How to celebrate Lunar New Year in Canberra

Posted on 23 January, 2019

With the beginning of the Year of the Earth Pig on 5 February, Canberrans can expect a sensory feast around town.

The pig is said to represent luck and good fortune, which means higher income and prosperity this coming year. What better way to usher in an era of abundance than to get amongst the generous number of celebrations in the community?

Natural 9

Experience Chinese New Year in style with a High Tea at Natural Nine. Guests can expect a swathe of sweet and savoury morsels, including dumplings and buns inspired by both Asian and Australian flavours.

From 5-10 February | $98 per tower for 2 people | casinocanberra.com.au/event/chinese-new-year-high-tea

National Multicultural Festival

Visit the Happy New Year China Village at the National Multicultural Festival to celebrate the Year of the Earth Pig with Chinese food and craft.

Stick around the watch the variety of performances on offer, including headline acts of Christine Anu, Isaiah Firebrace and chef Mark Olive.

15 -17 February | City Walk, Civic | multiculturalfestival.com.au

 XO

Indulge in an eight-course share menu at XO‘s Narrabundah establishment, featuring Asian fusion cuisine that showcases local and regional produce.

The first seating on Tuesday 5 February will also include a lion dancing performance.

From Tuesday 5 to Saturday 23 February | 16 Iluka Street, Narrabunda | $88 per head | xo-restaurant.com.au

Nara Lantern Festival

Celebrate the last day of the Lunar New Year period with a colourful night at Nara Peace Park in Yarralumla.

Attendees can also make their own lantern in a workshop beforehand.

Saturday 23 February from 7 pm-9 pm| Beijing Garden, Yarralumla | Free event

Lanterne Rooms

Credit: Anisa Sabet.

The much-loved Campbell restaurant will be hosting a Malay and Nyonya inspired banquet set against an inviting backdrop of cosy, dimly lit rooms.

From Tuesday 5 to Saturday 16 February | 3/16 Blamey Place, Campbell | chairmangroup.com.au/lanterne_rooms

LUNAR NEW YEAR @ FIRST EDITION CANBERRA

Pay tribute to the year of the pig with First Edition’s Lunar New Year Feast! Guests will be presented with a 3-course menu for just $35pp.

To start, deep fried eggplant stuffed with chicken and snake bean with sweet and sour chilli sauce. For seconds, Taiwan braised pork belly with marble egg and deep fried tofu and to conclude sesame ice-cream with dried lychee and almond praline.

Feeling thirsty? Try First Edition’s Five Spice Cocktail, with Remy VSOP Cognac, Five Spice Syrup, basil, fresh lemon topped with a ginger slice and soda water.

Happening until Friday 8 February at First Edition Canberra, Level 1/65 Northbourne Av, Canberra.

See the website for more information.

The Chairman & Yip

Credit: Anisa Sabet.

The iconic Barton venue offers groups (minimum of four people) tasting menus and a new year banquet. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes mixed with modern flair.

From Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 February | chairmangroup.com.au/chairmanyip

Wild Duck

This Kingston venue is offering an enticing feast of fresh, innovative food. Sittings are available for both lunch and dinner to wish patrons ‘Gong Hei Fatt Choy’ in 2019.

From Monday 4 to Saturday 9 February | 77-78/71 Giles Street, Kingston | $88 per person

Westfield Belconnen + Woden

Lion Dance Parades will be held at 12 pm on Saturday 9 February at Westfield Belconnen and Saturday 16 February at Westfield Woden.

Westfield Belconnen parade will start at the dining precinct on Lathlain Street, walking its way through the centre to finish at Centre Court with a final performance. The parade through Westfield Woden will take place through the dining precinct on Corinna Street and then into the fresh food area.

From 9 February at Belconnen | From 16 February at Woden

Marketplace Gungahlin

On Sunday 3 February from midday until 2 pm, be entertained at The Marketplace Gungahlin with demonstrations of martial arts, lion dancing, unicorn performances, dragon shows and a blessing, followed by a lunch at the centre.

33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | marketplacegungahlin.com.au/whats-on/chinese-new-year-celebrations