Chinese New Year is the biggest event on Melbourne’s Chinese calendar, where we can all join in and explore Melbourne’s rich Chinese heritage.
Little Bourke Street and Chinatown will glisten in stunning hues of red and gold and the wider Melbourne community will come alive with two weeks of celebration and festivities.
Celebrations are now in full swing across the city and outer suburbs, with each venue offering its own unique festival theme, performances and traditional feasting. We’re also in for a full line up of entertainment including Chinese Lion Dance, Traditional Folk Music, Dancers, Martial Artists, firework displays and heaps more!
Below is a round up of some of our favourite places and events to welcome in the year of the Rooster.
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT SUMMER NIGHT MARKET:
We love the Summer Night Market and tomorrow night is going to be a big one!
On Wednesday Feb 1st, experience traditional performances from local and international acts and marvel at the mythical creatures to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rooster at the Queen Victoria Markets. There will be fireworks cracking above the historic market sheds, a cultural extravaganza of eats and drinks and entertainment from the Hong De Lion Dance Association Dragon Dance, the Laizhou Chinese Martial Arts Academy and the Red-Crowed Crane Dance Group.
For more information and timings, visit the QVM website here.
FREE TAI CHI LESSONS:
Start your morning with the tranquil and spiritual art of Tai Chi. Each morning (Monday-Friday) at Queensbridge Square, enjoy a free lesson with Master Han. Lessons run until the 12 of February.
For further information about the Chinese New Year Melbourne Festival head to their website here.
KITCHEN REPUBLIK:
Taiwanese food served up in hawker-hall style, this place in Box Hill Central is buzzing with movement and quick service. With LOADS of menu items to chose from it’s easy to be overwhelmed with making a decision but you couldn’t go wrong with any food items here, they’re all delicious. From the homemade dumplings to the sizzling hot stir fries, there’s something for everyone!
HONGBAO WISHING WALL:
Get along to the Queen Victoria Market (Jan 28 – Feb 5) and experience The Hongbao Wishing Wall. Take a hongbao from the wall and scan the QR Code for your chance to win prizes and special offers from the market traders. Plus go into the draw to WIN a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne with thanks to Global Ballooning.
Bookings and further information available from the QVM website here.
SELENE’S CHOCOLATE BAR:
This little corner store in Box Hill is a chocolate lovers dream and has the best when it comes to truly indulgent sweet treats. We recommend you pair their divine hot chocolate with a few fresh made macaroons such as the coconut/pandan (such a unique flavour) & classic pistachio.
For more information, head over to their Facebook page here.
For full event listings in Melbourne and across Australia, visit the official Chinese New Year website here.
WHAT TO WEAR IN MELBOURNE?
