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Lunar New Year Festival

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 one of 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 12.30pm.

  • Parking and travel information: Multiple paid carparks available in Hurstville CBD. We strongly recommend taking public transport when possible.

 

Lunar New Year Festival Program and Site Map

Download the digital program and event site map via the buttons below:

Digital Program   Site Map

 

CELEBRATION PLAZA

Enjoy over 30 lively performances by more than 20 community groups. They will highlight the rich traditions of various regions in China, along with cultures from Mongolia, Japan, Korea, and more. Delight in a full day of engaging cultural displays, music, and dance that bring the festival to life.

At 12.30pm, the official opening will start. It will include the eye-dotting ceremony and amazing lion and dragon dances.

While exploring the plaza, don’t miss the Year of the Horse annual zodiac statue.
Dragon dance finale with confetti in the air Community group performing traditional Chinese Dance Butterfly dance lit up stage in Hurstville plaza during evening performances
 

ASIAN INSPIRATIONS

Welcome to the Asian Inspiration Zone where flavour, culture, and festive fun come alive.

This lively area features everything food and fun. Enjoy live cooking demos by the famous Chef Heather Jeong, games for all ages, and tasty samples.

You can watch dishes like Mini Potato Korokke, Noodle-wrapped prawns, and Indonesian chicken satay being made. You'll also learn cooking techniques and the stories behind these traditional recipes.
Chef Heather Jeong smiling at the camera while cooking Chef Heather Jeong frying prawns in a wok plated fried prawns with mayo sauce Cooking demonstration audience tasting panko prawns
  

FOREST WAY FLAVOURS

Stroll down the street and enjoy Forest Way Flavours, a lively street filled with the tastes of Lunar New Year. Grab lunch or dinner, sit and relax in the bustling festival atmosphere.

Try crowd favourites like hot dumplings, fresh egg tarts, or the famous cane juice.

There’s something for everyone, and you can also check out the great range of Asian restaurants that serve delicious dishes here all year round.
Dumplings being prepared Forest Rd full of attendees and stalls Kid eating skewer man cooking chicken skewers on a coal bbq
  

LITTLE LANTERNS ZONE

Bring the whole family to the Little Lantern Zone! It’s a bright and playful space dedicated to the younger ones. Enjoy free activities like face painting, hands-on paper weaving classes, and a fun colouring station. Here, young artists can let their imaginations shine.

The fun continues at the dedicated Kids Stage, packed with lively entertainment throughout the day. Join the fun with “Ride the Hobby Horse,” dance at the lively K‑POP Dance Party, and enjoy magic shows for everyone!

And for a little extra adventure, treat the kids to a delightful spin on the miniature Ferris wheel.
kids coloring calligraphed horse on red background face painter cards in magician hands
  

ZODIAC GARDEN

Welcome to the Zodiac Garden Zone! It’s a lively area where classic art and fun come together. 

Experience Bryan Mew’s beautiful mural, Kumquat Blessings & The Fire Horse. It celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse by blending three styles: traditional calligraphy, contemporary painting, and ancient Chinese pictograms.

Stroll through the garden to find charming zodiac animal displays. Discover your Zodiac sign and take memorable photos with loved ones. It’s a joyful, cultural experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Byran Mew painting the 2026 Lunar New Year mural marching band lion dance picnic seating
  

ROVING ENTERTAINMENT

Keep an eye out for surprises throughout the festival. These lively performers bring surprise, excitement, and good luck wherever they go.

The God of Wealth shares blessings and festive cheer. He welcomes visitors with warm smiles and positive energy. As the sun goes down, the LED Horses will appear. They will glow with vibrant colours in honour of the Year of the Horse and create magical moments.

And of course, the crowd-favourite Georgie the Dragon, the Council's mascot, a magician and much more.
God of Wealth Two ladies dressed in red traditional Chinese costumes holding red fans juggler in Chinese costume Georgie the Dragon
   

Event Sponsors

Proudly funded by the NSW Government in conjunction with Georges River Council.

  • Major Sponsors: NRMA Small Business Insurance, Westfield Hurstville, Asian Inspirations, Chemist Warehouse Hurstville and Club Central Hurstville.

  • Event Sponsors: SBS Corporation, Optus and VJB Group.

 

Accessibility Information

The 2026 Lunar New Year Festival is an accessible event, inviting people from all walks of life across all abilities to take part in the celebration.

There are several accessibility services available to our attendees. 

  • Accessible toilets and a baby change space (located in the little lanterns zone). 

  • Accessible parking on MacMahon Street car park, Hurstville Central car park and Westfield Hurstville car park.

  • Auslan interpreter at the main stage (Hurstville Plaza).

  • Wheelchair accessible.

  • Quiet space located on Forest Road, close to the little lanterns zone.

Download here the 2026 accessibility map and accessibility information. 
 
If you have specific requirements that the above measures do not meet, please email the Events Team at events@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or contact (02) 9330 6400.

If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you.
 

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.

Explore more Lunar New Year programs on our What’s On page.



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