Seven ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in Canberra
Posted on
Promising to be a year of enthusiasm, creativity, and drive, here’s how you can celebrate Lunar New Year in Canberra.
Lunar New Year began on Tuesday 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse – a zodiac sign associated with dynamic, fiery energy, symbolising ambition, courage and forward motion.
Here’s where to mark Lunar New Year in Canberra and enjoy a kaleidoscope of culture, food and festivities.
DON’T MISS…
Canberra Lunar New Year Festival
Woolley Street in Dickson will come alive on Saturday 21 February with a full-day festival celebrating Lunar New Year. Running from 10 am until 10 pm, the event promises something for all ages, from food and performances to family-friendly fun.
Highlights include traditional and contemporary acts, roving zodiac performers, a food village and a Mini Mongkok market area. With the evening wrapping up in true Fire Horse style with pyrotechnics, be sure to check out the full program so you don’t miss a thing.
Saturday 21 February | Woolley Street, Dickson | lunarnewyearcanberra.com
PLAN FOR…
Luna New Year seafood buffet at the Hyatt
The Promenade Café is celebrating Lunar New Year with a standout seafood buffet featuring vibrant Asian-inspired dishes. Expect everything from blue swimmer crab and Crystal Bay tiger prawns to crispy sesame chicken, dim sum, bamboo shoot salad and more.
Priced at $140 per adult and $70 per child (aged six to 12), the experience also includes a spectacular lion dance performance to welcome in the Year of the Horse.
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February | The Promenade Cafe at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | hyatt.com
South.Point Lunar New Year Celebration
South.Point Shopping Centre is celebrating the Year of the Horse with live animals, performances and free craft activities!
Find Travis the horse and Finnigan the pony in the Centre Court from 10 am to 12 pm, with a Chinese-themed backdrop for photos. Plus, Moonbear Kung Fu Academy will be performing Lion Dancing while Red Cedar Dance Group presents traditional Chinese dance from 10.30 am to 12 pm. If that’s not enough, pop into the Arts Lounge for free Lunar New Year craft activities, including horse-themed jewellery-making and keepsake ornaments for children. Did we mention it’s free? All ages and families are welcome.
Saturday, 28 February, 10 am–12 pm | South.Point Shopping Centre, Centre Court, Tuggeranong | southpointcanberra.com.au
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Australia–China Friendship Society ACT Branch is hosting a lantern festival at the Canberra Beijing Garden on Saturday 28 February to mark Chinese New Year.
Running from 6 pm until 8.30 pm, the free event will feature Chinese classical music, dance and martial arts performances, alongside traditional dragon and lion dances. Bring your own lantern – or purchase one on the night – and join the lantern parade along the edge of the lake to close out the evening.
Saturday 28 February | Canberra Beijing Garden, Lennox Garden, Yarralumla | acfs.org.au
Chinese New Year at Mrs Wang
To mark the Year of the Horse, Mrs Wang will be serving a special menu inspired by classic Chinese dishes – and you’ll want to arrive hungry.
Featuring five-spice barramundi, steamed prawn, pork and Chinese chive dumplings, and eight treasures sticky rice pudding, every table will also receive lucky red envelopes, each holding a prize.
With extended opening hours on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February, booking ahead is highly recommended.
Until Tuesday 3 March | FG16 A/26 Narellan Street, City | mrswang.restaurant
Chinese New Year at Tiger Lane
Tiger Lane is coming alive for the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited. From a special menu at Mrs Wang, to authentic Chinese flavours from Golden Panda and Lucky Duck, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Whether you want to pop in for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something everyone will enjoy.
Until Tuesday 3 March | FG16 Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, City | tigerlane.com.au
Chinese New Year 2026 Chef’s Special at natural nine
Pork, shiitake and wombok spring rolls, sea cucumber with shrimp soy sauce, tiger prawns with cured duck yolk – and that’s just the beginning.
This Lunar New Year, natural nine is offering a special chef’s menu showcasing authentic Shanghainese cuisine. With lunch and dinner seatings available, it’s the perfect excuse to gather family and friends for a meal that promises both good fortune and exceptional food.
Until Tuesday 3 March | 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
Vietnamese Lunar New Year at Q Dining
While this article is focused on the Chinese New Year, it’s also worth acknowledging Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Known as a time of renewal, good fortune, and gathering around the table with family and friends to welcome the year ahead, to mark this occasion, Tết Q Dining has created a special menu shaped by prosperity and good fortune, bringing people together through food.
Until Tuesday 3 March | Albemarle Building, G03/45 Furzer Street, Phillip | theqdining.com.au
Lunar New Year at Marketplace
Marketplace Gungahlin is hosting a festive lineup of activities to celebrate Lunar New Year. On Sunday 22 February, watch for the Lunar New Year Dragon Parade as it winds through the centre, handing out red packets filled with fortune – and maybe even a surprise or two.
Until Sunday 1 March, visitors can also discover their Lunar Zodiac among the centre’s cherry blossom tree, uncovering fortunes written in the blossoms and soaking up the Lunar New Year atmosphere.
Until Sunday 1 March | Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | marketplacegungahlin.com.au
Feature image: City Renewal Authority.
