The Chinese New Year in Sydney
The Chinese New Year is the biggest date in the Chinese and South-East Asian events calendar, and is celebrated all over the world. It is particularly popular in Australia, which has a large South-East Asian population, and the celebrations there attract tourists from all over the world, as well as having a strong local involvement.
Sydney is home to one of the most extravagant and spectacular celebrations of the Chinese New Year outside of Asia. The festival period runs from the 28th of January to the 13th of February, beginning with some very lively carnival celebrations. During the period of the festival, there are lots of food markets, exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.
Naturally, the festival attracts a lot of tourists from around the world, so you may have to get in there quick to get the best deals. At the moment, Thomas Cook is offering some spectacularly cheap package holidays to Sydney around the period of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Here are some of the highlights of the Chinese New Year in Sydney.
Twilight Parade
On the 6th of February every year, Sidney is lit up with thousands of glowing lanterns and a breathtaking firework display, and the streets between the Town Hall and Darlington Harbour are filled with amazing floats, giant Chinese dragons, dance displays and martial arts demonstrations. It is truly a feast for the senses, with lots of stalls selling delicious Asian food, and exciting sights and sounds everywhere you turn your head.
Chinese New Year Markets
Between the 28th and the 30th of January, Belmore Park in Sydney’s Chinatown district is transformed into a sprawling Asian market. Here you can find all sorts of delights, such as Chinese craft stalls, food stalls, musicians, theatre performances, and open air film screenings. You could learn about the art of feng shui, take a guided tour of Chinatown, attend free Chinese craft workshops and indulge in a spot of karaoke at this free, family friendly event.
Dragon Boat Races
These spectacular races have become a firm favourite at the Sydney Chinese New Year celebrations in recent years, attracting massive crowds for this traditional Chinese sport. This year, the Dragon Boat races will be held at Cockle Bay in Darlington Harbour on the 12th and the 13th of February.
Sydney Event Guide
Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and has a variety of annual events.
January
Festival of Sydney
February
Cole Classic @ Manly
Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival
Sony Tropfest Film Festival
Shakespeare by the Sea
March
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Greek Festival of Sydney
April
National Trust Heritage Festival
May
Mercedes Australian Fashion Week
Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon
Sydney's Writers' Festival
June
A Taste of Manly: Food & Wine Festival
Darling Harbour Jazz Festival
Sydney Film Festival
Australian International Music Festival
July
Aroma Coffee Festival - The Rocks
Sydney International Boat Show
August
Sun Herald City to Surf Fun Run
September
Sydney Marathon
Manly Arts Festival
Carnivale - multi-cultural arts festival
October
NRL Grand Final - Telstra Stadium
Manly International Jazz Festival
LIVID Festival - Alternative Music Festival
Sydney Motor Show - Sydney Convention Centre
November
Sculpture by the Sea
December
Homebake - Music Festival - The Domain
Handel's Messiah in Sydney
Carols in the Domain
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
New Year's Eve Fireworks - Darling Harbour
