
It’s a time to welcome a fresh new year, honour traditions and celebrate with family and friends.
Lunar New Year begins on second New Moon after the solstice and continues for 15 days, finishing on the full moon - that’s two full weeks of colour, joy and festivities.
Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse.
People born in the Year of the Horse are known for being energetic, confident, sociable and free-spirited, with a strong love of independence and adventure.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse
Light up your home
Decorate with traditional red lanterns and colourful banners. Red symbolises luck, happiness and good fortune. Festive red lanterns will also light up Northbridge and the Murray and Hay Street Malls.Eat for good fortune
Bring family and friends together for a delicious Asian feast. Northbridge is home to many traditional restaurants to explore. Enjoy classic Lunar New Year dishes like dumplings, fish and rice cakes, each symbolising prosperity and abundance.Dance in the New Year
Lion dances are a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations. Featuring colourful costumes and energetic performances, they’re believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck - don’t miss them in the Murray and Hay Street Malls entertaining lunchtime crowds.Spread love with a red envelope
A beloved tradition is gifting red envelopes filled with kind wishes (and sometimes money). More than a gift, red envelopes represent love, joy and good fortune for the year ahead.Sweep away bad luck
Before the New Year begins, many families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck from the past year and make space for new opportunities. Grab a broom and join in the tradition!
Free Lunar New Year events
Lion Dance performances
17 - 20 February | 12pm - 12:15pm daily
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the City with Lion Dance performances taking place in Murray Street Mall from midday every day from 17 to 20 February.Red lanterns will also adorn city malls and the streets of Northbridge throughout the month.
Perth Chinese New Year Fair
22 February | 12pm - 9pm
The Chung Wah Association is proud to present the Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2026, celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the Horse. The Fair will be held on Sunday, 22 February 2026, from 12:00pm to 9:00pm, along James Street and Lake Street, Northbridge, including Northbridge Piazza.Lunar New Year @ the Quay
17 - 22 February | 6:45pm
Make your way down to Elizabeth Quay and enjoy Lunar New Year festivities by the waterfront as we welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse - symbolising strength, energy and adventure.Over six vibrant nights, watch the Quay burst into celebration - filled with live entertainment, traditional dance and battle drums.
Lunar New Year @ Raine Square
15 - 22 February | 11:30am - 12pm
Enjoy spectacular lion dance performances by Yaolin Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association, bringing over 30 years of artistry and cultural storytelling to life with acrobatics, drumming, and blessings for prosperity. Snap up fortune cookies at Harness Your Luck for a chance to win luxury prizes, get a fun photo with Jed to celebrate 2026 and explore inspiring tales at the Short Story Machine. More here.Lunar New Year in the Square
21 and 22 February | 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse at Yagan Square as the precinct comes to life with colourful lanterns, festive decorations and spectacular cultural performances. Immerse yourself in the energy of Lunar New Year with the iconic lion dance - a traditional cultural performance symbolising good fortune, community and fresh beginnings.
Lunar New Year feasts
Miss Mi
17 - 28 February
Miss Mi invites you to celebrate the Year of the Horse with a limited time dining experience inspired by Southeast Asian tradition and modern flavour. Indulge in a three-course set menu with bold flavours and a touch of Miss Mi magic - make sure to keep an eye on your final course because you might discover a solid silver coin specially crafted by the Perth Mint! One gold‑plated coin and three silver coins will be hidden amongst the desserts. Whoever gets the gold coin will win the ultimate Lunar New Year prize, including a hotel stay, dinner for two at Miss Mi and a delicious buffet breakfast, while those lucky enough to find a silver coin will each enjoy a $100 Miss Mi dining voucher.
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge
21 February
Step into the spirit of the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Horse with an unforgettable buffet experience at the DoubleTree! Feast on auspicious flavours, traditional favourites, and modern delights that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Get your tickets here.
HQ Bar and Kitchen
17 February
Immerse yourself in the Lunar New Year Festivities at HQ Bar and Kitchen, with a spectacular traditional lion dance, Chinese-style feasting set menu and bespoke themed cocktails. Find out more and book your table here.
Grand Orient
3 February - 3 March
The Grand Orient is celebrating Lunar New Year all month long with a curated set menu, as well as a range of traditional festive dishes - if you really want to get into the spirit, there'll be lion dance performances on 16 and 17 February, as well as 3 March.
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