Don’t hiss your chance to celebrate the Year of the Snake!
Don’t hiss your chance to celebrate the Year of the Snake!
As S Club 7 once told us, there ain’t no New Year’s party like a Chinese New Year’s Party (#EmbellishedForEffect) and here on the Gold Coast, we concur! To celebrate the Year of the Snake – fun fact, the ultimate symbol of transformation and wisdom in the Chinese zodiac – it’s time to slither into the festivities. Round up your crew and dive into the abundance of vibrant colour, hypnotic dance, good vibes, and of course, mouth-watering Asian food.
To save you Googling, here is a rundown of the local venues/spots that are delivering Big Snake Energy this Lunar New Year.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Like we needed an excuse to go to Harbour Town, but here’s one anyway! Be dazzled by lion and dragon dancers and Chinese drums, with three roving performances daily on February 1st and 2nd. After shopping till you drop, head to Harbour Town Eats and explore 8 Street, a hawker-style food precinct buzzing with the sights, smells, and flavours of Asia. Wander through the vibrant laneway and enjoy dishes from Japan, Vietnam, China, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia – it’s a foodie’s paradise all under one roof!
Looking to up the fun? Grab an Asian Street Eats Voucher for $20 and enjoy a Harbour Town meal card, a stylish tote bag, a Cayman Cafe coffee, and a Tourist Discount Card to unlock exclusive savings. It’s the ultimate way to shop, sip, and savour this Lunar New Year!
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road (corner Gold Coast Highway and Oxley Drive), Biggera Waters
Southport Sharks
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Southport Sharks with a feast to remember! From Wednesday 29th January to Sunday 2nd February Frenzy’s is serving up a week of festive eats and Lunar New Year traditions.
The celebrations kick off on Wednesday 29th January with a dazzling live lion dance at 7:30 pm, bringing luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Then, get ready to feast! The special Lunar New Year buffet is packed with deliciousness, including Szechaun Pork and Chive Dumplings, Sweet and Sour Pork, Steamed Fish with Ginger and Shallot and more. Finish your meal with a fortune cookie for a lucky surprise and indulge in a selection of traditional desserts each night.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Aves, Southport
Lunar New Year in Chinatown
Get ready for the ultimate Lunar New Year celebration at Southport’s Chinatown on Saturday 1st February! From 3pm, the streets will come alive with $5 plates, lion and dragon dancers, buzzing market stalls, and fun activities like lotus origami and Chinese calligraphy. Groove to the roving fan and umbrella dancers, enjoy the interactive wishing tree, and taste your way through the $5 Food Safari. Don’t miss the epic fireworks finale at 7:30 pm! It’s family-friendly fun from start to finish.
Where: Chinatown, Davenport Street and Young Street, Southport
Australia Fair Metro
Indulge in festive eats at Australia Fair Metro’s delicious spots like Fen Ku Rice Noodles, Yujin Chinese Cuisine, Zhang Liang Malatang, EHA Dumplings, and Great Wall Takeaway. From spicy noodle soups to handmade dumplings, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the lion dancing performances from Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st January, adding energy and tradition to the celebrations. Plus, snap a pic with the giant inflatable snake on the ground floor from Wednesday 22nd January to Wednesday 5th February for the ultimate photo moment!
Where: Australia Fair Metro, 58 Scarborough St, Southport
Magic By Moonlight
From Wednesday, 29th January to Sunday, 2nd February, Broadwater Parklands in Southport transforms into an illuminated lightscape with 400 larger-than-life 3D light sculptures lit up by over 30,000 lightbulbs. Highlights include a family of pandas and a towering seven-metre dragon, perfect for a Lunar New Year celebration with a twist! Plus, enjoy special Dragon Dancing every 30 minutes for five consecutive nights. It’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss!
