Chinese New Year In Sydney

Marlo Perry
5th Feb 2016

They say that those born in the lunar year of the monkey are clever, crafty, mischievous and opportunistic, so to help you make the most of Chinese New Year and swing into the festivities in style we have pulled together the five most auspicious ways to celebrate or, at the very least, engage in some monkey business...

On Friday 5 February, Double Bay’s week-long celebrations will be opened by fashionista and Gold Logie hopeful, Lee Lin Chin with ‘A Taste of China’, which will feature food stalls from Mr Wong, China Doll, Toko, Let’s Do Yum Cha, Gelato Messina and more. Traditional Chinese dance performances and face painting for children will take place under the lantern-lit streets.

What: ‘A Taste of China’ food markets
Where: Guilfoyle Park and Knox Avenue, Double Bay
When: 5pm – 9pm Friday, 5 February 2016

Lunchtime visitors to the Sydney Fish Markets will be entertained by lion dancing as well as some fishy puns encased in fortune cookies handed out on the day. Make sure you feed the lion some red packets to ensure blessings and good luck come your way this year!

What: Chinese New Year at Sydney Fish Market
Where: Sydney Fish Market, Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Sydney 2000
When: 12:30pm – 2pm Monday, 8 February 2016

For something a bit more substantial, The Rice Den at St Leonards in Sydney’s north is hosting a special Chinese New Year banquet for one night only. For $68 per person guests will enjoy a shared menu of Rice Den favourites including Steamed QLD King Prawns in garlic butter and soy, Hervey Bay scallops in XO sauce, pork & chive gyoza, roasted duck san choi bao, Lotus leaf wrapped fried rice, whole crispy QLD baby barramundi, braised Southern Highlands pork, free range Shangdong chicken, and coconut cream sago with fresh Kingston mango and grapefruit.

What: Chinese New Year Banquet at The Rice Den
Where: 30 - 32 Chandos St, St Leonards
When: 5:30pm Thursday, 11 February 2016

In a cross-cultured collaboration Ladurée has teamed up with Swarovski to create a special Year of the Monkey high tea at their Sydney Westfield store.

The limited edition experience includes Ladurée high tea, a Ladurée Year of the Monkey gift box complete with 12 macarons, a red envelope pack and a Swarovski red velvet heart-shaped jewellery box adorned with 10 crystals.

Each guest also has the chance to win a Swarovski necklace valued at $599.

What: Year of the Monkey High Tea
Where: Ladurée, Westfield Sydney
When: until 12 February
Tickets are $98 per person and bookings are essential through events@laduree.com.au

Let’s face it: CNY is all about being big, bold and brightly coloured so for an eleven-day, mega dose of food, fun and freebies it’s best to hit The Star.

The Star Lunar Markets are on for the second year running and feature exhibitors from the likes of Fat Noodle, Black Star Pastry, N2 Extreme Gelato and Hoy Pinoi.

A game of ‘Lucky Dim Sum’ will give visitors the chance to win prize vouchers worth up to $100, which are redeemable across a range of venues at The Star including Gelato Messina, Fat Noodle, Harvest Buffet, Sokyo, BLACK by Ezard and The Darling Spa and DJs will help get you into cheeky monkey mode on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

What: The Star Lunar Markets
Where: The Star Casino, Sydney
When: Monday to Wednesday: 5pm - 9pm
Thursday to Friday 5pm - 10pm
Saturday 4pm - 10pm
Sunday 4pm - 9pm