Lunar New Year activities, fun and more at Erina Fair
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is one of the most important cultural celebrations in many Asian countries, including China and Korea. This vibrant festival, celebrated with family gatherings, traditional food and customs passed down through generations, symbolises new beginnings, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
Each Lunar New Year is associated with a specific animal from the zodiac, which varies across different cultures. These animals symbolise unique traits and characteristics believed to influence the fortunes and energies of the year, adding a layer of cultural significance and tradition to the celebrations. In 2025, the Lunar New Year falls on 29 January and we will enter the Year of the Snake, which will last until 16 February 2026.
At Erina Fair, we’re joining in the Lunar New Year 2025 festivities and inviting our community to celebrate this special time with us. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Lunar New Year activities or want to find everything you need to prepare for your own celebrations, Erina Fair is the place to be!
So join us in welcoming the Year of the Snake with joy, luck and plenty of festive spirit!
🐍 Traditional Lunar New Year activities
One of the most recognisable and exhilarating Lunar New Year activities is the Lion Dance. This lively performance, featuring skilled dancers in vibrant lion costumes, is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. As the lion, guided by rhythmic drumming and clashing cymbals, moves energetically through the crowd, it symbolises strength, courage and wisdom.
Another staple of Lunar New Year celebrations is the lighting of fireworks. This practice is believed to scare away evil spirits and bad luck, making way for a fresh start to the year. The loud crackling sounds are said to drive away the mythical beast Nian, which, according to legend, fears loud noises and bright lights.
Decorations play a significant role in setting the festive mood and attracting good fortune. During Lunar New Year, red is the colour of choice, symbolising happiness, prosperity and good fortune. Adorn your home with red lanterns and banners displaying auspicious phrases and Lunar New Year greetings to ward off bad luck and invite positivity. At Erina Fair, you can find a variety of traditional Lunar New Year decorations to bring the spirit of Lunar New Year into your home.
🐍 Create your Lunar New Year experience
Join us at Erina Fair for Lunar New Year activities to celebrate the new year. Participate in Lantern Making and be amazed by Dragon Dance Performances. These events are a wonderful way to learn about and celebrate the cultural heritage of Lunar New Year while creating cherished memories with family and friends.
Also, keep your eye out for other Lunar New Year celebrations across the region. From live performances and cultural shows to special lion dance performances and traditional music, there’s sure to be an event or festival you can participate in.
Lunar New Year Lego Set
Dragon Ornament
Sterling Silver Charm
Claris the Mouse Handbag
🐍 Lunar New Year traditions to experience
One of the most beloved Lunar New Year traditions is the giving of red envelopes. Elders give these red envelopes, filled with money, to children and younger family members as a gesture of good luck and blessings for the year ahead. The colour red represents good fortune, and the act of giving these red envelopes is believed to pass on blessings and ward off misfortune.
At Erina Fair, you can find beautifully crafted Lunar New Year red envelopes and other traditional gifts at stores like Dollar King or Magic Asian Supermarket, perfect for sharing your blessings with loved ones.
Keep an eye out for special promotions and offers from Erina Fair retailers during the Lunar New Year period to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.
🍜 Family reunion dinners: come dine with us
The reunion dinner is one of the most important aspects of Lunar New Year celebrations. This meal, usually held on Lunar New Year’s Eve, is a time for families to come together, reconnect and share delicious dishes that symbolise luck, health and happiness for the coming year.
The meal typically features dishes like dumplings, which represent wealth; steamed fish, symbolising abundance; and rice cakes, which signify growth and progress.
At Erina Fair, we have several restaurants that capture the essence of this cherished tradition. Treat your family to a special Lunar New Year menu at Thai Thyme, where you can enjoy a selection of traditional dishes.
For those looking to explore more options, Magic Asian Supermarket offers a festive feast featuring dishes from various regions of China and beyond. Lock in your reservation early to ensure a seat at the table for this memorable celebration.
Lunar New Year superstitions: dos and don’ts
Lunar New Year is a time filled with hopes for a prosperous year, and many people follow certain rituals or avoid certain activities to ensure good fortune. Here are some common practices and Lunar New Year superstitions to keep in mind:
🧧 Do wear red: Red is a lucky colour that symbolises happiness and wards off evil spirits.
🧧 Don’t sweep or clean: Sweeping or cleaning the house on New Year’s Day is believed to sweep away good luck.
🧧 Do give red envelopes: Share blessings and good fortune by giving red envelopes to children and younger family members.
🧧 Don’t use sharp objects: Avoid using knives or scissors on New Year’s Day, as they are thought to cut off good luck.
🧧 Do eat lucky foods: Enjoy foods that symbolise prosperity and happiness, such as dumplings, fish and rice cakes.
🧧 Don’t break things: Breaking items like dishes or mirrors is considered a sign of bad luck and is best avoided.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year is a time of joy, renewal and community, filled with traditions that bring families and friends together.
Whether you’re stocking up on festive decorations, finding the perfect Lunar New Year presents, or enjoying a memorable reunion dinner, Erina Fair is your destination to embrace the spirit of the Year of the Snake. Visit us today to make the most of this auspicious season and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Let’s welcome the Lunar New Year together with hope, happiness and a whole lot of celebration. Happy Lunar New Year!