Student's Guide to Lunar New Year in Melbourne 2025
Student's Guide to Lunar New Year in Melbourne 2025
Celebrate the magic of Lunar New Year in Melbourne with UniLodge as your guide! From vibrant parades to delicious cuisines and cultural exhibits, this year’s festivities for the Year of the Snake promise to be unforgettable. Whether you’re a student living with UniLodge or simply exploring the city, we’ve got tips to help you make the most of this exciting time. Let's dive into how you can join in the celebrations and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Lunar New Year.
Discover Lunar New Year Events Across Melbourne
Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Festival
Melbourne’s iconic Chinatown transforms into the city’s cultural heart during Lunar New Year. With lively dragon parades, mesmerizing lion dances, and food stalls offering authentic Asian delicacies, this all-day festival guarantees an electric atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for students looking to immerse themselves in a traditional experience!
When: February 2, 2025, from 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Footscray’s East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival
Join the vibrant East Meets West Festival in Footscray for a day packed with lion dances, live music, cultural performances, and delicious street food. Don’t miss the festival highlight—a spectacular fireworks display at 9 PM that’s sure to light up the night!
When: January 12, 2025, from 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Byron Plaza and Surrounds, Footscray VIC 3011
St Albans Lunar New Year Festival
Home to one of Australia’s largest South East Asian communities, St Albans hosts a massive Lunar New Year celebration. From carnival rides and live performances to mouthwatering street food and a fireworks finale, this festival is a favourite among students.
When: January 19, 2025, from 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Alfrieda Street, St Albans VIC 3021
Chinese Museum’s The Legend of the White Snake
Dive into Chinese folklore by visiting the Chinese Museum’s featured exhibition, The Legend of the White Snake. You’ll also find special Lunar New Year events like banquets and cultural performances, making it a great educational and cultural outing.
When: From January 25, 2025
Where: 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
NGV’s Lunar New Year Celebrations
For art lovers, the NGV offers a creative twist to Lunar New Year celebrations. With free entry, you can enjoy art-making activities, cultural talks with Melbourne’s favourite food personalities, and even a friendly Mahjong game in the gallery garden.
When: February 1-2, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Melbourne Museum’s Cultural Celebration
The Melbourne Museum combines culture and fun as it celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional performances, dragon dances, scavenger hunts, and educational talks about Chinese traditions. Whether you’re exploring exhibits or meeting the museum’s snakes (yep, the scaly kind!), it’s an exciting way to start the Year of the Snake.
When: February 1, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Box Hill’s Lunar New Year Festival
For those on the east side of Melbourne, Box Hill’s Lunar New Year Festival is a must-visit. This FREE community event features performances, amusement rides, food stalls, and even a petting zoo. It's a perfect way to spend the day with friends while celebrating the Lunar New Year.
When: February 1, 2025, from 10 am to midnight
Where: Box Hill Town Hall, Bank Street, Box Hill VIC 3128
Victoria Street Lunar Festival in Richmond
Richmond’s Victoria Street becomes alive with a vibrant Lunar festival featuring firecrackers, lion dances, and endless food options from local Asian eateries. It’s a foodie’s paradise, so come hungry and ready to celebrate!
When: February 2, 2025, from 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Lunar New Year Performance
For music lovers, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is putting on a one-of-a-kind Lunar New Year show. Featuring both Eastern and Western classical music, this event is a cultural masterpiece that’s not to be missed.
When: February 8, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Where: Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
Federation Square’s Cultural Celebration
Federation Square (Fed Square) offers a little bit of everything with dragon dances, Tai Chi, cultural performances, and interactive activities. It’s the ultimate gathering spot for students wanting to experience Melbourne’s multicultural harmony.
When: February 9, 2025, from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tips for Students to Maximise the Celebration
-
Plan Ahead: Events like St Albans and Chinatown’s celebrations can get crowded. Arrive early for the best experience.
-
Bring Friends: Lunar New Year events are more fun in groups—invite your friends for a full day of festivities.
-
Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortably: Some of these events run for hours, so prepare for a day full of walking and exploring.
-
Immerse Yourself: Try the food, take part in the dancing, and talk to locals to truly experience the culture.
Make Lunar New Year Unforgettable
Whether you’re enjoying dragon dances, indulging in dumplings, or learning about Chinese traditions at a museum, Melbourne’s Lunar New Year celebrations have something for everyone. Why not make this year extra special by exploring a new part of the city or trying something completely new?
Have an amazing Year of the Snake, and don’t forget to share your adventures with us by tagging @unilodgeaus in your photos!