Chatswood is preparing to welcome the Year of the Horse as Willoughby City Council presents another vibrant and community-driven Lunar New Year festival this summer. From 12 to 28 February 2026, the city centre will be filled with cultural traditions, colourful performances and festive experiences that celebrate shared stories and the community spirit behind one of Sydney's largest Lunar New Year festivals. Chatswood's Lunar New Year festival is a highlight of the city's events calendar, bringing people together and showcasing the very best of the community.
"It's a celebration of culture, connection and community spirit," Mayor Tanya Taylor said. "It's also a time to recognise the enormous cultural, social and economic contribution our diverse communities make to this city every day. The Year of the Horse Festival will be filled with colour, generosity and shared joy, a celebration of people and place, and of the collective energy that makes Chatswood such a vibrant and welcoming city." A two-day celebration weekend
For the first time, the Lunar New Year Celebration Days will span an entire weekend on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, with Victoria Avenue at the centre of the celebrations.
From 10am to 9pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday, more than 130 market stalls will line the streets, offering food, gifts, crafts, fashion and festive favourites curated by local businesses, artisans and community groups.
The Concourse will host a full weekend of live entertainment, showcasing traditional and contemporary performances, from instrumental music and dance to modern interpretations that reflect the evolving cultural landscape and inter-generational creativity of our community. A major highlight of Saturday night is the Twilight Lantern Parade, stepping off at 7pm on Saturday 21 February. The parade will travel from Chatswood Place to Anderson Street near Westfield, lighting up Victoria Avenue with a dazzling procession of dancers, floats, colourful costumes and community groups.
Spectators are encouraged to line the route and enjoy this vibrant celebration of culture, sport, creativity and community pride.
Family-friendly fun and cultural celebrations
Across the 16 days of the festival, families will enjoy a packed program of children's activities, including a fortune stall with lucky prizes, a jumping castle, and pony rides, a playful nod to the Year of the Horse.
Lion dancers will bring good luck and energy to Anderson Street, while roving performers will animate Chatswood Mall and Archer Street, transforming the precinct into a lively cultural celebration.
Join us in celebrating the Year of the Horse and immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable Lunar New Year experience.
