The year’s just about to start in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. So, it’s time for you to make way for good luck.

This year, the Chinese community is going to make a spectacle with lights, fireworks, cultural displays, and food. You can also be a part of it. Here’s where to go around Melbourne.

  • Chinatown – More than a big party, the streets of Chinatown will be a big explosion of Asian culture. Play around with the roving musicians, street performers, and artists as they take over the streets. Be a part of the celebration and learn about culture and food. From seafood to ramen, to dumplings, and so much more, you can’t go wrong with their New Year’s delights.
  • Federation Square (Cnr Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne) – >Enjoy a kaleidoscope of activities in the Fed Square. Melbourne will light up this place with light shows and displays so large and so bright, you’d practically see them from Space. Spot all 12 of the zodiac animals as you walk along Southbank, illuminated with zodiac lanterns. Sneak a peek at the Dragon’s head, peering through the Eureka Tower. Let your tongue tingle from all the Asian flavours as the streets of Fed Square gives you a taste of Chinese cuisine from north to south. Make sure to catch the multicultural shows playing from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Queen Victoria Market (Elizabeth St, Melbourne) – It’s all about prosperity and fresh flavours in Queen Victoria Market as the stunning Queen Street corridor of Opera faces illuminates your path to a prosperous New Year.

Join in as the community celebrates with a traditional lion dance as firecrackers and drummers thrum through to ward off evil spirits. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Chinese traders, who helped shape Queen Victoria Market as it is today.

Taste your way through the different regions of China as the market showcases the best of produce, spices, and traditional dishes from the mainland and beyond. See if fortune favours you as you try to spot the roving giant Deity of Fortune, Cai Shen. A quick tip: if you find him, he’ll reward you with a lucky red packet.

>Whether you’re of Chinese descent or not, you’re going to love the bright and colourful festivities around Melbourne as they kick off the Lunar New Year.

>It is going to be a bit busy, so you should get your Melbourne car hire and parking sorted out beforehand. Remember that you can always secure a spot around the Melbourne city parking areas beforehand so you can get discounted weekend parking prices. Have fun and Gong Xi Fa Cai!