January 22nd marks Chinese new year (also called Lunar new year) for 2023 and the transition between zodiac signs, with 2023 being the year of the rabbit.

The year of the rabbit symbolises longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, deftness and self-protection. The new year brings new fortunes, and if the symbolism of the rabbit has anything to go by, we are in for a very special year ahead (surely we are all up for positivity and auspiciousness!)

The occasion celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and begins on the new moon, with celebrations lasting for two weeks. Each year, communities celebrate with lantern festivals, street food, music and dance performances.

We have pulled together a list of ways to celebrate the Lunar new year in Newmarket, whether you are buying a gift, sharing a meal, or keen to expand your horizons, read below to check out whats on offer.

Culture / Art

Lion Dance Performances

Be entertained and enjoy the colour, energy and sounds of the traditional lion dancers as they perform throughout Westfield Newmarket. This traditional dance is performed for good luck during Lunar New Year celebrations.

Sunday, 22 January | 02:00PM & 06:00PM

Make a Wish on the Tree of Prosperity

A cornerstone of any Lunar New Year celebration, the wishing tree is synonymous with luck and good fortune. Hang your wish on the tree to encourage your hopes for 2023 to come to fruition.

While you are there, Light Up your Virtual Zodiac Lantern and in return receive a 2023 horoscope based on your Chinese zodiac.

Located at Level 1, Westfield Newmarket outside David Jones

Shopping

Browse our selection of Lunar new year limited edition collections and items celebrating year of the rabbit below.

Adorning a fine adjustable chain, the Rabbit necklace from Karen Walker is finely detailed and presented in a lucky red box.

Karen Walker Rabbit Necklace

LEGO has captured traditional festive greetings symbolising wealth, prosperity and happiness with 2 LEGO brick-built Lunar New Year decorations.

LEGO Lunar New Year Display Set Available at Farmers

Coach has launched a special Lunar New Year collection with polished pebble leather featuring their graffiti-inspired graphic of a rabbit to celebrate the new year. Available as a wristlet (shown), crossbody bags, larger Coach tote bags, or Organic cotton t-shirts.

Coach Lunar New Year Collection

Give the gift of great skin with Clinique's limited edition Lunar New Year collection featuring festive red packaging with gold finishes.

Clinique Lunar New Year Collection Available from Smith & Caughey's.

In celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, Gucci has launched a selection of colourful ready-to-wear pieces and accessories featuring rabbits. Our pick is this gorgeous printed silk cushion with tassel's on the corners.

Gucci Lunar New Year

This limited edition candle from Glasshouse hits all the right notes with soft florals, roses and gardenia as well as Blood orange and Amber.

Glasshouse Year of the Rabbit Soy Candle (Limited Edition) Available at Sephora

Pandora have a Rabbit charm featuring a 3D rabbit holding a heart-shaped red crystal. Perfect to add to your collection or as a gift.

Pandora Chinese Year of the Rabbit Charm

Dining

We can't go past the variety of incredible places to eat when celebrating this Lunar New Year.

Pearl Garden is well known for its traditional Chinese cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Make sure you try their dumplings and pork buns.

Pearl Garden, Level 1/1 Teed Street

Guangzhou Hotpot Newmarket is a great stop for big groups. You can select your favourite delicacies and add them to your soup base, but make sure you book ahead of time!

Guangzhou Hotpot, 60 Broadway

Sun World Chinese Restaurant is authentic and vibrant. The food is fresh and fast with amazing service, make sure you try their steamed pork dim sum - yum!

Sun World Chinese Restaurant, 2a York Street

Or if you are keen to make your own feast, Newmarket is home to fantastic Asian Supermarkets for fresh ingredients and specialty items. Try New Save Supermarket , NJK Asian Supermarket or Tai Ping in Westfield - top tip; grab a pre-prepared peking duck meal from Tai Ping Barbecue, simply select either a half or a whole duck, and it will come with everything you need for amazing peking duck pancakes to feed a crowd!