Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. It begins in late January or early February, and the 15-day celebration begins with the new moon and lasts until the full moon.
Lunar New Year is primarily celebrated across East and Southeast Asia, in countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan. However, significant festivities are held in locations all over the world, including right here in Perth!
Lunar New Year's start date changes every year, and this year it begins on Tuesday 17th February, with celebrations lasting until early March.
Check out our list below of free and paid things to do to celebrate the Year of the Horse in Perth.
FREE things to do in Perth for Lunar New Year
Under the Red Lanterns
- Date: Saturday 14th February
- Time: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
- Place: Casa Musica - 11 Summers Street, East Perth
- Cost: Free
Celebrate under the glow of the red lanterns at Casa Musica with lion dancers, live music, acrobatics, and more.
Click here to check out the fantastic lineup of entertainment.
Nightly Lion Dance Performances @ The Quay
- Date: Tuesday 17th February - Sunday 22nd February
- Time: 6:45pm
- Place: Elizabeth Quay
- Cost: Free
From 6.45pm every night, enjoy traditional performances that bring the energy of Lunar New Year to Elizabeth Quay. Lion dancing and powerful battle drum performances will captivate with their rhythm, colour and storytelling - celebrating luck, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Terracotta Warriors Closing Festival
- Date: Tuesday 17th February - Friday 20th February
- Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
- Place: WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Cost: Free
Before experiencing the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition for the last time, join in the celebration outside the main entrance! View the Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors, enjoy food and drink from the food trucks, and encounter live traditional performances and music.
Click here for the full program.
Lunar New Year Night Markets @ Victoria Park
- Date: Friday 20th February
- Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
- Place: Albany Hwy, Victoria Park
- Cost: Free
Vic Park is the place to be for authentic Asian cuisine, so it's the natural place to celebrate this Lunar New Year! Their famous night markets return again for the Year of the Fire Horse, featuring traditional performers, arts & crafts, and other activities for all ages.
Lunar New Year Markets @ The Quay
- Date: Saturday 21st February
- Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm
- Place: Elizabeth Quay
- Cost: Free
Wander through artisan market stalls offering everything from unique handmade treasures and unique one-of-a-kind finds to mouth-watering street eats and seasonal delights. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the lively atmosphere along the beautiful Derbal Yerrigan.
Click here for more info.
Lunar New Year in the Square
- Date: Saturday 21st February & Sunday 22nd February
- Time: from 4:30pm
- Place: Yagan Square
- Cost: Free
Welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse as Yagan Square comes to life with colourful lanterns, festive decorations, and spectacular cultural performances.
At 4:30pm watch the lion dance performance - a traditional cultural performance symbolising good fortune, community, and fresh beginnings.
At 6:00pm, Diversity Perth will delight and entertain crowds with an electrifying K-Pop performance - a showcase of creativity, community, and local talent.
Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2026
- Date: Sunday 22nd February
- Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
- Place: James and Lake Streets, Northbridge
- Cost: Free
Organised by the Chung Wah Association, Perth's annual Chinese New Year Fair is one of Western Australia's most vibrant cultural celebrations. Offering a rich and immersive experience filled with culture, colour, and entertainment, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, like cultural arts and crafts workshops, competitions, games and rides, community stalls, and an exciting program of live performances. Plus, don't miss the iconic lion and dragon dances, a highlight of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Click here to find out more.
Lunar New Year Festival @ Village Green
- Date: Saturday 7th March
- Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- Place: Village Green, Karawara
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Village Green near Curtin University! There's a fantastic line-up of activities, like craft stations, live music, market stalls, dance performances, and a Lion meet 'n' greet!
Click here for the full line-up.
Paid activities and events in Perth
WACCC Chinese New Year Ball
- Date: Saturday 21st February
- Place: 6:00pm
- Cost: $400 for members, $600 for non-members
Step back in time and into the dazzling world of 1920s Shanghai — where East meets West, and every night sparkles with promise. Join the Western Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WACCC) for their most prestigious annual celebration - an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and cultural connection.
Click here for more info and tickets.
Lunar New Year @ Long Chim
- Date: Tuesday 17th February - Saturday 21st February
- Place: Long Chim - Basement, State Buildings, Perth
- Cost: $99 per person
Celebrate at Long Chim with a special Maa Long Chim set menu, inspired by the flavours, symbolism, and festive spirit of the season. The menu brings together vibrant Thai dishes designed to ignite good fortune, joy, and shared celebration.
Click here to book your spot.
Lunar New Year at Miss Mi
- Date: Tuesday 17th February - Saturday 28th February
- Place: Miss Mi Perth - 388 Murray Street, Perth
- Cost: 3-course menu for $99 per person
Designed by Head Chef Alex De Leon, Miss Mi's Lunar New Year set menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed together. Gather your friends and family over dinner to indulge in three delicious courses for a dining experience that is festive, flavourful and unmistakably Miss Mi.
Click here to book a table.
Miss Chow's South Perth
- Date: Monday 16th February, Saturday 21st February, and Saturday 28th February
- Place: Miss Chow's - 39 Mends Street, South Perth
Celebrate your Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner at Miss Chow's, designed for gathering, feasting, and welcoming good fortune. Enjoy Lunar New Year exclusive menu additions alongside Miss Chow’s signature dishes, followed by a traditional Lion Dance performance at 6:45pm, marking the start of the year with energy, prosperity and celebration. Plus, on Saturday 21st and 28tyh February, they'll be offering free traditional calligraphy classes. Bookings required.
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