This February, celebrate the Lunar New Year in Boroondara with a range of special cultural events and activities for all ages.

In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February, welcoming the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy and resilience. We’ll light Hawthorn Arts Centre in red to mark the occasion. Lunar New Year traditionally begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later.

In Boroondara, you can enjoy free children's activities and Lunar storytimes at libraries, blessings, traditional musical performances, an art exhibition and more.

What’s on this year

Mark the Lunar New Year with free and low-cost events you and the whole family can enjoy. Check back closer to February as more events are added:

• Chinese storytime – English and Mandarin - Monday 9 and 16 February
• Lunar New Year blessings - Wednesday 11 February
• Lion Dance at Hawthorn Arts Centre - Wednesday 11 February
• Traditional Chinese instrument performance by Sinobeats at Hawthorn Arts Centre - Wednesday 11 February
• Wall of Magic Creatures by Kate Beynon - Saturday 14 February
• Lunar New Year in the Park - Sunday 15 February
• Lunar storytime and origami and Hawthorn Arts Centre – Tuesday 17 February
• Free music performance of Guzheng at Hawthorn Arts Centre – Wednesday 18 February
• Kew Court House Live: Shanghai Pearls - Thursday 19 February.

For full event details and to register for events, please click the relevant event listing below.

More information

For more information about Lunar New Year visit our Events page. For information on Council services and supports for multicultural communities, visit our Multicultural Boroondara page.