Chinese New Year in the Chinese Garden
29
Jan
09
Feb
YEAR OF THE SNAKE

Chinese New Year in the Chinese Garden

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture with the Garden's Chinese New Year celebrations including kids crafts, tranquil live tunes, zodiac readings and more.
When
Wednesday,
29 Jan 2025
Sunday,
09 Feb 2025

A visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship is one of the best things to do in Sydney this summer. Enjoy a unique Chinese New Year program of Chinese cultural events, including kids' crafts, fascinating Chinese zodiac readings, soothing live music and more. Plus don't miss the exclusive Twilight Garden Party for a unique nighttime celebration.

Entry to the Garden is just $12 for adults and $8 for children. Concession rates are also available. 
 

The Program

Amidst glowing lanterns and lush nature you’ll get the chance to enjoy boisterous lion dances, creative workshops, zodiac readings and more.

29 JAN onwards, 10am -5pm
Paper Art Installations by Benja Harney
Renowned Paper Engineer Benja Harney is bringing his artistry to the Garden this Chinese New Year.  Don’t miss his snake-inspired installation on display from 29 Jan. 
Find out more
Wed 29 Jan, 10am - 5pm 
Red envelopes with Gold Coin Chocolate

It is traditional during the Chinese New Year to share red envelopes filled with lucky money, symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. On Wed 29 Jan, each child visiting the Garden will leave with their very own red envelope containing a (chocolate) gold coin for good luck in the Year of the Snake. Arrive early to avoid missing out.

Wed 29 Jan - Sun 16 Feb
Rainbow Serpent First Nations Art Installation
Dive into history and culture with a remarkable First Nations art installation this Chinese New Year and explore rich tapestry of relationships between First Nations Peoples and Chinese Australians. 
Find out more
SAT 1 & 8 FEB, 12.30pm-2pm
Traditional Tea Ceremony & Tasting

Experience the art of the traditional tea ceremony with Topotea. From 12.30pm  a master tea expert will guide you through the process of boiling, pouring, and washing tea leaves, followed by a tasting of various teas at 1pm. This experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and ritual of this ancient practice.

Sat 1 & 8 Feb, 2pm-4pm 
Music in the Garden

Listen to the serene sounds of Chinese musical performances, using traditional instruments. 

SUN 2 & 9 FEB, 2-4PM 
Zodiac Private Reading

*Online bookings required. 

Find out what the new year has in store for you with an 8 minute private Chinese Astrology fortune reading. Classically trained Feng Shui master Mina Zheng will expertly guide you through your fortune for the Chinese New Year ahead. Ages 16+.

$28 for Friends of the Garden members, or $38 for non members, including Garden entry

Book here
SUN 2 & 9 FEB
Snake Story Performance
Celebrate the Year of the Snake! Join Karen Pang as she tells the captivating tale of Bai Suzhen, The White Snake Spirit, at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Find out more
Sun 2 Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm
Brush Painting Demonstration
Watch skilled artists bring the zodiac animals to life with vibrant colors and graceful strokes. As a special treat, enjoy zodiac-themed giveaways to commemorate your experience.
SUN 9 FEB, 10.30AM - 12.30PM
Blessings from a Master Calligrapher
Receive a personalised blessing and good luck from master calligrapher, as he joins us in The Garden.
SUN 9 FEB, 4PM - 4.30PM
Closing Ceremony Dragon Dancing

Experience the energy of the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance as part of the official closing of the Chinese New Year program in the Chinese Garden!

Twilight Garden Party

FRI 31 JAN & 7 FEB, 5-9PM 
(Last entry at 8.30pm)

Come and experience the Chinese Garden landscape as the sunsets and the night falls. Enjoy live music from contemporary jazz band 'Zodiac', and explore the garden at your own pace. 

Chinese Lantern Festival Cultural Fair

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 and the Lantern Festival with a day of hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations, delicious tea and more in the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Creative Workshops

Get creative with these fun workshops free with garden entry. 

Sculpting Snakes Workshop: A Foam Clay Craft for the Year of the Snake

WED 29 JAN
SAT 1 & 8 FEB

Join us for a fun and interactive session where kids can create their own clay snakes and discover the significance of the snake in Chinese Zodiac culture. 

Register upon arrival.

Find out more

WIN unlimited visits to the Chinese Garden of Friendship for a year!

To celebrate Chinese New Year, we’re giving one lucky person the chance to win 1 x Annual Family Pass to the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour Sydney. 
Daily Activities

Pop in to the Garden anytime from 10am - 5pm during the Chinese New Year period and enjoy a raft of exciting things to do.

The cost for these activities is included with Garden admission.
29 JAN - 9 FEB, 10AM - 5PM
Lantern Riddles around the Garden

Come and roam around the Garden and discover the riddles attached to the lanterns. They often contain messages of wisdom and good fortune and give children of all ages the opportunity to explore and have fun while practising problem-solving skills.

29 JAN - 9 FEB, 10AM - 5PM
Hopes and Dreams Bookmarks

From 29 Jan - 9 Feb, share your deepest wishes for the new year, without saying a word. Write your hopes and dreams on a Year of the Snake bookmark and hang it among others in the Garden.

The Emperor's Quest
Can you find the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar that are hidden in the Garden?
View Details
Fish Feeding in the Garden
Feed the magnificent koi as they rush through the waters of the Chinese Garden of Friendship to get their lunch.
View Details
Tour the Chinese Garden of Friendship
Learn about the history, landscape and cultural heritage of the Chinese Garden.
View Details
LET'S BE FRIENDS

Friends of the Garden annual memberships

Become a friend of the Chinese Garden of Friendship and for $118 for a family of five enjoy unlimited admission, complimentary parking, exclusive access to workshops and tours, discounts on dining and so much more!

Find out more