Where: Broadwater Parklands
Citrique
Celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake, at Citrique’s award-winning seafood and grill buffet on Wednesday, 29th January 2025. Indulge in a feast of traditional dishes including Peking duck pancakes, BBQ grilled chicken, sushi rolls, chilli crab, steamed barramundi and more. For seafood lovers, enjoy Australian local oysters, Mooloolaba tiger prawns, spanner crabs and Balmain Bay bugs. Finish on a sweet note with artful desserts like mung bean cake and fried sweet dumplings. The live lion dance performance adds extra excitement at 8pm.
Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Akoya
Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style at Akoya, The Langham Gold Coast. On Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, indulge in an epic Lunar New Year feast featuring ice-cold seafood, succulent BBQ meats, dumplings, Peking duck, steamed barramundi, fried rice, noodles, and more. End on a sweet note with a selection of irresistible desserts. This is one celebration your taste buds won’t want to miss!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Carrara Markets
On Sunday, February 2nd, Australia’s largest marketplace comes alive with a spectacular roving Lion & Dragon Dance performed by the talented martial artists from Black Mantis Kung Fu. Kicking off at 10am inside the Big Shed, the vibrant parade will weave its way through the markets, spreading good fortune and prosperity with every beat of the Chinese drums. It’s the perfect way to chase away bad vibes and welcome a year full of luck and wisdom. Bring the kids, snap some unforgettable photos and soak up the festive vibes at this must-see Lunar New Year celebration!
Where: Corner Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara
The Australian National Chinese Women’s Federation Lunar New Year Festival
If you’re vibing family friendly celebrations this Lunar New Year festival is for you! Taking place on Saturday 15th February between 11am and 3pm, soak up the fun and vibrancy with plenty of Chinese New Year inspired activity and entertainment for all ages. And the best part – it’s FREE!
Where: Broadbeach Seniors Centre, 23 T E Peters Drive, Broadbeach Waters
The Star Gold Coast
From Thursday 30th January to Saturday 1st February enjoy special Lunar New Year menus across several venues, all designed to bring prosperity and luck. Celebrate with roaming lion dancers, festive drums, and the god of wealth spreading joy outside Uncle Su at 7:30pm nightly. Lunar New Year menus are available throughout February.
Uncle Su
Our fave uncle, Uncle Su, is pulling out all the stops with a specialty Lunar New Year Menu that’s totally wok-ing our world. Indulge in traditional favourites and exotic creations that come together for a celebration fit for the occasion.
Harvest Buffet
Feast on a special Lunar New Year buffet at Harvest, featuring delights like Singapore noodles, sweet and sour pork, egg-fried rice and spring rolls. Roasted duck is available on weekends for that extra touch of luxury.
Mei Wei Dumplings
Celebrate with a delicious meal for two at Mei Wei Dumplings. Enjoy Hot Chilli Crab with seasonal vegetables and steamed rice for a perfect start to the New Year.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Grand Dynasty
Get ready to embrace the Year of the Snake and celebrate Chinese New Year at Grand Dynasty! Located at The Oasis, indulge in a feast of delicious Chinese cuisine as you ring in the New Year in style. With doors open from 11am to 10pm, it’s an all-day and night affair you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 9th, 2024, when a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance takes center stage at 1pm. Bookings are essential to secure your spot. While regular dining prices apply, a range of special Chinese New Year dishes will be on offer to ensure a celebration that’s as auspicious as it is delicious!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Mamasan
This Lunar New Year, Mamasan is teaming up with Hennessy to bring you a blend of modern flavours and timeless traditions. From Wednesday 29th January to Sunday 2nd February, indulge in exclusive dishes and cocktails designed to bring good fortune and abundance. Sip on Hennessy-based cocktails like the Golden Fang Highball or Serpent’s Kiss, expertly crafted by our master mixologist. Pair these with menu additions like succulent Pork + Prawn Siu Mai Dumplings, zingy Dan Dan Noodles, and crispy Whole Baby Barramundi. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a twist of luxury and tradition!
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Words by Belinda Symons