Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne

Lunar New Year is just around the corner and 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, a symbol often associated with wisdom, charm, and grace.

To help you celebrate this iconic sign in style, we've rounded up delicious, entertaining and fun-filled events to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne..

From bountiful banquets to immersive installations, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate in 2025.

Lunar New Year at Crown Melbourne

Celebrate Lunar New Year in style at Crown Melbourne with exclusive dining experiences in collaboration with Penfolds. Savour specially curated set menus at Silks, Koko, and Nobu, each paired with exquisite wines for a toast to new beginnings.

Enjoy daily lion, dragon, and drum performances in the Atrium, and marvel at the vibrant Zodiac Spectacular, an installation celebrating the Snake zodiac.

Available from January 28th to February 9th, these immersive experiences will fill your senses with colour, culture, and incredible food.

Crown Riverwalk, Southbank

A Four-Course Feast at BANG at The StandardX 

This Lunar New Year, BANG at The StandardX is serving up a vibrant four-course feast that’s as bold as the occasion itself. Indulge in dishes like sweet corn and crab broth with cucumber noodles, char siu oxtail with raw tuna, and a red wine-stuffed pigs trotter with wild mushrooms.

For $88 per person, it’s a no-holds-barred culinary experience you won’t want to miss. Book your seat and ring in the Year of the Snake in style.

January 28th to 29th, 5pm to 9pm reservations available

Book here

62 Rose Street, Fitzroy

Lunar New Year High Tea at Dorsett Melbourne

Skip the usual and sink into something truly indulgent at Dorsett Melbourne’s high tea, in collaboration with T6 Patisserie. Forget the ordinary; we’re talking Mandarin and Jasmine Mousse, juicy pork char siu buns, roasted Peking duck wraps, and freshly baked Oolong scones.

Wash it all down with bold teas or something stronger if you're feeling adventurous. A feast for the senses that mixes tradition with innovation—there are just four sessions available from 1st to 9th February. Make it a moment to remember this Lunar New Year in Melbourne. 

From 1st to 9th February

$80 per adult, $40 per child

Book here

615 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Buy a Bottle of Celebratory Whisky or Rum

This Lunar New Year, elevate your celebrations with a bottle of limited-edition spirit from 23rd Street Distillery or Beenleigh Rum. 23rd Street's Year of the Snake Whisky, with its rich toffee, dried fruit, and spice notes, and the velvety, warm spice finish of Beenleigh’s Rum make perfect festive gifts.

Both are crafted with premium ingredients and packaged in bespoke designs by Asian-Australian artists. Whether for a collector (23rd Street's whisky is limited to 3600 bottles globally, Beenleigh's just 2700) or someone who enjoys fine spirits, these bottles will slither straight into their heart.

23rd Street Distillery's Year of the Snake Whisky, $202.50 (down from $225)

Shop here

Beenleigh's Year of the Snake Rum, $135 (down from $150)

Shop here

Try Le Yeahllow's Limited-Edition Lunar New Year Treats

This Lunar New Year, Le Yeahllow is serving up a delicious mix of tradition and innovation with its limited-edition treats. The Blossoms Blooming Cake combines delicate oolong tea, white peach, and velvety mascarpone, a tribute to prosperity and renewal. Pair it with the Great Harvest Cookies Set—bite-sized delights like Golden Mandarin Cookies and Caramelized Pecan Florentine that pack a punch of sweet and nutty flavours. The Genmaicha Tea Cake, infused with roasted green tea and topped with golden brown rice, brings a grounding earthiness, but for a gift that’s as luxurious as it is thoughtful, the Harvest Luxe Box is a winner. Order here for pick-up or delivery, and toast to a fruitful year ahead.

Melbourne CBD and South Yarra

'Get Lucky' at Warabi

Looking for a little luck this Lunar New Year? Head to Warabi at W Melbourne, where they’re serving up more than just sushi—they’re dishing out fortune. Book an omakase experience between February 10th and 24th and get a red envelope filled with surprises, from a free cocktail to an entire omakase experience on the house. It's a perfect mix of indulgence and chance. Book your spot and let the good times roll.

28th January to 1st February, book here

W Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Moonhouse 

Moonhouse in Balaclava is turning up the heat this Lunar New Year with a banquet that’s pure magic. For three nights only, dive into a feast of roasted duck pancakes, longevity noodles, and beef and bone marrow spring rolls—each bite celebrating tradition with a twist.

Don’t miss the lucky dip: each red envelope contains a voucher worth up to $100. This dinner is more than just food—it's fortune on a plate!

