How to celebrate Lunar New Year 2020 in Canberra

Posted on 24 January, 2020

Lunar New Year 2020 is upon us, carrying in the Year of the Metal Rat. Here’s how to celebrate in Canberra.

From the perspective of yin and yang, 2020’s Metal Rat is yang and is meant to represent the beginning of a new day.

New day, new decade? We like the sound of that. With this symmetry, let us hope that the rat’s power to turn unlucky events into good fortune will hold a place in all of our lives this year—and beyond.

Here’s how to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Canberra.

Chinese Lantern Festival

This February, the Australia China Friendship Society will hold its annual Lantern Festival by the lake.

There will be performances of Chinese traditional music, dancing, martial arts and a Lantern Parade along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Why not bring a picnic and enjoy a family evening by the lake (only water and snacks can be bought at the site)? Lanterns will be available for purchase.

In case of rain or thick haze the Festival will be cancelled—please check their website on the day.

Saturday 8 February from 6.15 – 9 pm | Canberra Beijing Garden, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla | acfs.org.au

Musical Marsupials at Canberra Centre

Welcome in the Year of the Metal Rat at the Canberra Centre with Lunar New Year celebrations kicking off tomorrow, Saturday 25 January.

As part of the festivities, several large geometric rats will be on display on Level One, outside Zara. With the push of a button, these musical marsupials will play a special tune on their instruments.

Starting from 12 noon, there will also be traditional dragon and lion, plus free face painting and calligraphy where you can get your name written in Chinese.

For more information see Facebook.

Dragon and Lion Dancing, Face Painting and Calligraphy: 12 noon – 2 pm located on the Ground Floor, outside R.M Williams | Geometric Musical Rats start on today, Friday 24 January located on the glass flooring on Level 1, outside Zara | Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City | Facebook.

XO

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 and welcome in the Year of the Metal Rat at Narrabundah’s XO.

From 28 January until 8 February, XO will be sampling the very best in local and regional produce to create a traditional eight course Chinese New Year meal, with a distinctive Australian twist.

The first seating on 28 January will include a special lion dancing performance to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in style.

28 January–8 February from 6 – 11 pm at 16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah | $88 per head and limited seating available, this event is in high demand every year | See Facebook for more information

SUPER BAO

Join the Super Bao family as they bring in the Chinese New Year with a bang (and bang for your buck), with their chef-selected five-course set menu at their Dickson location.

Banquet tickets are limited—first in, first served.

22 January–2 February | 6 Cape Street, Dickson | $78 per person | See Eventbrite for more information 

Chinese New Year at the Hellenic Club

Canberra Prosperous Mountain Lion and Dragon Dancers will be back for a special Chinese New Year performance on Sunday 2 February at Ginseng Hellenic during Yum Cha at 1 pm.

Sunday 2 February from 1 pm – 4 pm | Ginseng Hellenic, Matilda Street, Woden | hellenicclub.com.au 

Natural 9

Celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year at Natural Nine with a Lunar New Year Banquet.

Enjoy a nine-course banquet from Natural 9’s renowned chefs.

Saturday 25 January from 5.30 – 10 pm at Natural Nine, Casino Canberra, 21 Binara St, Canberra | $52 per person | natural9.com.au 

First Edition

First Edition are inviting diners to experience a traditional and symbolic three-course banquet to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Specially created by head chef Jennie Tressler, the menu is designed to give blessings for the next year, with every dish carrying a wish for good luck.

Friday 24 to Friday 31 January, lunch and dinner at First Edition Level 1, 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | $49 pp | firsteditioncanberra.com.au

Chairman Group

Chairman & Yip and Lanterne Rooms are both offering special Chinese New Year menus until Saturday 25 January (better be quick!)

At Chairman & Yip in Barton, a highlight of the banquet menu is ‘Lo-Hei Yu Sheng’ – a Lunar New Year essential where noodles are tossed together for good fortune in the coming year. The Chairman version includes slow-cooked Ocean Trout, fermented radish, kohlrabi, pickled carrot, gailan leaves, finger lime, beetroot and puffed rice. $70pp, eight dishes, minimum of four to a table.

And at Lanterne Rooms in Campbell, we’re excited for a banquet menu that includes Yee Sang—Ocean Trout Prosperity Salad—$75pp, minimum of four.

Until 25 January | Burbury Close, Barton and Unit 139 / 81 Constitution Ave Campbell | chairmangroup.com.au