Lunar New Year is a time of incredible energy in Melbourne, where deep-rooted heritage meets the city's modern, creative pulse. Local celebrations are a colourful reflection of Melbourne's multicultural identity, bringing together diverse communities from across Asia and Australia for a spectacular shared experience.

On 17 February, 2026, the Year of the Horse arrives and brings with it a sense of momentum and adventure. Symbolising strength, vitality, and an adventurous spirit, the Horse will charge through the city streets and laneways with an array of exciting festivities. Here is your guide to the best ways to gallop into the 2026 celebrations across Melbourne.

Melbourne’s celebrations are anchored by the historic Chinatown district, but the festivities span from the CBD to the suburbs. In 2026, the official Lunar New Year falls on 17 February, with major events running from late January through to early March. Expect traditional shows, delicious eats, and the iconic dragon parades that Melbourne is famous for.

Image: City of Melbourne

Where is it? Russell Street, between Lonsdale Street and Bourke Street

When is it? Sunday, 22 February 2026, from 9:45am

Melbourne’s Chinatown is set to truly comes alive for the Year of the Horse. The main event features the spectacular Millennium Dai Loong Dragon Parade, where the legendary dragon weaves through the laneways to bring good luck. The main stages will host cultural performances, including one on Russell Street and the other at the Melbourne Speigel Haus on Swanston Street.

Image: Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival

Where is it? Bank Street and Main Street, Box Hill

When is it? Saturday, 21 February 2026, from 11am-Midnight

One of Melbourne's largest suburban celebrations, the Box Hill festival is a massive 13-hour event. It features a relentless energy perfect for the Year of the Horse, with over 100 stalls selling everything from pork rolls to traditional handicrafts. Weaving together traditions from Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean, there will be plenty going on. Expect food stalls, carnival rides, performances and for everything to finish with a banging fireworks display.

Where is it? Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

When is it? Saturday, 21 February 2026 at 7:30 pm

For a more sophisticated celebration, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra hosts its annual Chinese New Year concert. In 2026, the program features conductor Li Biao and world-renowned cellist Zlatomir Fung. The evening blends Western classical masterpieces with contemporary Chinese works, including the "Butterfly Lovers" Concerto for Guzheng. It’s a perfect way to experience the cultural bridge between the East and West. Tickets typically start around AU$75, or $63.50 if you're in a group of 10 or more.

Where is it? Hopkins Street, Footscray

When is it? Sunday, 25 January 2026, from 11am-9pm

Celebrating the Lunar New Year a few weeks early, the Footscray "East Meets West" festival showcases the vibrant Vietnamese and Chinese communities. Expect traditional performances, lion and dragon dances, and plenty of mouth-watering food stalls. Hopkins Street is closed to traffic for a day.

Where is it? Docklands and Geelong

When is it? Sunday, 15 February 2026, from 9am-4pm

Each year, a pulse-pounding Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Regatta takes places in the Docklands, and while this year's details haven't been set out yet, we're expecting details to be released any day now.

Looking for a second option or an event that's locked in? If you don't mind a bit of a drive, head down to Geelong for the Lunar New Year Regatta.

Image: Sunshine Business Association (SBA)

Where is it? Hampshire Road, Sunshine

When is it? Sunday, 8 February 2026, from 12-10 pm

The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival (often referred to as the Tét Festival) brings a massive multicultural program to Hampshire Road. With a bit more emphasis on how the Vietnamese celebrate Lunar New Year than the CBD's festival, Sunshine's highlights to include the "Fastest Pho" eating challenge, red pocket giveaways from the "God of Wealth," and a spectacular firecracker display to ward off any lingering bad luck from the previous year.

If you're visiting, the Melbourne CBD is the best home base to be near the Chinatown action. Alternatively, staying in Southbank offers easy access to the Arts Centre and the high-end dining specials at Crown Melbourne.

Melbourne is a foodie's paradise, and the Year of the Horse brings out some incredible limited-time menus:

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Tét (in Vietnam), marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. In 2026, the New Lunar Year officially begins on 17 February.

The cycle of twelve zodiac animals designates each year, and 2026 is the Year of the Horse. People born in this year are said to be energetic, warm-hearted, and extremely capable. Traditional customs include cleaning the house to "sweep away" bad luck, wearing red for prosperity, and sharing reunion dinners with family.

In Melbourne, these traditions have evolved into a city-wide celebration of multiculturalism, where everyone is invited to enjoy the rhythm of the drums and the taste of a fresh dumpling.

Written by: Alex Keshen

The content strategist and SEO lead for Traveloka Australia, Alex manages the blog and other pages across the site. An avid traveller, digital content creator and writer, she’s contributed to publications such as Australian Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Gourmet Traveller, Finder and Explore Travel… and has found the time to visit 50+ countries while doing it. She loves good flight sale and will share some of the best ones she can find right here on our Explore blog. Follow her regular Deals of the Week column for the latest bargains on flights, hotels and more.