Sydney Lunar Festival

Overview

Haymarket's Lunar New Year festival is ready for its next instalment, taking over the neighbourhood's multicultural streets for 18 days of celebration and tradition. Running from January 29 to February 16, the event rings in the Year of the Snake, with highlights ranging from dragon dancers and street food tours to contemporary art exhibitions and hilarious comedy club nights.

Presented on Dixon Street, one of the headline events in 2025 is Snake Stroll on Dixon. Designed by award-winning creatives Basalt Studios, this special snake installation features three sculptures shaped from sustainably sourced marine plywood and reusable materials. Stretching up to eight metres long, the snakes' yellow bellies and red bodies symbolise prosperity and positivity. 

City of Sydney

Held for one night only on February 1 from 5pm, Sydney Lunar Streets is the opening street party for the 2025 festival. Here, visitors will encounter more than 20 market stalls lining Sussex and Thomas Streets, with delicious Asian cuisine and specialty treats complemented by entertainment including lion dancers and contemporary musical performances.

For even more culinary fun, take a wander with the award-winning experts at Local Sauce Tours to discover the history and secrets behind some of Chinatown's most beloved restaurants. Not only will you get a taste of numerous eclectic bites across the precinct, but you'll also learn about the immense contributions Chinese Australians have made to the local area.

Alongside exhibitions celebrating diversity at 4A Centre for Contemporary Art, a deep-dive into communal dining at Blank Gallery and live performances at the Chinatown Comedy Club, this wide-ranging party offers a chance to get to know your local community while embracing the diverse tapestry of Asian cultures.