Chinese New Year Festival

20 Jan-05 Feb ,

What to watch

Critics' choice

The Year of the Dragon begins with a bang!

First published on 14 Nov 2011. Updated on 6 Feb 2012.

This event has finished

Festival Launch
The Year of the Dragon kicks off with an explosive first night at the CNY Markets. Australian and Chinese performers will give the crowd a taste of the festival programme that lies ahead, and the lunar year beyond that. Expect firecrackers, dancers, lions, and hundreds of lanterns lighting the sky. Belmore Park, Eddy Ave, Haymarket 2000. Fri 20 Jan, 6–8pm. FREE.

Twilight Parade
About 2,500 performers make up the CNY Twilight parade – the centrepiece of the festival. These will include martial arts experts, dragon and lion dancers, performers atop illuminated floats and lantern bearers. Head to the city early to claim a spot on the parade route because 100,000 people are expected to observe the spectacle. Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown, Sydney 2000. Sun 29 Jan, 7.45–9.30pm. FREE.

Dragon Boat Races
Watch on as teams of up to 22 people paddle at pace to the beat of a drum in an ornate dragon boat. Or, to participate in this popular Chinese New Year event, register your interest. Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000. 4–5 Jan, 8am–5pm. FREE.

Chinese New Year Markets
An Asian market will pop up in Belmore Park for three days over Chinese New Year, with more than 50 stalls pedalling all manner of foodie treats, traditional crafts, lanterns and clothing. Get involved with cooking demonstrations and craft workshops, or sit back on the grass and watch the line-up of live entertainment. Belmore Park, Eddy Ave, Haymarket 2000. 20–22 Jan, Fri 4–10pm; Sat–Sun 11am–10pm. FREE.

Associated Events
This year the celebrations will spread far and wide with private and public venues throughout Sydney hosting exhibitions, talks, tours and performances from 20 Jan–5 Feb. Full Chinese New Year programme.