Chinese New Year In Sydney

Sydney loves to put on a festival. Any excuse will do, and the Chinese New Year is no different!
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Running for 10 days in February, the festival includes a variety of markets and shopping, traditional delicacies, art installations, performances, and family activities.

​If you like seafood, you can’t miss the one-night-only Chinese New Year Night Market held at the fishmarkets in Pyrmont on Feb 8th. Parking is free after 4pm, so head down and feast on the freshest oysters and seafood in Sydney, as well as burgers, fresh fruit, and desserts. Make sure you’re there between 6:30 and 7:30 to see the lion dancers!

If you’re after a different kind of market, the regular weekly markets in The Rocks (Friday-Sunday) have expanded for the lunar new year, and are staying open until 10pm. They’ll be selling locally made clothing, jewellery, crafts, all under the glow of traditional red lanterns.  While you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the huge animal lanterns floating around. Each one has been designed by an Australian-Chinese artist and represents an animal of the zodiac.

​There will also be Lunar New Year celebrations at World Square and Cabramatta which will be great to check out with the whole family. World Square will have adorable piglets to meet, Korean fan dancing, a lion dance, and a special art installation from 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm which will have everyone dancing. Cabramatta is a little more food-focused, and will also have exciting activities for all age groups, firecrackers, and other performances.

On February 9th and 10th, there will be dragon-boat racing in Darling Harbour. The spectacularly carved and painted boats, as well as the competition and sportsmanship, draws thousands of spectators every year.

In case all the celebrations had you hungry (again), wind up your evening at Sydney Tower Eye, where there is an all you can eat dumpling pop up. The sessions are priced at $45, and run for 45 minutes each from 5-7pm.

​- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.