Experience the vibrancy of Chinese New Year in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Whether you're visiting from across the country or across the globe, this is a special time to explore Dunedin’s cultural heartbeat and join locals in welcoming the new year.
Each year, Dunedin comes alive with colour, culture, and celebration for the Dunedin Chinese Cultural Festival – our city's signature Lunar New Year event. Rooted in tradition and proudly hosted in partnership with Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden, the festival is a vibrant blend of heritage and contemporary creativity. With performances, workshops, installations, and community activations, it’s a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture through a distinctly Dunedin lens.
Chinese Cultural Festival 中国文化节 program
Sunday 7 February – Sunday 21 February 2027
Spanning over two dynamic weeks, the Dunedin Chinese Cultural Festival offers a rich programme of cultural experiences:
Festival Launch – New Year Blessings 新年祝福 · 開幕儀式 Sunday 7 February
Celebrate the start of the festival with free family-friendly activities, performances and traditional New Year celebrations in the central city. The Festival Launch will feature dragon and lion dances, drumming, workshops and more, with activities centred around the Octagon and George Street.
Chinese New Year Celebration at Lan Yuan 新年慶典 Saturday 13 February | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join us at Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden for an evening of celebration, culture and entertainment, with performances and activities for the whole family.
Toitū Lantern Display: A Shared Light 共生同輝 7 February – 21 February
Experience the colour and atmosphere of Chinese New Year with A Shared Light 共生同輝, a spectacular lantern display at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, illuminating the museum throughout the festival.
Chinese New Year Celebration at Lan Yuan 新年慶典
Saturday 13 February 2027 | Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden & The Octagon
This is the flagship event of the festival – and the one to plan your trip around.
Each year, thousands gather in the heart of the city for the Chinese New Year Celebration – a spectacular day and night of performances, food, and festivity. The event begins with a street parade through the city followed by a vibrant celebration at Lan Yuan, where you'll find:
- Traditional and contemporary performances on stage
- Lion and dragon dances
- Chinese market-style food stalls with local and regional vendors
- Fireworks lighting up the night sky (a crowd favourite!)
- Interactive activities for all ages
It’s the biggest and most visually striking moment of the festival – a joyful, high-energy celebration that brings together local communities and international visitors alike.
