Lunar New Year 2026 at Paddy’s Markets

Welcoming the Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse
Lunar New Year Day: Tuesday 17 February 2026

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Paddy’s Markets Haymarket and Flemington with vibrant Lion Dance performances bringing colour, sound, and auspicious energy across the markets.

This much-loved tradition sees the lions roam the markets seeking offerings from traders, symbolising prosperity, good fortune, and a strong year ahead for our community.

**Lion Dance Performances
**
Performed by THQ Cabra

Performance includes:

2 adult lions with live instruments

Roaming acrobatic performances throughout the markets

Confetti and firecrackers for added spectacle

📅 Performance Dates & Times

Sunday 15 February
🕚 11:00am – 2:00pm

Friday 20 February
🕚 11:00am – 2:00pm

Saturday 21 February
🕗 8:00am – 10:00am

Sunday 22 February
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm

📍 Performances take place across Paddy’s Markets Haymarket and Flemington

🌿 The Tradition of Lion Dance at Paddy’s

During Lunar New Year, lion dance troupes traditionally visit homes and businesses to perform “cai qing” — loosely translated as “plucking the greens”.

Auspicious greens and red packets are offered by traders, which the lion symbolically plucks, shreds, and returns — showering blessings of prosperity, luck, and success for the year ahead.

It’s a tradition we proudly continue at Paddy’s, celebrating culture, community, and the shared spirit of the markets.