13 Ways To Ring In The Lunar New Year In Perth
Firecrackers popping, lanterns glowing, dumplings steaming and dragons dancing through the streets – you know what that means! Lunar New Year will soon be upon us. From bustling night markets and cultural performances to hidden food spots with special menus, get ready for the city to come alive with joy and good luck vibes. Whether you’re chasing festive dances, craving the best eats on offer, or just want to soak up the festive energy, these are the best places in Perth to welcome the Lunar New Year in style.
Lunar New Year at Miss Chow’s
South Perth | 16, 21, 28 February
Image credit: Miss Chow’s | Instagram
Brush up on your calligraphy skills and get ready for a lively Lunar New Year at Miss Chow's. The South Perth hotspot is turning up the festivity with special Lunar New Year-themed celebrations: feast on the exclusive seasonal menu updates, enjoy a traditional lion dance to ring in good fortune, and free calligraphy classes in the afternoon on both Saturdays. It’s the perfect blend of tasty food and festive flair to ring in the Year of the Horse with friends and family. Bookings are essential so nab your spot early!
Terracotta Warriors Closing Festival
WA Museum Boola Bardip | 17-20 February
It’s time to wave goodbye to the Terracotta Warriors exhibition and say hello to the Lunar New Year. From 17–20 February, the Terracotta Warriors Closing Festival at WA Museum Boola Bardip turns the iconic exhibition’s final nights into a free festival suited to friends and families alike. From 5pm, wander among the glowing Lanterns of Terracotta Warriors, grab a bite from the food trucks, and groove to a rotating lineup of live music, DJs, dance and circus performances — including traditional Chinese showcases and a lion dance on the final night. It’s a vibrant way to celebrate culture, community and one of Perth’s biggest exhibitions before it heads off for good. Click here for more details on the fun that awaits.
Chinese Wine Tasting at State Buildings
Wine Merchant | 19 February
The Wine Merchant team is getting in on the Chinese New Year celebrations with a bespoke Chinese wine tasting on Thursday 19 February. Between 4pm and 6pm, hit the bar for a complimentary tasting of curated wines aimed at showcasing the depth, diversity and emerging story of Chinese winemaking. What better way to raise a toast to the year ahead.
High Tea at Crown Perth
The Lobby Lounge | 14 February - 1 March
Image credit: Shot by Thom
Toast the Lunar New Year in style with High Tea at Crown’s Lobby Lounge. Kicking off on Valentine’s Day and running from 11am-2pm every day until 1 March, this refined daytime celebration might just take the cake. Featuring three tiers of beautifully curated sweet and savoury bites as well as flowing tea and coffee, you have the option to level up with a glass of champagne or a special Lunar New Year-inspired cocktail. Grab your bestie for an overdue catchup or gather your family for a big celebration. Prices start from $65 per person, with advance bookings required. Head here for bookings and more deets.
Lunar New Year Lunch Buffet
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth | 21 February
Get into the festive spirit with the Lunar New Year Lunch Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth! From 12-3pm, feast on a vibrant buffet bursting with flavours both modern and traditional. Think duck spring rolls with plum sauce, dim sums and so much more goodness. Perfect for sharing with family and friends as you celebrate, the afternoon also features lively lion dancing to keep the good luck rolling while you dine. Book your spot for the delicious lunch buffet here. Get in quick – spots booking fast!
Lunar New Year at Elizabeth Quay
Perth CBD | 17-22 February
Lunar New Year at Elizabeth Quay is bringing the festivities to life along Perth’s stunning waterfront. Each evening from around 6:45 pm, the Quay bursts into celebration with vibrant lion and dragon performances, live entertainment, traditional dance and pounding battle drums - all with the scenic Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) as your backdrop. It’s free, fun and perfect for soaking up the festive spirit while enjoying a riverfront meal or drink as the sun sets over the city. Click here to book.
Emily Taylor
Fremantle | 17-18 February
Celebrate in style at Emily Taylor in Fremantle! On Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th February, this vibrant Asian-fusion joint is serving up a special five-course Lunar New Year set menu, packed with flavour and inspired by tradition and symbolism. All of this is capped off with a lion dance performance to usher in good fortune. At $159pp (with à la carte also available), it’s a delicious way to dine, drink and toast the season in one of Freo’s best food spots with a fantastic atmosphere to boot. Book ahead to secure your seat! Head to this link for details and to make a booking.
