How to hop your way into the Lunar New Year in Canberra
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That’s right, Lunar New Year is officially here, breathing new life throughout our city in honour of the Year of the Rabbit.
This year’s magical celebration will fill Canberra with a kaleidoscope of colours, rhythmic drumbeats, indulgent feastings and a joyous harmonious spirit that is nothing short of transformative. Here’s our guide to bouncing through the myriad of vibrant (and delicious) festivities. Let’s hop to it!
Events + Festivities
Photography: Ben Calvert.
Lunar New Year at Canberra Centre
Perhaps one of the best things about the Lunar New Year is the chance to scare away all of our worries from 2022, and there is no better at to forge a worry-free fresh start than at Canberra Centre.
Kicking off this Sunday 22 January from 11 am, Canberrans can experience the interactive Lion Dance show, whose psychedelic colour pattern leads us into a year filled with longevity, peace and prosperity—such is the nature of the powerful rabbit.
Speaking of rabbits, head upstairs to see Canberra Centre’s iconic glass floor space on Level 1 (outside Zara) be transformed into a Lunar New Year spectacle with an array of cheeky floating bunnies and lanterns hung across the display floor. Shoppers are encouraged to stop and view the Chinese zodiac chart to discover the animal associated with the year of their birth.
Sunday 22 January, 11 am – 11:45 am | Canberra Centre | facebook.com
Kids in the kitchen: Bánh mì making and more at Canberra Centre
Offering a hands-on experience foodie experience, as well as culinary insight into Asian dishes such as Bánh mì, Rice Paper Rolls and Mini Bento Boxes, this delicious event at Canberra Centre is one not to pass up. Because what better way to bring in the new year than your child having a repertoire of authentic dishes they can cook for you? Enjoy!
Tuesday 17 until Friday 20 January | Canberra Centre, Lower Ground Food Court 148 Bunda Street | Eventbrite
Dickson Lunar New Year celebration
As Canberra’s unofficial Chinatown, it’s no surprise that Dickson comes into its own during the Lunar New Year—and 2023 will continue this beautiful legacy.
Taking place from now until the main event on Saturday 21 January, Canberrans can immerse themselves within traditions associated with Lunar New Year. Think dragon dances, UC Kung Fu Fire Dragon, Kung Fu Face painting, stalls and endless local talent.
A memory-making experience that truly has something for everyone.
16 – 21 January |Woolley St, Dickson | visitcanberra.com
Ginninderry Chinese New Year Lion Dance
Paddy’s Park is marking the Year of the Rabbit with a beautiful pop Chinese celebration in the heart of Ginninderry. The event will bring with it rich culture, lion dances and delicious food as a way to unite the community—rabbit style.
Oh, and there are also Chinese dumplings that will have your name written in Chinese Calligraphy. If that can’t tempt you, I don’t know what will!
Saturday 28 January | Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
Marketplace Gungahlin
To honour the year of the mighty rabbit and all his optimistic qualities, Gungahlin Marketplace will have endless feasting of Chinese cuisine on offer—guaranteed to make your tastebuds not just hopeful but hoppy too! There’s also a chance to win a $50 Marketplace Gift Card should you snap yourself in front of the photo moment near Kmart. Oh, and don’t be alarmed if you hear dynamic beats echoing in the distance, that is just the Lion Dance parade making its presence known—starting at Grease Monkey and spreading its magic throughout Gungahlin.
Saturday 21 until Sunday 29 January | 30 and 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin | marketplacegungahlin.com
Places to Eat
As the gastronomic event of the year, it only makes sense that we move into 2023 with full stomachs, exciting flavours and traditional dishes levelled up by Canberra’s hospitality scene. Here are our foodie picks for honouring the rabbit through our tastebuds. Noms!
Natural Nine
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Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with the extensive culinary experience that is the Natural Nine’s Lunar New Year banquet.
Honouring themes such as prosperity, happiness and longevity, menu highlights include scallops and prawn dumplings, Beijing crispy duck and white chocolate peach mouse. Heaven!
21 Binara St, Canberra | casinocanberra.com
XO
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For a decadent dining experience, XO is simply a no-brainer. Their talented team knows how to honour traditional flavours while simultaneously bringing to life that trailblazing XO twist.
This year’s eight-course menu is filled with everything that makes Asian cuisine so incredibly delicious—spicey, sweet, aromatic, salty and sour, with detailed execution that makes for an unforgettable experience.
16 Iluka St, Narrabundah | xo-restaurant
Super Sweet Café
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Nothing says ‘Hello 2023’ like indulgent baked goods—or the gifting of said goods to others. Super Sweet Café’s carefully constructed gift boxes are a delicious way to bring friends and family together in the new year. From their Lava Mooncake, perfectly salted Caramel Almond pastries and endless handmade cookies, the Year of the Rabbit just got that much sweeter.
G11/27 Lonsdale St, Braddon | facebook.com
IKEA Canberra indoor dining experience
If IKEA wasn’t tempting enough, their Lunar New Year three-course dining experience has officially made it irresistible. For just $30, guests can make their way through a flavoursome experience of dumplings, spring rolls, noodles and hotpot, topped off with a matcha pannacotta. Yes, we know, homewares and affordable Chinese food are a dangerous combination. Blame it on the rabbit!
Majura Rd, Pialligo | ikea.com
