Filed under: children, chinese-new-year, Family Friendly, Year of the Tiger
Fun for Families at Sydney’s Chinese New Year Celebrations
2010’s Chinese New Year celebrations are set to be Sydney’s most family-friendly ever, with plenty of activities and events designed with kids in mind.
“The City of Sydney’s annual Chinese New Year Festival celebrates the diverse cultures that make Sydney such a vibrant and lively City,’ .
“This year, we’re delighted to welcome in the Year of the Tiger with an action-packed Festival program that has something for everyone.”
It all kicks off with the Chinese New Year Markets, held at from February 12 to 14. There’ll be local and international performers, film screenings, more than 50 market stalls, and a special program of children’s activities. See it from 4 pm to 10 pm on Friday and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends for free.
at the University of Sydney will host a special afternoon of interactive activities on February 14. There’ll be children’s stories read in both Mandarin and English, and kids can create their own tiger to take home. Join in the free fun from noon to 4 pm.
The free fun continues at on Tuesday February 16, with a craft making workshop. Chinese tradition says firecrackers help scare away evil spirits. Little ones can make their own firecracker decorations and learn more about Chinese tradition and culture. The workshop is on from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Then on Thursday February 18 it’s off to the to make Chinese zodiac masks. Kids will learn all about the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and make their own mask featuring one of those important creatures.
On Sunday 21 February it’s the International Children’s Cultural and Arts Festival, an event especially designed with little ones in mind. 400 international children and 350 local kids will come together for music, dance, and theatre performances relating to this year’s theme “Peace, Friendship, and Future.” It’s on at from 2:30 pm. Tickets cost $45 for adults and $25 for kids.
If the kids are inspired by those performances, they can get in on the act at the CYL Club House in Haymarket. On February 27 the club will host lion dancing workshops between noon and 1 pm. The cost is $5 per person.
Families also shouldn’t miss the festival’s cornerstone events, including the Chinese New Year Twilight Parade on February 21 and the Dragon Boat Races on February 27 and 28.
Image source:
