The NSW Government is putting Sydney in the global spotlight this Lunar New Year, with hundreds of thousands of international visitors set to boost the city’s visitor economy through strong demand across hospitality, retail, flights and accommodation.

The Year of the Horse begins on 17 February 2026, ushering in a rare “Fire Horse” astrological period on the lunar calendar that only occurs every 60 years. It is regarded as being auspicious for tourism and is believed to inspire adventurous, transformative travel plans.

Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than one billion people across the world each year, particularly in countries such as China, South Korea and Vietnam.

Last year, Lunar New Year turbocharged visitation to NSW. Holidaymakers from mainland China to NSW rose 128 per cent in January 2025 compared to December 2024. Several markets also surged ahead of January 2019 levels — leisure visitors from South Korea in January 2025 rose 64 per cent, while those from Vietnam rose 104 per cent.

This year’s celebrations will light up Greater Sydney, led by Sydney Lunar Festival, the largest celebration outside Asia. Communities across Burwood, Chatswood, Cabramatta, Campsie, Eastwood, Hurstville and more will host immersive experiences including vibrant street festivals, live performances, lion dances, dragon boat races and light installations.

The new Sydney Fish Market is set to be a major drawcard hosting lion dances, Sydney Seafood School experiences, behind-the-scenes tours and family-friendly activities from 17 – 21 February followed by a community celebration and a three-week concert series.

Darling Harbour will once again come alive with free lion jetpack shows, fireworks, dragon boats and traditional performances, while the Chinese Garden of Friendship will offer kids’ craft workshops, zodiac readings, live music and cultural performances in its lantern-lit surrounds.

Lunar New Year is expected to drive continued momentum in the NSW visitor economy following international expenditure reaching a record $14 billion in the year ending September 2025. The nation-leading result included Chinese visitor expenditure a record $5 billion—up 43.9 per cent year on year.

Total visitor expenditure in NSW reaching $59.4 billion during the period, up 7.3 per cent year-on-year. The result exceeded the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 phase one goal of $59 billion
more than 12 months ahead of target.

Sydney Airport will welcome more than 600,000 passengers from Greater China alone during the peak January through February Lunar New Year period, when the airport will receive 145 return flights per week from Greater China.

Destination NSW held a pre-Lunar New Year celebration at the new Sydney Fish Market on 10 February with key travel agents and tour operators who represent and service the China, Hong Kong, Tawain, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia visitor markets.

The event included a tour of the venue and an opportunity to sample the seafood that makes NSW such an unforgettable dining destination.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year highlight the strength of our diverse communities and play a key role in achieving the NSW Government’s ambitious target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035.

“Visitation from North and Southeast Asia skyrocketed during last year’s festival and the Year of the Fire Horse is expected to bring more good fortune to the visitor economy.

“The NSW Government wishes communities, businesses and visitors preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year a happy, healthy and prosperous 12 months ahead.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “Free activations will take over the new Sydney Fish Market and a highlight will be the community day on Friday 2 February. Families can enjoy watching the lion dancers, games, roving entertainment, site tours and face painting.

‘In Darling Harbour, jetpack lion dancers will fly across the harbour and dragon boats will thunder through Cockle Bay, transforming the waterfront precinct into a celebration of culture, colour and community.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “Sydney remains Australia’s gateway to China, and we continue to offer the highest seat capacity to the region of any Australian airport.

“Growing confidence among travellers from China is evident with Chinese passport holders increasing 12.2 per cent in Q4 2025 on the year prior, the strongest quarterly rate of growth in 2025.

“Sydney Airport will mark the Year of the Horse with a Lunar New Year activation at the T1 International Terminal, delivering a vibrant arrival experience that reflects the season’s themes of
renewal and connection.”

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “Destination NSW is thrilled to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, which symbolises freedom and adventure and promises to bring vibrant energy to the NSW visitor economy during 2026.

“It was wonderful to join with distribution partners from key markets to celebrate Lunar New Year at the new Sydney Fish Market. The venue is expected to attract millions of domestic and international visitors each year, providing an enormous boost to the state’s visitor economy.”

Sydney Opera House glows in red to celebrate Year of the Horse

Hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, hundreds of community members gathered at the Museum of Contemporary Art at The Rocks on 12 February 2026 to watch the Sydney Opera House bathed in a deep red ahead of Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year has become a highlight of the multicultural calendar, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural heritage and the strong ties that link communities to this ancient tradition. More than 100 events are planned across NSW this year.