Hi there Reader

Welcome to the Year of the Fire Horse! 🔥🐴

Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing across Melbourne this weekend, and there's something genuinely special about seeing the city come alive with lion dances, lanterns, and families gathering to mark new beginnings.

I've pulled together all the best LNY events happening right now if you're keen to join in.

The Fire Horse comes around once every 60 years and symbolises passion, energy, and bold action - which feels pretty fitting for families navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids.

It's a year for courage, adventure, and leaning into the things that matter most.

Wishing trees are a beautiful Lunar New Year tradition - writing down hopes for the year ahead and hanging them for good fortune.

So here's mine: I wish for fewer things on the to-do list and more space to enjoy what's already in front of me.

May your year be full of good fortune, strong connections, and at least one morning where everyone's ready on time!

What's your wish for the Year of the Fire Horse? Hit reply and let me know.

REPLY TO ME

Joyce xx

We're trying something new with Tot Perks this season. 🍂❄️

Rather than one event, Autumn/Winter members get access to Perks like:

👉 Exclusive pop-up experiences
👉 Member-only giveaways
👉 Savings throughout the cooler months

The perks often pay for themselves in one outing - and you'll be first to know about member-only events before anyone else.

Membership is $59 for 6 months, but priority list families lock in $49 early access pricing.

Numbers are limited as we test the format, so if you like being in-the-know (and just a little bit spoiled), now's the time to join.

JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST

Don't want Tot Perks Autumn/Winter emails? Click here to opt out while staying subscribed to everything else.

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

​Lunar New Year at QV Melbourne (Friday 20 - Sunday 22 Feb) Celebrate the Year of the Horse with lion dances, cultural performances, AR photo walls, and special dishes from authentic Asian restaurants at the Happy Horse Noodle Bar installation. 📍 Melbourne CBD

​Ramadan Night Market (Friday 20 - Saturday 21 Feb) Join this special celebration of community and culture at Queen Vic Market with Halal-certified food traders, free prayer space, complimentary dates and water for Iftar, calligraphy demos, and kids' face painting. 📍 Melbourne CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More ​

​Lunar New Year at Melbourne Museum (Saturday 21 Feb) Welcome the Year of the Horse while celebrating Phar Lap's 100th birthday, honouring Australia's most beloved racehorse and symbol of strength and resilience. 📍 Carlton

​Johnston Street Fiesta (Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 Feb) Nearly five decades of Hispanic and Latin American culture come alive across two days of vibrant music, delicious food, and festive dancing that the whole family will love. 📍 Fitzroy

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More ​

​Lunar New Year Lion Dancers (Saturday 21 Feb) Traditional lion dancers bring strength and good fortune as they perform throughout South Melbourne Market to welcome the Year of the Horse with drums, cymbals, and blessings. 📍 South Melbourne

​The Teddy Bears' Picnic (Sunday 22 Feb) Celebrate the National Trust's 70th Anniversary with this beloved family event featuring activities, creativity, and entertainment across Rippon Lea Estate's beautiful lawns and gardens. 📍 Elsternwick

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More ​

​Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival (Saturday 21 Feb) Wander lantern-lined streets enjoying lion dances, calligraphy lessons, traditional crafts, storytelling, face painting, and delicious Asian street food from dumplings to mooncakes. 📍 Box Hill

​Movie Night at Grayswood Reserve (Saturday 21 Feb) Watch IF under the stars at this free outdoor cinema event featuring pre-movie crafts, roving entertainment, and onsite treats from ice-cream and coffee vendors. 📍 Kilsyth South

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More ​

​Lunar New Year at Sovereign Hill (Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 Feb) Experience the Year of the Snake celebration with lion parades, music, and cultural festivities alongside classic Sovereign Hill attractions like gold panning and live shows. 📍 Ballarat

​Native Bee Hotel Making (Saturday 21 Feb) Kids aged 7-12 build eco-friendly bee habitats using recycled materials while learning about native plants and pollinators with Clancy, that Bee Guy. 📍 Maribyrnong

BROWSE ALL EVENTS