What’s on in Sydney this Lunar New Year
With the Lunar New Year about to swing into full gear this weekend, we’re wondering where the best places in Sydney are to get involved in one of the most interesting cultural holidays on the calendar.
Lunar new year originated in China, commonly known as ‘Guo Nian,’ and revolves around the lunisolar calendar. This weekend marks the beginning of spring and the arrival the year of the rabbit.
Dancing lion performances will take place every day in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Monday through Thursday travellers can head to the Town Hall steps on their lunch break to catch a performance at 12pm and 12.30pm. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the show will take place at Dixon Street Mall, Chinatown at 7.30 and 8pm. The lion represents power, wisdom and superiority and when dances are performed on big occasions such as Lunar NY they bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.
Sydney Town Hall will play host to the Lunar Spectacular Show on 4 February, where community and cultural groups will share their culture through dance, music, theatre and storytelling to celebrate the beginning of the year of the rabbit.
Not to be missed is Lunar Lanes taking place in Haymarket on Saturday 19 January that will transform the laneways into an exciting street party with real community spirit. The streets will be alive with entertainment in the form of roving performers, dancing lions, market stalls, live music, DJ’s and more.
And it’s not too late to maximise the weekend with some great deals at local hotels for all to enjoy:
Kimpton Margot Sydney will re-theme its famous social hour which offers complimentary drinks between 5pm and 6pm for houseguests with a decisively eastern twist. Served in the Wilmot Bar, expect a specially created “Jade cocktail” – jade symbolising the virtues of sincerity, loyalty, justice, wisdom and purity. The jade cocktail will consist of Green Sencha tea infused vodka, pineapple infused rum, kiwi, crème the menthe, lemon and simple syrup.
Also in the Wilmot Bar, the hotel will be highlighting its legendary “Lychee Martini” (the fruit is known for its romance, beauty, wellbeing and fertility benefits) with a special $15 price tag for the Lunar holiday period. In addition, guests staying during the Lunar Holiday period will receive a traditional “red packet” with a special offer from Chef Luke Mangan at Luke’s Kitchen (which will be a complimentary dessert with dinner).
Check out some other hotel deals below:
Novotel Sydney Central from $279:
- Overnight accommodation
- Lunar New Year-inspired welcome amenity
- Breakfast
- Parking
Plus the Thomas St. Kitchen & Bar (Novotel Restaurant)
- Special 1 Lunar New Year Cocktail and hot items $37 pp
- Special 2 (sold separately) cocktail $17pp, hot items 20pp
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
chinese new year Kimpton Margot Sydney lunar new year Novotel Restaurant Novotel Sydney CentralLatest News
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Silversea has taken delivery of Silver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova Class. Boarding Silver Ray in Eemshaven on May 14 was Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean group’s president and CEO, celebrated the ship’s official handover with Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, chairman of the Meyer Group, and Bernd Eikens, the Meyer […]
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
Outdoor enthusiasts and photographers from around the world this week were treated to stunning light shows as both Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis lit the skies triggered by a major geomagnetic storm. People around the world were blown away by the most spectacular light shows many have ever seen with Aurora Borealis viewable from places […]
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
Delegates from the Australian and Vietnamese tourism community gathered in Parramatta yesterday for the Ho Chi Minh city tourism roadshow, hosted by Ho Chi Minh city tourism and the consulate general of Vietnam to New South Wales. The vibrant gala dinner showcased some of Vietnam’s top tourism attractions including traditional music performances, a live fashion […]
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
South Africa this year commemorates 30 years of freedom and democracy. It is fitting then that Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) takes place this week in Durban at a venue named after one of South Africa’s foremost proponents of freedom, Albert Luthuli. Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa said ATI represented a celebration of […]
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
The Australian Tourism Industry Council has expressed disappointment in the 2024 Federal Budget that rejected a submission advocating for a major funding increase for Tourism Australia to recover international tourism. “The Federal Budget 2024 has not invested in our international tourism recovery,” ATIC said in a response to Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers decisions. ATIC members, which […]
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
Travel giant Expedia has wasted no time unveiling several new features and products at its EXPLORE conference in Las Vegas, including the world’s first AI chatbot Romie. As to be expected, AI has been one of the key topics of discussion. Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin put fears to bed around its power and ability to […]
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, Administrators look to maximise chance of survival
The administrator overseeing Bonza’s collapse has released an update on the carrier’s status as they strive to maximise options for the business and VietJet leaves investment discussions at the table. Administrators say they will continue to maximise the chances of survival for Bonza or, “as much as possible of its business continuing in existence; or […]
Top four airports report return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
The aeronautical operations of Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports returned to profit in 2022-23, the first full financial year since the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows. In contrast, all four monitored airports reported losses on their aeronautical operations in 2021-22. A return to profit was helped by […]
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
The Townsville Airport Master Plan, including the expansion of the airport terminal and development of the surrounding precinct, has been given the green light by the Federal Government. The 2023 plan outlined Townsville Airport’s strategic vision and growth objectives over the next two decades, with a detailed focus on the initial eight years. Townsville Airport […]
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Tap into your inner explorer an save a couple of $K on flights? The trade-off will be frozen fingers.
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Hit a festival in Spain, enjoy a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. This feature has it all!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer. We certainly aren't judging them!
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!