What’s on in Sydney this Lunar New Year

With the Lunar New Year about to swing into full gear this weekend, we’re wondering where the best places in Sydney are to get involved in one of the most interesting cultural holidays on the calendar.

Lunar new year originated in China, commonly known as ‘Guo Nian,’ and revolves around the lunisolar calendar. This weekend marks the beginning of spring and the arrival the year of the rabbit.

Dancing lion performances will take place every day in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Monday through Thursday travellers can head to the Town Hall steps on their lunch break to catch a performance at 12pm and 12.30pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the show will take place at Dixon Street Mall, Chinatown at 7.30 and 8pm. The lion represents power, wisdom and superiority and when dances are performed on big occasions such as Lunar NY they bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.

Sydney Town Hall will play host to the Lunar Spectacular Show on 4 February, where community and cultural groups will share their culture through dance, music, theatre and storytelling to celebrate the beginning of the year of the rabbit.

Not to be missed is Lunar Lanes taking place in Haymarket on Saturday 19 January that will transform the laneways into an exciting street party with real community spirit. The streets will be alive with entertainment in the form of roving performers, dancing lions, market stalls, live music, DJ’s and more.

And it’s not too late to maximise the weekend with some great deals at local hotels for all to enjoy:

Kimpton Margot Sydney will re-theme its famous social hour which offers complimentary drinks between 5pm and 6pm for houseguests with a decisively eastern twist. Served in the Wilmot Bar, expect a specially created “Jade cocktail” – jade symbolising the virtues of sincerity, loyalty, justice, wisdom and purity. The jade cocktail will consist of Green Sencha tea infused vodka, pineapple infused rum, kiwi, crème the menthe, lemon and simple syrup.

Also in the Wilmot Bar, the hotel will be highlighting its legendary “Lychee Martini” (the fruit is known for its romance, beauty, wellbeing and fertility benefits) with a special $15 price tag for the Lunar holiday period. In addition, guests staying during the Lunar Holiday period will receive a traditional “red packet” with a special offer from Chef Luke Mangan at Luke’s Kitchen (which will be a complimentary dessert with dinner).

Check out some other hotel deals below:

Novotel Sydney Central from $279: