2026 is the year of the Horse, starting from February 17th, 2026 (Chinese Lunar New Year Day) and lasting until February 5, 2027. If you were born in 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014…, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Horse.
As a large community of Chinese-Australians living in New South Wales, Sydneysiders love celebrating Chinese New Year each year.
Although this festival is celebrated across the country, Sydney does it differently. Chinese Australians celebrate this cultural festival with the same vigour and energy as in China.
Chinese New Year 2026 Sydney Festival Dates, CNY Calendar & Animal
Each year, the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney seem to get bigger, and they are now said to be one of the biggest outside of Asia. At the centre of the celebrations is the CBD’s Sydney Lunar Festival. Street parties, live entertainment, delicious food, lion dances, dragon boats, and art and light installations will dazzle crowds.
Sydney Lunar Streets is a return favourite – when the lanes of Haymarket come alive with live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, food trucks and plenty of Insta-worthy moments.
Visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship for tea ceremonies, fortune readings, a Twilight Garden Party, and more. Continue your journey to Darling Harbour for entertainment, lion dances, and dragon boat races. Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without food, so round up your loved ones for a cosy dinner or bustling banquet. There are over 150 places to eat and drink in Darling Harbour, including authentic Asian eats in Darling Square and Darling Quarter.
Burwood, Chatswood, Cabramatta, Eastwood and Hurstville all have big celebrations for the Lunar New Year. Expect feasts, markets, lion dances, kids’ activities and hundreds of lanterns all over the city.
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