Lunar New Year celebrations in Canberra

Traditionally celebrated across parts of East and Southeast Asia, Lunar New Year commemorates the start of a new year and begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar. As it is based on the cycle of the moon, the date changes slightly each year. This year, it falls on Saturday 10 February 2024.

Festivities are centred around removing the bad and welcoming in the new, a time to worship ancestors, and to celebrate with family and friends. Traditional activities include religious ceremonies, dances, fireworks, colourful lanterns, eating delicious food that symbolises prosperity and good fortune, plus receiving red packets or envelopes containing small amounts of money. In Korean culture, many wear the traditional Hanbok with bright colours to visit their families.

Canberra will be celebrating with a number of events throughout the month. These include:

Woolley Street Lunar New Year 2024

When: Saturday 10 February 

Where: Woolley Street, Dickson

What: Canberra’s official Lunar New Year celebration will include community and professional performances, plenty of food, interactive workshops and kids’ activities to celebrate the importance of this event. You’ll also find lion dances, roving kung fu performances and can even learn how to write in calligraphy. Learn more here. 

Monkey King Cabaret: Beneath the Dragon Moon

When: Friday 16 February - Saturday 17 February

Where: Canberra Theatre Centre

What: Join performer Charlie Chapstick, also known as The Monkey King, and a whole host of talented performers for a night of drag, dance, song, poetry and visual art, all in celebration of Asian culture, identity and storytelling. Find out more about the event here. 

Chinese Film Festival 

When: Thursday 15 February - Sunday 18 February 

Where: Dendy Cinemas, Canberra

What: The inaugural Chinese Film Festival is back for another year. Enjoy a curated selection of new and old Chinese films celebrating the culture’s rich storytelling and diversity across this four day event. Purchase tickets here. 

Traditional Lion Dance Performance

When: Saturday 10 February 

Where: Westfield Belconnen

What: Westfield shopping centre will host a traditional Chinese lion dance performance by the Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance. The parade will meander through the mall before finishing at the Centre Court for a special performance. Visit the Westfield website to find out more.  

Chinese New Year at the National Dinosaur Museum

When: Sunday 11 February

Where: National Dinosaur Museum

What: The National Dinosaur Museum will be offering free tours of the Upper Gallery in Mandarin, plus a special dragon dance performance by Canberra Lion Dance. There’s also the opportunity to snap a photo with a dragon to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Learn more about the museum here. 

Tips for celebrating away from home

While you may be far away from your families and home countries, there are lots of ways you can still celebrate Lunar New Year as an international student in Canberra. Take part in one of the many events in February, decorate your dorm room or student accommodation with paper lanterns, prepare traditional foods to share with new friends, or connect with cultural groups on campus. 

Don’t forget to schedule some time to speak to your family over video chat back home so you can still celebrate together. 

National Multicultural Festival

From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 February, Canberra will host the National Multicultural Festival. This three-day event sees more than 170 cultural communities coming together to share their history and heritage. This important festival falls during the Lunar New Year celebration so it’s the perfect time to explore Canberra’s cultural diversity through food, art, song and dance. 

Expect to see local performances, take part in workshops and explore different cuisines that celebrate our vibrant city’s multicultural footprint. It’s a great opportunity for you as international students to get involved by attending, helping out, or sharing your own culture. 

However you celebrate, we wish you a happy Lunar New Year!