Celebrate Lunar New Year at Rhodes Waterside
Ring in the Year of the Snake at Rhodes Waterside in Sydney's Inner West, where the spirit of the Lunar New Year comes alive with a host of festive cultural events, cultural performances, and exciting prizes to be won.
With the celebrations coinciding with the school holidays, it's the perfect time for families to enjoy the festivities together.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Our Lunar New Year events have wrapped up this year. Subscribe to our newsletter HERE and follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to be the first to know about our upcoming events and special offers 🧧🐉
Discover the Finest Lunar New Year Shopping and Dining Hub
- Home Décor - Adorn your home with red and gold accents from our homeware stores to attract good luck, wealth and happiness; shop Bed Bath N' Table here.
- Bountiful Feast at Home - Raise a glass and enjoy a home-cooked feast with your loved ones to welcome a prosperous new year. Shop your cooking essentials and Lunar New Year treats at our liquor store and supermarkets here.
- Dine Out - Enjoy culinary delights and authentic Yum Cha for lunch or book a table for an exquisite Chinese dinner experience at Rhodes Phoenix this Lunar New Year. For an unforgettable evening, consider taking a stroll around Homebush Bay of the flats in Parramatta River.
- New Outfits - Wearing new clothes and accessories is believed to bring a fresh start and good fortune. Explore our clothing stores here.
Prepare for Luck: Your Lunar New Year Guide
Explore our curated tips, recipes, and preparations to bring luck and prosperity this Lunar New Year. Plus, get insights into the Year of the Snake from Feng Shui Master, Mina Zheng.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the Sydney Lunar New Year Festival?
The Sydney Lunar Festival is a significant cultural event in Sydney, and it is recognised by the United Nations as an important celebration of cultural diversity and tradition. The Sydney Lunar Festival is a major celebration of the Lunar New Year in Sydney, Australia. Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, it's the most important celebration in South and Southeast Asia. Each culture celebrates Lunar New Year in their own way but ultimately, it's a time for family, sweeping away bad luck, preparing delicious food and ushering in prosperity for the year ahead.
This celebration offers a time for families to participate in and watch traditional events such as Lion Dances, or to come together and share meals that will bring good fortune.
Lunar New Year is about happiness and connection, and the perfect opportunity to set the foundation for a prosperous year. Stay updated to learn about our Lunar New Year line-up at Rhodes Waterside.
2. When is Lunar New Year?
The date of Lunar New Year varies each year, determined by the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the lunar phases. This date marks the first new moon that appears after the Winter Solstice, the first day of Spring, and the first day in the Lunar Calendar. In 2025, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29 and is traditionally a 15-day celebration.
3. What animal is Lunar New Year 2025?
Each year is associated with its own Chinese Zodiac - a system of 12 animal signs used in Chinese astrology. Lunar New Year 2025 is the Year of the Snake. According to the zodiac, the Year of the Snake is a time for change, rebirth, and personal growth.
4. What are the key traditions and customs?
The Lunar New Year is a significant cultural and traditional celebration that also represents a rich cultural heritage, celebrated with a range of traditions and customs, which vary by region and culture. In East Asia, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as the Chinese New Year, Tibetan New Year, and Korean New Year. In Southeast Asia, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as the Thai New Year, Vietnamese New Year, and Cambodian New Year. In South Asia, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as the Hindu New Year and Buddhist New Year.
Some common traditions and customs associated with the Lunar New Year include:
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Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune
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Decorating the home with red decorations, such as lanterns and couplets
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Wearing new clothes and giving red envelopes filled with money to children and loved ones
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Eating traditional foods, such as dumplings and niangao (sticky rice cake)
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Participating in lion and dragon dances, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
5. How did the Lunar New Year start?
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is a significant cultural and traditional celebration in many Asian countries. It marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, which is used in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The Lunar New Year is celebrated at different times in different cultures, but it usually falls between January 21 and February 20.
The history of the Lunar New Year dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its celebration found in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is believed to have originated from the legend of the monster Nian, who was said to have been scared away by the colour red and loud noises. To this day, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with traditional foods, decorations, and cultural activities, all of which are designed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
Also known as the Spring Festival, is a time-honoured celebration that marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. This vibrant festival has a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, originating in ancient China. It is celebrated by numerous cultures around the world, including those in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, each bringing their unique customs and traditions to the festivities. The Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, and ushering in good fortune for the year ahead. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the vibrant communities in Sydney, this celebration is a testament to the enduring cultural heritage shared by millions around the globe.