$75.00 per person (banquet style menu), book here

9th to 11th February, 6pm onwards

282 Carlisle Street, Balaclava

Spice Temple 

Spice Temple is throwing down for the Year of the Dragon with a feast that’s all about good fortune. Executive Chef Andy Evans and Head Chef Maggie Chan are serving up a banquet of traditional Lunar New Year dishes, including the must-try Yu Sheng salad—aka the “Prosperity Toss” — a raw fish celebration that’s a fun and unique experience. From ingredients that promise love and peace to dishes steeped in tradition, this is one Lunar New Year feast in Melbourne you won’t forget.

$159 per person (lunch and dinner), book here

22nd January to 5th February

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Salted Egg

Salted Egg is bringing the heat this Lunar New Year with a banquet that’s as bold as it is festive. Executive Chef Adam Woodfield, the mastermind behind Chin Chin’s magic, has curated a menu that’s all about good fortune, with dishes like smoked duck betel leaf, prawn and spinach dumplings, and twice-cooked pork belly. It’s a five-starter, four-main, share-it-all feast that’s perfect for gathering your crew and celebrating the Year of the Snake with flavour-packed dishes that promise prosperity and plenty of swagger. Don’t miss it.

$85 per person, book here

28th January to 1st February

509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Yugen Dining

Nothing screams ‘good fortune’ like a five-course banquet where each dish takes you deeper into the Lunar New Year magic. Think spanner crab and corn tartlets, rock oysters, sashimi, crispy pork belly, and a caramelised pineapple tart to top it off. For one week only, this feast promises to elevate your year ahead.

Sitchu Tip: Try the bold Snakeskin Boots cocktail—red, daring, and packed with Dutch Rules vodka, rhubarb mistelle, Sichuan pepper, Mancino Bianco vermouth, orange bitters, and fresh lemon. A citrusy twist of lemon peel makes it the perfect toast for a prosperous year ahead!

$168 per person, book here

29th January to 2nd February

​605 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Yum Sing House

Ring in the Lunar New Year in style at Yum Sing House, who  has various festive activities on during the new year week. Pick from the a la carte menu and enjoy the traditional Yee Sang, a prosperity seafood salad, or opt for the Lunar New year Banquet menu (minimum of two people required). Featuring dishes including the Yee Sang with Ora King Salmon and Hokkaido Scallops, Braised Oxtail Money Bag, and Steamed Grouper with Aged Soy, you'll be immersed in tradition and culture.

Book for the 31st of Jnuary and you'll also be able to experience a vibrant and fun lion dance show, bringing blessings and good fortune.

$108 per person (banquet menu), book here

28th January to 31st January

​22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne

Hawker Hall Festive Banquet

For wallet-friendly Lunar New Year celebrations, indulge in Hawker Hall's epic banquet. Feast on the iconic eatery's best Malaysian and Singaporean dishes, including kingfish sashimi with a coconut, lime and red chilli sambal, prawn and pork wontons, wild mushroom salad, steamed fish with three flavour sauce and coconut tapioca pudding.

The best part? Traditional Lion Dance performances will be taking place at Hawker Hall at 8pm on the 24th January, 31st January, and 6th February.

$88 per person (banquet), book here

22nd January to 13th February

98 Chapel Street, Windsor 

Madeleine De Proust

Madeleine De Proust is also celebrating the Lunar New Year, delighting customers with a prosperity box featuring three limited-edition madeleines that are almost too pretty to eat. Sink your teeth into the Bear of Fortune, Lucky Pineapple, and Scarlett Bless—three flavours that will make you salivate. Only available for a limited time, you better run to get your hands on these.

Pre-order here

253 Lygon Street, Carlton

Koko Black Lunar New Year Treats

Chocolatiers Koko Black are bringing their signature artisanal flair to a bespoke range of treats in ode to the Year of the Snake. Perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself), the Lunar New Year range features a 48-piece Lunar Lantern containing a nine-layered gold foil tower that holds a variety of 48 irresistible pralines.

Joining the Lunar Lantern is the eight-piece Lucky Lunar Pralines (with four assortments of the fruity-sweet treat), the 25-Piece Chocolatier’s Collection, and the brand new Sichuan Pepper Praline.

Available online and in stores

Multiple locations across the city

Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market

This Lunar New Year in Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market is bringing the heat with a celebration of culture, food, and tradition. Get ready for live Lion Dances, vibrant Lucky Cats, and a Wishing Tree at the Wednesday Summer Night Market, where you can share your hopes for the Year of the Snake. QVM will be alive with colour and energy, making it a perfect spot to soak in the festive vibes.

Hungry? Feast on dumplings, noodle soup, whole fish, and sweet rice cakes—each dish packed with meaning and good fortune. 