Lunar New Year at Yagan Square
Perth CBD | 21-22 February
Image credit: DevelopmentWA
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at Yagan Square. This fiesta lights up the heart of Perth with colourful lanterns, festive decor and traditional lion dance performances symbolising good luck and fresh beginnings. From 4:30 pm enjoy spirited cultural action followed by an epic K-pop performance at 6pm, with plenty of nearby food and drinks to keep you fuelled. It’s the perfect way to soak up the Lunar New Year vibes in the city’s vibrant public gathering place. Head here for more details.
Lunar New Year at Miss Mi
Perth CBD | 17-28 February
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a flavourful dinner at Miss Mi. The crowd-favourite eatery is serving a special three-course Lunar New Year set menu designed for sharing, blending Southeast Asian flavours with a festive energy and good vibes. And here’s the twist: hidden inside select desserts are lucky Perth Mint coins: find the gold-plated coin for an indulgent getaway prize or a silver coin for a $100 dining voucher! It’s a delicious shared experience with a little extra luck along the way (you never know what you’ll find). Get all the details here.
Lion Hop Lunar New Year Roving Dinner
Fremantle | 25 February
Image credit: Emily Taylor | Instagram
Ring in the Year of the Horse with The Lion Hop — a lively, lantern-lit progressive feast through four historic Fremantle venues (Emily Taylor, Moon & Mary, Old Courthouse and Anglesea). Over the course of the evening, guests rotate every 45 minutes to enjoy four Chinese-inspired plates across four iconic stops, with the option to add perfectly matched cocktails at each venue. Expect a roaming traditional lion dance bringing luck and prosperity along the way, plus a uniquely Freo story linking Moon Chow, WA’s first Chinese immigrant, to the heritage venues you’ll dine in. With dumplings, lobster sang choy bow, suckling pig and prosperity salad on the menu, it’s part food crawl, part cultural celebration — and a very festive way to kick off the Lunar New Year. Seats are limited, so book early.
Perth Chinese New Year Fair
James and Lake Streets, Northbridge | 22 February
Quit horsing around and head to Northbridge for the Chung Wa Association’s Chinese New Year Fair. From midday onwards, the Perth Cultural Centre and James Street will transform into a vibrant carnival of firecrackers, lion dances, and street food stalls that are definitely worth a victory lap. Whether you’re there to catch the epic performances or to follow the legendary dragon through the streets, it’s the ultimate way to kick off the Year of the Horse with a bang (and a very full stomach!). Lock it in here.
Under the Red Lanterns at Perth Festival
East Perth Power Station | 14 February
Looking for something with a little sparkle? Look no further than Under the Red Lanterns, all part of the Perth Festival. This family-friendly event turns industrial grounds into a glowing Lunar New Year wonderland. You can find your rhythm with a massive Southeast Asian music lineup, catch the high-energy Yaolin lion dancers, or let the kids get crafty at the free lantern-making station. Don’t forget to wear your best red outfit for extra luck: it’s the perfect event to celebrate and welcome the new year. More details here.
Lunar New Year at Long Chim
Treasury Buildings | 17-21 February
Image credit: State Buildings
If you’re looking to add some spice to your celebrations, head towards the delicious aromas at Long Chim. They’re turning up the heat for the Year of the Horse with their legendary Maa Long Chim set menu. It’s a high-energy feast designed to bring good fortune, featuring bold flavours that’ll have you chomping at the bit for more. Whether you’re gathered with friends, family, or just looking for a vibrant underground vibe to kick off 2026, this is one Lunar New Year destination that checks all the boxes. Book here.
Lion Dances in Perth CBD
Raine Square & Bankwest Place Plaza | 17-19 February
Last but certainly not least, head into the precinct that’s going full-throttle for the Year of the Fire Horse, featuring daily lion dance performances by the Yaolin Kung Fu team that are sure to get your heart racing. If you're feeling lucky, make sure to grab a fortune cookie for a chance to win some high-stakes luxury prizes, or take a breather at the Short Story Machine to discover a few legendary tales. It’s the perfect place for your lunch break to soak up some festive spirit right in the heart of the CBD! Get your tickets here.
Prefer to keep things à la maison? Check out these epic LNY recipes here.