, and let the kids enjoy hands-on activities and games in the Kid’s Area at Golden Square Open Air Car Park.
The festival takes place between Lonsdale and Bourke Sts, and Little Bourke St from Swanston St to Exhibition St. Whether you’re here for the culture, the food or the family fun, the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival promises unforgettable memories for everyone.
Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market
Welcome the Year of the Snake with festive traditions, vibrant displays and cultural experiences.
Enjoy a Lion Dance performance at 10am, starting from Mary Martin Bookshop in String Bean Alley.
Visit the Wishing Tree in the Queen’s Food Hall to share your hopes for the year ahead, and explore the Lucky Cats displays alongside Chinese lanterns lining the perimeter of Queen St.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Chinese New Year
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates cross-cultural connections through music as the orchestra is joined by guest musicians from China to perform this program of Eastern and Western masterpieces.
Ring in the Year of the Snake at this annual concert tradition with renowned conductor Lü Jia and pianist Haochen Zhang, who returns to the MSO after a highly lauded performance in 2023.
Lunar New Year at Fed Square
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.
12pm – Tai Chi
12:45pm – Gentle Chinese Dance
1:30pm – Vovinam, Vietnamese Martial Arts and Songs of Vietnam
2pm – Lion Dance with the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne
2:15pm – Malaysian Contemporary Performance
3pm – Dragon Dance with the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne
3:15pm – Korean Traditional Sori Performance
3:45pm – AO K-POP Dance
Lunar New Year at QV Melbourne
QV Melbourne is celebrating the Lunar New Year with an interactive Snakes and 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.
An entirely free game, Snakes and Ladders is set on a stylish red and pink chequered deck. Visitors can scan a QR code to access virtual dice on their smartphone and navigate their way through the ladders and 3D sculptural snakes.
Lunar New Year at narrm ngarrgu
Celebrate the Year of the Snake and appreciate the beauty and craft of Chinese and Vietnamese traditional dance.
The performance will include the Taichi Fan Dance, Vietnamese Conical Hat Dance, Umbrella Dance, Line Dance and more.
Bring your family and friends to gather and share this joyful, vibrant cultural celebration.
Lunar New Year
Join a tri-lingual storytime celebrating the Lunar New Year. There are stories, songs to sing and nursery rhymes to share in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Stay on for a fun craft activity.
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Man Mo WTC
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Chinese New Year at Man Mo WTC, and celebrate with an unforgettable dining experience complemented by spectacular lion dance performances to welcome the Year of the Snake.
On New Year’s Eve, indulge in a sumptuous banquet crafted to honour this special occasion. On New Year’s Day, savour the exquisite flavours of the signature menu while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
With its elegant setting and lively performances, it’s the ultimate way to mark the Lunar New Year in style.
The Legend of the White Snake – A Timeless Tale of Love
Celebrate the Year of the Snake by stepping into the world of The Legend of the White Snake, a beloved Chinese folk tale of love, immortality, and the battle between good and evil.
This exhibition features 15 stunning Yangliuqing hand-painted wood block paintings traditionally created for the Chinese New Year. Yangliuqing is in the suburb of Tianjin where this folk art originated at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) and is still a flourishing art form to this day.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with this unique artistic experience that highlights the enduring power of this ancient myth across cultures and generations.
East @ West: Cutting Through Time with Love and Blessing
Drawing inspiration from traditional patterns and Matisse’s floral motifs, this exhibition embodies the spirit of the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal, hope, and unity.
By integrating Chinese characters of auspicious words: Blessing 福, Longevity 寿, Good Fortune 禄, and Happiness 囍 with the extra word of Peace 和, the installation reflects shared values across cultures in the present moment.
The cut paper patterns are displayed on modern drafting film, creating a composition that harmonises contrasts: the fragility of paper against the strength of its message, the simplicity of the material with the complexity of the design, and the blend of ancient and contemporary elements. It inspires connection, gratitude, and peace, offering a personal and universal blessing for a new year filled with love, prosperity, and cultural unity.
Launch: Thursday 6 February, 5.30pm to 7pm.
Lunar New Year at Melbourne Museum
Step into the joy of the Lunar New Year as Melbourne Museum transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration, with traditional performances, activities and captivating experiences for all ages.
Lunar New Year is a time of joy and renewal, filled with family reunions, festive meals and special preparations to welcome good fortune for the year ahead. Celebrated in late January or early February, this vibrant festival is observed in countries including China, Singapore, Korea, and Vietnam, and embraced by communities worldwide, including those in Victoria.
At Melbourne Museum, you’re invited to experience the excitement of traditional dragon dances, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Museum’s galleries, and enjoy captivating storytelling and talks about the fascinating world of snakes. With plenty to explore and enjoy, it’s the perfect way for families to start 2025 with excitement and wonder.
Lunar New Year at Collins Square
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Collins Square with exciting festivities and immersive experiences.
Enjoy a dragon and lion dance performance, a red packet envelope giveaway, and the chance to win prizes!
While visiting don’t miss the opportunity to explore and support the diverse range of Asian cuisine available onsite.
Hi there
Will the 2018 information be available soon?
Do you know if the light display and or fire works are on again this year? We want to book accommodation in Melbourne soon. Thank you
Hi MJ,
No program information has been published as yet by the City of Melbourne, however I would expect it to be released within the next week or so. Please check back with us next week and I will update our page with all the information about the Chinese New Year in Melbourne for 2018.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi guys
Same here. We plan to hit the road on 26th and if possible join in all the activities happening not to miss is the dragon parade and dragon awakening ceremony. Really appreciate any details and information that helps with the itinerary.
Hi Lai,
Still waiting on the release of a program schedule from the City of Melbourne. Will update the page once it becomes available.
Kind regards,
Jess
What date and time is the fireworks. I want to watch it from crown casino
Hi Sarita,
The schedule hasn’t yet been released, so check back with us and I will update the page with a program once it becomes available.
Regards,
Jess
What date is the Dragon out in the streets of Melbourne ass we are from Perth and would love to be there for it ?
Hi Margaret,
The program hasn’t yet been released for 2017.
It appears from previous years that the dragon was there to open the festival on the first day in Chinatown at around 11.30am. I will update this page with information on the schedule of events as it comes to hand. Please check back with us!
Regards,
Jess