Auckland Lantern Festival

Overview

Chinese New Year is one of the world's most colourful and extravagant events, in fact, it's New Zealand's largest Chinese festival and it's returning to Auckland Domain for another year of celebrations. This year Auckland Lantern Festival celebrates the Year of the Dog — and it's one not to be missed.

Evolved from an ancient Chinese belief that spirits could be seen flying about in the light of the first full moon of the lunar calendar, the festival hosts lanterns of all shapes and sizes as it's believed they were used to help spot the spirits.

There's not only hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns to catch your eye but also a variety of entertainment ranging from music, dance and theatre performers from both New Zealand and China. There is something for everybody; dabble in traditional martial arts, get creative at one of the arts and crafts stalls or fill your belly with delicious authentic grub.

It's a fun-packed evening for all the family, with amusement rides, karaoke and face painting to keep the kids entertained, you'll be able to pause for a moment and take in the surrounding beauty of 800 twinkling lights in the sky.

Listen to traditional Chinese music with Lao Qiang, be blown away by the Shanhai Xinghhuang Acrobatic Troop, experience the weird and wonderful Throat Singing and end the night with a bang, as a stunning firework display waves hello to the new year.