Chinese New Year Australia: Chinese New Year Twilight Parade

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One of Sydney’s favourite events, the Chinese New Year Twilight Parade is the highlight of the New Year festivities.

Bringing a magical beauty to the summer evening, floats, lanterns and dancers weave their way, snake-like, from Sydney Town Hall down to Harbour Street, illuminated by stunning projections on city buildings.

Join us for the pre-parade entertainment, with dancers, acrobats and music. As evening descends, gasp in amazement as the giant snake comes alive, shedding its skin along our streets in a symbol of renewal.

This parade figurehead is drawn from an ancient Chinese story – Lady White Snake – telling of a snake goddess who lived briefly with mortals and was betrayed by her love and imprisoned for her powers, only to escape back to her proper realm.

A powerful creature in Asian and Western cultures, both revered and feared, the snake features in stories throughout history. You’ll see the native American rattle snake, Snakes and Ladders, a witty take on Eve, Cleopatra and other women who tangled with the snake – and plenty of other snakes alive!

There’s fabulous dancing, floats from our local Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities and our visitors from Shenzhen will be treating us to a special parade entries. Don’t miss out on a night to remember as you welcome the Year of the Snake.

WHEN: Sun 17 Feb at 8:00 pm
WHERE: Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown, 483 George Street, Sydney

Entertainment schedule on the night

7 – 8pm
  • Pre-parade entertainment
  • Dancers & acrobats and all sorts of snake like entertainment
8pm
  • Eye Dotting Ceremony – Town Hall
8.15pm
  • Parade starts
8pm – 1am
  • Sydney’s buildings transform with magical projections illuminating their facades.
Post-parade fireworks
  • Join us for a stunning fireworks display at Cockle Bay to scare off the previous year’s bad luck and mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake!
An accessible viewing area for people with mobility support needs is available on Harbour Street outside the Sydney Entertainment Centre from 7.15pm.

The nearest public transport access point is the Paddy’s Markets Light Rail stop.  If you require access to the viewing area, please contact City of Sydney on 9265 9218 or email gmarshall@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

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