Happy Year of the Snake! This year’s Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday January 29th, welcoming in the Year of the Wood Snake. The Snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, symbolising wisdom, intuition, and growth. If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025 – this is your year!
The festival is celebrated for 15 days, with exciting events taking place around Adelaide from late January into early February. Check out some of the celebrations happening below!
Chinatown Plaza Chinese New Year Banquet – SATURDAY JANUARY 18
Chinatown Plaza is having a massive Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday January 18th, right in the heart of Adelaide with a ‘Chinese New Year Banquet’. They say to bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious Asian banquet, paired with Tomich Wines, all while enjoying the amazing spectacle of lion dances. This event is a decade-long tradition at Chinatown Plaza, so it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss!
What: Chinese New Year Banquet 2025
When: Saturday January 18th 6pm
Where: Chinatown Plaza, 17-19 Moonta Street, Adelaide
Price: $88 for adults and $44 for kids (under 12)
For more info, click here.
Chinese New Year at Concubine – SATURDAY JANUARY 25 TO SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Concubine with Lion Dance performances at their restaurant on Saturday January 25th (6:45pm), Sunday January 26th (6:45pm), and Saturday February 1st (6:30pm). Enjoy their special Chinese New Year menu at $80 per person (minimum four people), featuring “Lo Hei” – a symbolic dish that represents tossing for good luck and fortune. They’ll also have South Australian King Prawns with Concubine Signature Sauce and Crispy Cavalo Nero. To top it all off, they’ve crafted a special Chinese New Year cocktail to add extra cheer to the celebrations!
What: Chinese New Year at Concubine
When: Saturday January 25th and Saturday February 1st
Where: 132 Gouger St, Adelaide
For more info, click here.
KOOMO’s special Prosperity Toss Salad – WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29
Celebrate Lunar New Year with KOOMO’s special Prosperity Toss Salad on Wednesday January 29th. This colourful and flavourful dish, also known as Yee Sang, is a traditional part of Lunar New Year celebrations, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. Made with kingfish, salmon, and tuna, it symbolises abundance, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead. The salad includes a mix of fresh ingredients like shredded carrots, radish, cucumber, smoked salmon or sashimi-grade fish, pickled ginger, pomelo, and crispy wonton strips, all dressed in a sweet and tangy sauce.
The dish is made even more special by the communal tossing tradition, where everyone gathers around the table and uses chopsticks to toss the salad high into the air while shouting auspicious phrases and wishes for the new year. The higher the toss, the greater the prosperity and fortune for the coming year!
What: Koomo Restaurant & Bar
When: Wednesday January 29th
Where: Level 10/27 Frome St, Adelaide
Price: $88.80 (for serves four)
For more info, click here.
Lunar New Year celebrations at Adelaide Arcade – WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29
Adelaide Arcade is ready to shine with a beautiful display of Chinese lanterns, symbolising happiness and good luck for the new year! On Wednesday January 29th at 1pm, there will be an Lion Dance performance to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Throughout the show, the dancers will hand out traditional red envelopes filled with a gold chocolate coin, a gift that represents blessings and joy. And for an extra surprise, some of the envelopes will contain a special Adelaide Arcade gift voucher!
What: Celebrate Lunar New Year at Adelaide Arcade
When: Wednesday January 29th at 1pm
Where: Adelaide Arcade, via Rundle Mall
For more info, click here.
Lunar New Year Concert with Hong Kong String Orchestra – FRIDAY JANUARY 31
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the internationally acclaimed Hong Kong String Orchestra in their Australian debut on Friday January 31st, welcoming the Year of the Snake at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Led by virtuoso Yao Jue, this 25-piece ensemble will showcase their masterful fusion of Eastern and Western classical music, performing cherished works by Vivaldi alongside traditional pieces. The performance will also feature a special collaboration with local pianist Yundi Yuan.
What: 2025 Lunar New Year Concert with Hong Kong String Orchestra
When: Friday January 31st
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
For more info, click here.
Lunar New Year Party in the Secret Garden – FRIDAY JANUARY 31
The Marion Hotel is hosting a fun Lunar New Year celebration in their beautiful Secret Garden on Friday January 31st from 7pm. The space will be lit up with Chinese lanterns, creating a stunning setting, with an Asian food truck menu, Asian-inspired cocktails, and tunes from a live DJ. Tickets are $45 per person (+BF) and include one cocktail, two hours of delicious food, and a dessert from the Chocolate & Co food cart.
What: Lunar New Year Party in the Secret Garden
When: Friday January 31st 7pm to 11pm (DJ from 7pm to 11pm)
Where: Marion Hotel, 849 Marion Rd, Mitchell Park SA 5043
Price: Tickets $45pp+BF
For more info, click here.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Street Party – SATURDAY February 8
Chinatown is kicking off Lunar New Year with their epic annual Street Party in the heart of the Chinatown Precinct on Gouger Street! On Saturday February 8th, the streets will come alive with displays from Asian cultural groups, showcasing their traditions through art, music, and of course, mouthwatering food. There will be a massive line-up of street food stalls and food trucks, plus colourful traditional lion dances roaming Chinatown and the Market District to guide you straight to the party.
What: 2025 Chinatown Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party
When: Saturday February 8th
Where: Gouger Street & Moonta Street
Stall trading hours: Noon till 9:30pm
Official program: pm to 7:30pm
For more info, click here.
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