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All The Best Lunar New Year Celebrations Happening In Sydney For The Year Of The Ox

All The Best Lunar New Year Celebrations Happening In Sydney For The Year Of The Ox

It’s nearly time for Lunar New Year — which is frankly the one I’m adopting for 2021 because January was  a shit show and I refuse to accept it as my new start — and Sydney knows how to celebrate.

From lanterns, to street food, to live performances: there’s a lot to enjoy this year. Here’s our list of the top experiences to get involved in February 12when you can welcome in The Year of the Ox.

Where to eat

#1 Chinatown

 

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Any excuse for dumplings will do, but you can’t not have them on Lunar New Year. Make it a real foodie adventure with a tour from Taste Tours through Chinatown. Not only will you get to eat the best authentic and modern dishes from China, Korea and Malaysia, but the tour also explores the hidden landmarks and history of Chinese settlers.

#2 Bodhi Restaurant & Bar

The best news for vegans — or you know, just anyone who enjoys good food — is that Bodhi Restaurant & Bar will be celebrating Lunar New Year for the entirety of February with a special menu. There’ll also be a traditional lion dance performance on February 16 at 6pm. Honestly, this is one of my fave restaurants in Sydney, so again any excuse will do.

#3 Spice Temple

 

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Spice Temple are throwing a Lunar New Year Banquet for $129 per person, if you’re looking to kick up the luxe. According to their website the “exclusive menu [was] created by Head Chef Andy Evans incorporates ingredients that promote health, wealth and prosperity during the New Year festivities”.

Make it a night by popping into nearby Shanghai-style bar, Uncle Mings, when you’re done.

#4 Blu Bar

Blu Bar will be serving up Chinese-themed cocktails and share plates — with tapas-style dishes like Char Siew style pork belly and ginger Panna Cotta with lemongrass — for $85 per person in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The panoramic views of Sydney Harbour are reason enough on their own, but if it’s a celebration who could say no?

What To Do

#1 The Rocks Lunar Markets

 

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The Rocks will be hosting special Lunar NY markets from Feb 12 to 24. They’ll have entertainers, your favourite stalls, Asian street food and roaming Chinese lion dancers.

#2 The Gardens by Lotus

Really get into the spirit with this two hour masterclass at The Gardens by Lotus to make your own dumplings. You’ll learn to make your own cocktails too, which is obviously essential.

#3 Soak up Chinese culture

Darling Harbour is getting right into the LNY spirit by hosting a series of events celebrating Chinese culture. Play mahjong, meditate, join in tea tastings, try out traditional Chinese brush painting and calligraphy or just wander through the special Ox Lanterns.

#4 Lunar Spectacular Show

A one-hour Lunar Spectacular Show will be happening at Lower Town Hall on Saturday February 13. It’ll feature dancing, drumming and fashion shows from local Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian community groups. There’ll be three performances, and it’s free to watch, although you’ll need to reserve a ticket here.

#5 Wild Life Sydney Zoo

How about indulging in all-you-can-eat dumplings in the zoo, looking out onto the koalas or crocodiles, after regular zoo hours? Yep, that means you also get exclusive access to the zoo. They’re holding session on February 11, 12 and 13 for $80 per person.

(Lead Image: Provided / DNSW / Bohdi)

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