Still feeling festive after Christmas? Fret not, as Lunar New Year in Wellington is fast approaching! Get ready to be swept away by a tide of joyous celebrations, vibrant sights, and culinary delights this February with these top 5 Lunar New Events in Wellington.
1. Welcoming In The Lunar New Year
Kick off the festivities with the iconic Dragon Dance performance, a long, tail-like dragon costume lifted on several poles and moved around to resemble the slithering movement of a dancing dragon. Normally measuring around 2-100 metres long, dragons are considered auspicious in Chinese culture and performing the Dragon Dance during the New Year is thought to symbolize good luck and prosperity, while chasing away evil spirits. Make sure to catch this lively performance at various locations across the CBD area for a prosperous start to the new year!
Location & Time:
10 Feb 2024
– Time TBC, New World, Chaffers Street
– 6 pm, Capital Market, Willis Street
Directions: 10-20 min walk from Naumi Wellington
2. Dragons On The Waterfront
Celebrate the start of this year with a series of performances located on the waterfront featuring Dragon Dance and Taiko Drummers! Together with upbeat music and the beautiful backdrop of Wellington’s waterfront, gather your friends and family for a perfect family-bonding activity.
Location & Time:
17 Feb 2024
Dragon Dance
– 8:30 pm, Civic Square
– 8:45 pm, Whairepo Lagoon
– 9 pm, Back entrance of Shed 6
Taiko Drummers
– 8:30 pm & 9:15 pm, Back entrance of Shed 6
Directions: 10-20 min walk from Naumi Wellington
3. Fireworks Display
As night falls on the waterfront, watch the sky light up with an explosive burst of colours in the fireworks display to celebrate the New Year. According to the Chinese legend, fireworks or firecrackers were used every New Years’ Day to drive away an evil monster called ‘Nian’ who used to terrorize the villages. Since then, fireworks were set off every Lunar New Year to symbolize good luck and drive away evil spirits. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, this year’s fireworks display will be more spectacular, so make sure to grab your spot by the water to catch a good shot!
Location & Time:
17 Feb 2024
9:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Wellington Harbour
Directions: 15 min walk from Naumi Wellington
4. Festival Day
For a fun-filled day of activities, head over to none other than TSB Arena, where a family-fun zone, cultural performances and an Asian market awaits. Get your face painted, let your kid get dirty with themed arts and crafts and take photos with roving panda, Gods of Wealth and baby dragons at Dragons Den. Hop over to the stage area for a five-hour cultural showcase of traditional and contemporary Chinese performances featuring dance, music and visual art by talented performers. Feeling hungry? The Asian Market sells a diverse range of Asian food ranging from stir-fried dishes, dumplings, sweet desserts and more that are guaranteed to have your mouth watering, so don’t miss out on this one-day extravaganza!
Location & Time:
18 Feb 2024
The Dragons Den: 11 am – 4 pm, TSB Arena
Cultural Entertainment: 11 am – 4 pm, TSB Arena
Asian Market: 11 am – 5 pm, TSB Arena and Shed 6
Directions: 20 min walk from Naumi Wellington
5. Indulge in a Lunar New Year Dinner
Start your year differently and indulge in a special dinner with Lola Rouge’s Lunar New Year Good Fortune Menu. Comprising of 6 courses, including a Baijiu Dragon Shot, Ora King Salmon, Longevity Noodles and a Dessert tasting plate, this exquisite culinary experience is designed to give you a taste of good luck and prosperity in the new year. To top it off, each guest that dines with us for the Good Fortune Menu will be presented with a Lola Rouge red envelope, enclosing a very special gift. Reserve your spot with us now!
Location & Time:
Lunar New Year Good Fortune Menu is available from 6 Feb, 6 pm – 10 pm
Directions: Located on the ground floor of Naumi Hotel Wellington and Naumi Studio Wellington
Looking for a place to stay over the Lunar New Year?
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