Filed under: chinese-new-year, Events, Sydney, Year of the Ox
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Sydney
We rang in the New Year with fireworks earlier this month, but there’s more celebrating to be done. From 23 January we’ll usher in the Year of the Ox with the three-week Chinese New Year Festival.
“Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival is the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia,” .
“The Festival celebrates Sydney’s Chinese community and will have something for everyone to enjoy, including the first Twilight Parade, spectacular performances and unique cultural experiences.”
The Year of the Ox brings with it patience and physical stamina.
Here are some of the highlights!
Launch Celebration
Lions and dragons will come to life and red firecrackers will scare away the misfortune of the past year in this event which combines traditional customs with modern colour.
Date: 23 January
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Belmore Park
Chinese New Year Markets
Enjoy divine Asian food and unique gifts at more than 50 stalls. You can also learn a little Chinese culture, with classes in Tai Chi, Chinese drumming, and Lion Dancing. While you shop enjoy the entertainment on the main stage. There’ll be Dragon Dancing, Chinese Opera, and other musical and cultural performances.
Dates: 23 January to 25 January
Times: 4 pm to 10 pm on Friday, 11 am to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Belmore Park
Sydney China Film Festival
Sydney’s first Chinese film festival will feature 18 mainstream and arthouse films from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. The festival looks to promote Chinese films and deepen out understanding of Chinese culture.
Dates: 30 January to 6 February
Where: Greater Union, George Street
Cost: $16.50 for adults and $13.50 for concession holders
Twilight Parade
The parade will feature 500 dancers, musicians, and martial artists from China’s Henan province, as well as large glowing lanterns representing the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The parade will be followed by a fireworks display at Cockle Bay.
Date: 1 February
Time: 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: From Town Hall to Chinatown
Dragon Boat Races
More than 3000 paddlers will hit Darling Harbour for two action-packed days of racing.
Dates: 7 and 8 February
Times: 8 am to 5 pm
Where: Darling Harbour
Image source:
