The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the beginning of the year in the lunar calendar traditionally observed in many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries.
It is celebrated based on the cycles of the moon, typically falling between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year celebrations are marked by various cultural customs, traditions, and festivities that vary across different regions and ethnic groups.
The Lunar New Year is significant culturally, socially, and economically in many Asian communities, symbolising new beginnings, the reunion of families, and the welcoming of prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
Watch our Lunar New Year Video Highlights from our 2025 event below.
2026 Lunar New Year Festival - Year of the Horse
Georges River Council hosts Sydney Metro’s biggest Council-led Lunar New Year celebration. Marking 2026 the twenty third year of the festival being celebrated in the area.
- Address: Forest Road, Hurstville & Hurstville Plaza.
- Date: Saturday 21 February 2026.
- Event times: 11.00am - 9.00pm.
- Official Proceedings: from 11.30am.
Our Lunar New Year Festival is a cherished event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the rich tapestry of culture and heritage that defines our community. It’s more than just a festival - it’s a powerful expression of unity, tradition, and the shared hope for prosperity and renewal that the Year of the Horse represents.
The Lunar New Year event is set to be jam-packed with free entertainment, including live stage performances, roving acts, cooking demonstrations, and much more!
Event Sponsors
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in conjunction with Georges River Council.
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Major Sponsors: NRMA Small Business Insurance, Westfield Hurstville Centre Group, Asian Inspirations, Chemist Warehouse Hurstville and Club Central Hurstville.
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Event Sponsors: SBS Corporation, Optus and VJB Group.
Further Information
For more information regarding the Georges River Council Lunar New Year celebrations, please contact Council's Events team at events@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9330 6400.
Lunar New Year Program
Art/Play/Make: Year of the Horse
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 Celebrate the Lunar New Year with some horse inspired activities and printmaking.
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Bilingual Baby Explorers: Mandarin
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 Celebrate Lunar New Year with a special Baby Explorers session delivered in Mandarin and English! Babies up to 12 months and their carers
Date: Friday 13 February 2026.
Times: 10.30am – 11.45am.
Age: 0 - 12 months and carer.
Address: Hurstville Museum & Gallery. 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
Visit Bilingual Baby Explorers - What's On Event
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The Language of Ink: From Pictograms to Expression
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 Discover the beauty and rhythm of ink in this one-hour workshop with artist Bryan Mew, presented as part of Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations.
Session 1: Sunday 15 February 2026, 3.00pm – 4.00pm.
Session 2: Wednesday 18 February 2026, 11.00am – 12.00pm.
Age: Adults.
Address: Hurstville Museum & Gallery. 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
Visit the Language of Ink - What's On Event
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Lunar New Year's Mandarin Rhyme Time
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 Join us for Rhyme Time with simple stories, songs and rhymes for children under 3 years old and their carers.
Cantonese: Wednesday 18 February 2026; 10.30am - 11.00am.
Mandarin: Wednesday 25 February 2026; 10.30am - 11.00am.
Age: Under 3 years old.
Address: Hurstville Library.
Everyone is welcome. No booking necessary.
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Lunar New Year Storytime
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 Join us for Story Time! Listen to stories, sing songs, and do fun craft activities.
Age: 3 - 5 years old.
Oatley Library: Tuesday 17 February 2026, 10.30am - 11.15am.
Penshurst Library: Wednesday 18 February 2026, 10.30am - 11.15am.
South Hurstville Library: Thursday 19 February 2026, 10.30am - 11.15am.
Clive James Library, Kogarah: Friday 20 February 2026, 10.30am - 11.15am.
Everyone is welcome. No booking necessary.
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Horse and lantern paper Weaving Workshop
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 Join us for a fun afternoon to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Craft teacher Linda Liu will teach you how to create a paper horse and lantern, to attract wealth, bring prosperity and celebrate the new year!
Date: Friday 20 February 2026.
Times: 3.45pm - 5.45pm.
Address: Hurstville Library.
Age: 5 years old and over.
Visit Horse and Lantern Paper Weaving - What's On Event
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Lunar New Year Colouring Station
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 Pull up a chair in our Snapshot Gallery while the kids get into some colouring in (or join in the fun yourself!).
Date: 1 to 17 February 2026.
Times: Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm. Sunday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm.
Address: Hurstville Museum & Gallery. 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
Everyone is welcome. No booking necessary.
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