Melbourne’s melting pot of cultures makes the city literally one of the best places to live in the world and Lunar New Year every year shows us why.
This year the incredible, bright and delicious Chinese, or Lunar New Year 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29. We’ll be celebrating the year of the Wood Snake, which only comes around every 60 years. The pairing of wood and the snake symbolises wisdom and transformative energy from the snake and growth, stability and creativity from the wood.
If you don’t know already, the Lunar New Year is the beginning of the new year based on lunar calendars, rather than the Roman calendar. Every year the event is celebrated by billions of people around the world on the first new moon of their calendar.
Personally, we here at OB真人视讯 like to ring in the lunar new year by visiting our fave Chinese spots in Melbourne. These are our top recs for:
- The Best Chinese Restaurants In Melbourne
- The Best Dumplings In Melbourne
- The Best Yum Cha In Melbourne
And if you need a bevvie after your meal these are Melbourne’s Best Bars In The CBD.
Without further ado, here are the best places to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne this year:
Spice Temple
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Image: Spice Temple Melbourne | Supplied
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Spice Temple, where you’ll find a banquet of symbolic dishes crafted by Executive Chef Andy Evans. Each dish is inspired by a different Chinese custom. If you're chasing a long and healthy life try the red noodles with braised beef for ‘longevity’ or if the dating apps aren’t proving effective try the rose, raspberry and chocolate lollipop for ‘love’.
THE DETAILS
How much: Prices vary based on menu selection
When: Lunar New Year menu running Wednesday 22nd January - Wednesday 5th February
Reserve your table .
Warabi
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
With two hats and an array of awards, Warabi is the venue for you if you want to ring in the New Year in style. You’ll receive a red envelope that holds a special surprise during your visit. Hint: it could contain a complimentary cocktail or even a must-do omakase experience. From Tuesday to Thursday the menu involves sushi omakase, while Friday & Saturday you can try the Natsu No Yoi summer menu.
THE DETAILS
How much: From $185pp
When: Tuesday 28th January - Saturday 1st February
Reserve your table .
Moonhouse
282 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
This dreamy Cantonese-inspired restaurant is going all out to make sure you start your Lunar New Year with good fortune. You’ll receive a Jasmine Fortune cocktail on arrival and fortune cookies that may contain special vouchers (if you’re lucky). Highlights on the menu include the Yusheng prosperity salad, steamed market fish and wagyu beef pot stickers.
THE DETAILS
How much: Optional set menu for $88pp
When: Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st January
See the full menu and book .
Lagoon Dining
263 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image: Lagoon Dining's Lunar New Year Menu | Supplied
With oysters, pork wontons, chow mein, soy milk pudding and more on this set menu, you might be kicking off the Lunar New Year by loosening your belt. Lagoon Dining is hosting a Reunion Feast to remember this Chinese New Year’s Eve. Guests are invited to reflect on the past year, consider the year ahead and connect with loved ones during the feast - how wholesome!
THE DETAILS
How much: $88pp
When: Tuesday 28th January
See the full menu and book your table .
Man Mo
WTC Wharf Precinct, Docklands
You’ll encounter more than a delectable dinner at Man Mo this Lunar New Year. This is a cultural experience complete with lion dance performances to accompany your traditional banquet. The banquet menu includes your choice of entree, main and dessert with a wide range of exciting options for you to choose from.
THE DETAILS
How much: $188pp
When: Wednesday 29th January
See what’s on the menu and book your table .
Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
Russell Street & Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
This festival combines everything there is to love about Lunar New Year. The city’s biggest cultural celebration, you know all the stops are pulled out for this event. Watch the Millennium Dragon Parade take over the Chinatown streets, witness the lion dances and enjoy the musical performances. There are over 200,000 attendees expected so make sure to get in early for a good spot.
THE DETAILS
How much: Free
When: Sunday 2nd February 10am - 8pm
Learn more .
MSO Chinese New Year
Hamer Hall, Southbank
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will be joined by guest musicians from China in a celebration of Eastern and Western musical masterpieces this Lunar New Year. Guests include conductor Lü Jia and pianist Haochen Zhang. Tickets are selling fast so don't ponder on this one for too long.
THE DETAILS
How much: From $70pp
When: Saturday 8th February
Book your tickets .
QV Melbourne's Lunar New Year
QV Square, Melbourne CBD
Image: Dragon Dancers at QV Melbourne | Supplied
Did someone say life-size Snakes and Ladders? Along with impressive dragon dances and martial arts performances, this Lunar New Year celebration also features a massive interactive game of Snakes and Ladders taking over QV Square. To take part you just need to scan the QR code, roll the virtual dice on your phone and navigate the playing field.
THE DETAILS
How much: Free
When: Snakes & Ladders 28th January - 9th February, other festivities Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd February
Learn more .
Lunar New Year at Fed Square
Melbourne CBD
If you’re after a dazzling assortment of cultural experiences, Fed Square is the place to be this Lunar New Year. The program features a range of performances including Tai Chi, Vietnamese martial arts, K-POP dance and traditional Korean sori.
THE DETAILS
How much: Free
When: Sunday 9th February 12pm - 4pm
See the full program .
Lunar New Year at Queen Vic Market
Queen Street, Melbourne CBD
Don’t miss the impressive lion dance performance at Queen Vic Market. The dance begins at Mary Martin Bookshop and will be accompanied by other displays and festive traditions. While you’re there, head to the Wishing Tree in Queen’s Food Hall where you can share your hopes for the new year.
THE DETAILS
How much: Free
When: 10am on Thursday 30th January
See the full program .
Lunar New Year at NGV
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
There’s a packed schedule at NGV this Lunar New Year including but not limited to face changing performances, live DJ sets and productions by renowned Chinese opera singers. You can listen in while Melbourne food personalities discuss culinary traditions, get your craft on with art-making activities, pick up complimentary red envelopes to gift your friends & family and of course don’t forget to check out Yayoi Kusama’s immersive art exhibition.
THE DETAILS
How much: Free entry, some paid events
When: Saturday 1st February - Sunday 2nd February
See the full schedule .
Hong Kong String Orchestra
Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank
The internationally acclaimed Hong Kong String Orchestra has performed in 13 countries and 40 cities over the past 40 years. Now they’re making their Australian debut to welcome the Year of the Snake. This 20-piece ensemble is known for their eclectic blend of Eastern and Western classical music. Don’t miss this for a unique way to celebrate the Lunar New Year!
THE DETAILS
How much: From $58pp
When: Friday 31st January - Friday 7th February
Book your tickets .
Stay tuned and we’ll shoot more events your way if you too want to be part of the party and if you’re a venue running an event, hit us up at editormelb@theurbanlist.com.
The Best Restaurants In Melbourne In 2025
What is the best restaurant in Melbourne? Our fair city has hundreds of spots that could be considered the best. Good thing I've got my 20 favourite spots for you right here, with something for everyone.
The Feed | All The Melbourne Food News You Need To Know
The food news has been coming in thick and fast in Melbourne, and to make sure that you're across Melbourne's food and bev movements, we've wrapped up everything that you need to know in a handful of digestible servings.
The 12 Best Cafes In Melbourne CBD For Breakfast, Brunch Or Lunch
Although we may be stuck here for a Monday to Friday grind, don’t let that stop you from venturing back on the weekend for some of the best-kept brunch secrets that are right under our noses. Skip the south side/north side arguments this weekend, here are the best (neutral ground) spots for city brunchin'.