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Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Melbourne with Kids
Chinese New Year 2026 (also known as Lunar New Year) is set to be a vibrant celebration across Melbourne, with a wide range of family-friendly events, cultural performances and hands-on activities for kids. Falling in late January / February 2026, this year marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, confidence and forward momentum.
From dragon and lion dances to lantern displays, workshops and street festivals, the Chinese New Year is a great opportunity for families to experience traditional culture while enjoying some of Melbourne’s best free and ticketed events.
Here’s our guide to the best Chinese New Year events for families in Melbourne in 2026.
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Melbourne Chinese New Year Festival 2026
Melbourne’s Chinese New Year Festival is the largest and most well-known celebration in the city and a must-do for families. Chinatown comes alive with traditional lion and dragon dances, drumming performances, colourful decorations, and a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Time: 9:45 am – 10:30 pm
Location: Chinatown – Little Bourke Street, Russell Street, Chinatown Plaza, and Golden Square Car Park (Spiegel Haus)
Price: FREE
What’s On
Official Event Opening & CYSM Performance
Time: 9:45 am – 11 am | Chinatown Precinct
Kick off the festival with the official opening ceremony, featuring a large-scale performance by CYSM, bringing music and movement to the heart of Chinatown.
CMS Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony & Opening Speeches
Time: 11 am | Main Stage
Experience the traditional Lion Eye-dotting Ceremony and enjoy welcome speeches to mark the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Millennium Dai Loong (Dragon) Parade
Time: 12:15 pm – 1 pm | Festival Precinct
Watch the spectacular Dragon Parade as the Millennium Dai Loong winds through the streets, captivating audiences with its scale and colour.
Spiegel Haus Chinese Baijiu Garden
Time: 1 pm – 10:30 pm | Golden Square Car Park
Visit the Spiegel Haus Chinese Baijiu Garden for DJs, live performances, and a lively evening atmosphere.
Main Stage & Lion Dance Performances
Time: 9:45 am – 8 pm | Festival Precinct
Enjoy continuous main stage performances, firecrackers throughout the precinct, and CYSM & CMS Lion Dance displays from 9:45 am – 4:45 pm. Festivities on Russell Street and Chinatown Plaza conclude at 8 pm.
Lunar New Year at Immigration Museum
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Immigration Museum with a vibrant day of music, storytelling and hands-on activities for all ages. This relaxed, family-friendly event invites visitors to experience cultural traditions through performance, creativity and interactive workshops.
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Location: Immigration Museum, Melbourne
Price: FREE
What’s On
Magical Guzheng: Bilingual Storytime
Time: 12 – 12:40 pm | Theatrette
A gentle and engaging storytelling session in English and Mandarin, bringing Chinese fairytales to life through the enchanting sounds of the guzheng.
Guzheng Performance & Ribbon Fan Dance Workshop
Time: 1 pm – 2 pm | Festival Courtyard
Celebrate Lunar New Year through music and movement with a live guzheng performance by QiQi, paired with traditional long ribbon fan dance by Madison Lu. Families are invited to join a fun, beginner-friendly workshop and learn simple dance moves while exploring the cultural meaning behind the flowing fans.
Lantern Decoration Drop-by Activity
Time: 10 am – 4 pm | Atrium
Decorate your own Lunar New Year lantern, symbolising hope, good fortune and new beginnings. Lanterns can be taken home or left at the museum to become part of the festive display.
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Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Museums Victoria
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Melbourne Museum with a special family-friendly event welcoming the Year of the Horse. In 2026, the celebration is extra special as it coincides with the 100th birthday of Phar Lap, the museum’s most beloved exhibit and Australia’s legendary racehorse.
Families are invited to enjoy interactive activities, storytelling, and performances, all inspired by the spirit of the horse, reflecting on strength, resilience, and hope.
Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Location: Melbourne Museum
Price: Included with Museum entry – Adults $18, Senior $12, Child & Concession FREE
What’s On
Dragon and Lion Dance
Time: 10:30 – 11 am | Main Foyer
Kick off the celebrations with a high-energy dragon and lion dance performance by the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne (CYSM).
Guzheng with Long Ribbon Fan Dance
Time: 11 – 11:20 am | Main Foyer
Experience the elegance of long ribbon fan and sword dances performed by Madison Lu, accompanied by live guzheng music by QiQi.
God of Fortune Appearance
Time: 11:30 – 11:50 am | Main Foyer
Meet the God of Fortune as he spreads blessings, good luck and prosperity. Families can take photos and receive a lucky red packet.
Phar Lap: Short Talk
Time: 12 pm & 1 pm | Melbourne Story
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Phar Lap with a short talk exploring the remarkable story of Australia’s most legendary racehorse.
Luna New Year at Queen Vic Market
Celebrate Lunar New Year in String Bean Alley at Queen Victoria Market as the market comes alive to welcome the Year of the Horse. Families are invited to enjoy festive traditions, colourful decorations and cultural experiences throughout the morning. A lively Lion Dance performance will begin at 10 am, starting from Mary Martin Bookshop and moving through String Bean Alley. Adding to the atmosphere, the market sheds along Queen Street will be decorated with red lanterns.
Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Time: 10 am
Location: Queen Vic Markets
Price: FREE
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Lunar New Year at NGV International
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) with a full day of free festivities welcoming the Year of the Horse. Families are invited to enjoy performances, creative activities and cultural experiences throughout the gallery, making it an easy and engaging day out for all ages.
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Location: NGV International, Melbourne
Price: Free entry
What’s On
Dragon Dance
Time: 12 pm & 2 pm I Great Hall
Welcome the New Year with vibrant dragon dance performances by the Hong De Lion Dance Association, featuring energetic movement, drumming and traditional choreography.
Chinese Beijing Opera Performance
Time: 12 pm & 2 pm I Clemenger BBDO Auditorium
Experience the rich traditions of Chinese Beijing Opera with performances by acclaimed singers from the Chinese Beijing Opera Club of Melbourne.
Children’s Drawing Activity
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm I Level 2, Exhibition Space
Children and families can decorate their own paper horse by designing the bridle, saddle and breastplate in this drop-in creative activity.
Mahjong
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm I Level 2, Exhibition Space
Enjoy a relaxed game of mahjong in a unique setting, surrounded by artworks in the NGV International galleries.
Paper Flower Folding Activity
Time: 11 am – 4 pm I Great Hall
Join this self-guided paper-folding activity and create a paper flower inspired by blossoms in the NGV Collection.
Suitable for ages 10+.
Guzheng Performance by QiQi
Time: 3 pm & 4 pm I Level 1, Exhibition Space
Explore the NGV Collection of Asian Art while listening to Melbourne-based composer and musician QiQi perform music inspired by the Year of the Horse on the guzheng.
Children’s Dance Party
Time: 10 am – 5 pm I Ground Level, Children’s Gallery
Children and families are invited to dance all day to Asian-pop hits inside the fashion-themed exhibition Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids, designed by Danielle Brustman.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