Wednesday 29th January, from 5pm

Thursday 30th January, String Bean Alley, from 10am 

Lion Dance Performances at The Social Quarter and More LNY Fun at Chadstone Shopping Centre

This February 1st, Chadstone’s Lunar New Year celebration is going big with a live Lion Dance performance that’ll take over the centre. It's set to be a 30-minute spectacle, with dancers making their way through the crowd—expect a buzz! While you’re there, dig into a feast at New Shanghai & Shanghai Red, or check out the stunning Serpentine Garden—a crimson display symbolising prosperity and good fortune.

Saturday 1st February

See all Lunar New Year activities at Chadstone here

Chadstone Shopping Centre

Visit The Glen or Box Hill Central for Fun Festivities

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style at The Glen and Box Hill Central, where Lunar New Year festivities kick off from January 21st through to February 12th. Dive into the spirit with free, family-friendly activities—get your horoscope read, make a wish at the Wishing Trees, or test your luck with the Spend to Receive Claw Machines.

Don’t miss the Lantern Festival at Box Hill Central, where stunning lantern displays light up the centre, and make sure to pick up a delicious Lunar New Year treat at BonBon's Bakery. Whether you’re chasing good fortune or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, it’s a must-see celebration. 

Until February 12th 

The Glen, 235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley

Box Hill Central, 1 Main Street, Box Hill

Lunar New Year at Federation Square

Lunar New Year is coming to Federation Square! There's an action-packed lineup of free activities and entertainment to enjoy, from learning Tai Chi and gently Chinese dancing to watching dragon and lion dances, a Korean Traditional Sori performance, and more! It's an easy way to get in on the cultural fun.

9th February, 12pm to 4pm

Federation Square, Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Chinese New Year

Immerse yourself in a live performance from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as they are joined by acclaimed international guest artists. They will be performing a harmonious balance of Eastern and Western masterpieces to welcome the Year of the Snake, with conductor Lü Jia at the helm of the show. Performed at Hamer Hall, this is a beautiful way to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne.

From $75, tickets available here

8th February, 7:30pm to 9:30pm

100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Classical Guzheng Concert at Maranoa Gardens 

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the most serene way at Maranoa Gardens, Balwyn, with a free live Guzheng performance by Sinobeats. Set against the tranquil beauty of the park, enjoy an hour of captivating Chinese instrumental music, a perfect escape to start the year. This performance is part of the City of Booroondara’s beloved Summer in the Park series. 

Sunday 2nd February, 1pm

Parring Road, Balwyn

Lunar New Year at NGV Melbourne

This Lunar New Year in Melbourne, step into the vibrant heart of the city at NGV International as they celebrate the Year of the Snake with a weekend packed with cultural performances, workshops, and culinary delights. Feast on a bespoke menu by Victor Liong, featuring cumin lamb skewers, five-spiced duck sausage rolls, and jasmine tea cream choux puffs. Catch lion dances, DJ sets by Rainbow Chan, and indulge in free Häagen-Dazs ice cream in the NGV Garden. From Bian Lian mask changes to mahjong in the garden, NGV’s celebration promises a fiery, flavour-filled journey through tradition and modern flair.

1st to 2nd February

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank

Lunar New Year in Chinatown 

Dive into the heart of Chinatown this Lunar New Year and experience the buzz of over 100,000 people filling the vibrant streets. Feast at top-notch restaurants, uncover hidden bars, and soak in the celebration of the Year of the Snake. Expect a day packed with energy—lion dancing, DJ sets, an official ceremony, the iconic Millennium Dragon Parade, and a massive Chinese Lunar Dragon weaving its way through the crowd. This isn’t just an event, it’s an immersive dive into culture and tradition.

Free event (dragon procession starts at 11.45am in front of the Chinese Museum)

Sunday 2nd February

Chinatown Melbourne, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Lunar New Year at Preston Market 

Preston Market's Lunar New Year Festival returns on Sunday 9th February, bringing the Year of the Snake to life with vibrant celebrations. From 9am to 3pm, enjoy stilt walkers, a mesmerising Lion Dance, martial arts, and live music.

Taste your way through pop-up stalls with Kōri Ice Cream, Mamé Cocoa, and Joy Jaune’s French-Hong Kong fusion pastries. It’s a flavour-packed day of fortune, fun, and feasting, perfect for the whole family.

Sunday 9th February, 9am to 3pm

Preston Market, 30A The Centreway, Preston

Now that you've sorted out where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne, why not add these thrilling events to your social calendar? Looking to explore further afield? Take a trip away and stay at one of these unique Airbnbs, spend a weekend exploring gorgeous Daylesford, or the ever-popular Mornington Peninsula.