If you are looking for some amazing (and mostly free) events to help 
celebrate the Chinese New Year – look no further! This year is the Year of the Dragon – one of the most powerful and lucky signs in the Chinese Zodiac so the festivities in Sydney are going to be unforgettable.
Running from Jan 20th through to Feb 5th, this festival is going to be chocked full of cultural events like Chinese markets, tours, exhibitions and loads of entertainment. There are over 60 different events to attend, and since that number can be a bit overwhelming we’ve selected a few that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
1. First and foremost are the Chinese New Year Markets running from Jan 20th – 22nd at Belmore Park. Come immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of a traditional Asian market; full of dancing lions, dragons, Asian music, and spicy Sichuan food. The Market times are Friday, Jan 20th: 4-11pm; Sat 21st & Sun 22nd: 11am-10pm. (For more info on the Market’s Itinerary check out: http://www.sydneychinesenewyear.com/event/chinese-new-year-markets/)
2. Next on the agenda is to check out the Festival Launch on Jan 20th. This event is taking place at the Chinese New Year Markets (at Belmore Park) from 6-8pm. This is a free event so come and kick off the celebrations with dragon and lion dancing, firecrackers, food, live entertainment and even a sneak preview of the Parade.
3. If there has to be one event that you do-not-miss during the Chinese New Year celebrations then this is it – the spectacular Twilight Parade. On Jan 29th, the Sydney streets will be lit up with 12 giant zodiac lanterns, illuminated floats, and over 2,500 acrobats, dancers, martial artists and other performers. The Parade will wind its way from Town Hall to Chinatown starting at 8pm, for a map and parade program visit: http://www.sydneychinesenewyear.com/event/chinese-new-year-twilight-parade/
4. Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without including the Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour. And what better way to celebrate the Year of the Dragon than watching Dragon Boat Racing so make sure you’re here to check out this last event of the Festival on Feb 4th & 5th from 8am-5pm.
For more info about everything going on during the Chinese New Year 2012 festivities visit: http://www.sydneychinesenewyear.com/
To learn more about the history of Chinese New Year visit: http://www.dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/chinese_new_year
Photo Credit: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW
