Lunar New Year 2025, 2026 and 2027
Lunar New Year is a major celebration in many parts of Asia, and it has become more significant in Australia which has a sizable Chinese and Asian population. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is not a public holiday in Australia, but it is becoming more widely observed with decorations and community activities visible across the country.
In 2025, the first day of Lunar New Year is 29 January and is the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Lunar New Year in 2026 begins on 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Horse.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 Jan | Wed | Lunar New Year |
| 2026 | 17 Feb | Tue | Lunar New Year |
| 2027 | 6 Feb | Sat | Lunar New Year |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
The date of Lunar New Year is generally in late January or early February. Lunar New Year is actually celebrated for 15 consecutive days, but the first three days are most important. Each Lunar New Year is designated as “the year of“ one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, which animal is supposed to characterise that year and all those born in it.
Lunar New Year is the most important annually recurring festival for people of Chinese ancestry all over the world. It has been celebrated for over 1,000 years – likely much longer, and the traditions involved are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. For many, it is also a religious holiday, full of prayers, offerings, and other acts of devotion.
Australia’s Chinese and Asian communities burst forth to celebrate it in a grand manner in major cities across the country. Celebrations are especially prominent in the “China-town” locations of each city. Shopping centres are also increasingly marking the season with decorations and sales,
In Melbourne, there is a 10-day celebration full of dragon dances, Chinese traditional music and more. The dragon parade is centred at Queensbridge Square. In Sydney, the celebrations go on for 17 days and are attended by over a million people. It features lion dances, firecrackers, food fairs, karaoke, a dragon boat race, and a “Korean aerial theatre”.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 Feb | Sat | Lunar New Year |
| 2023 | 22 Jan | Sun | Lunar New Year |