Sovereign Hill- Luna New Year Celebration

Sovereign Hill, in Ballarat, is hosting some fabulous events to celebrate the Lunar New Year Celebrations with lots of fun activities for families.

Luna New Year at Soveregn Hill 2026

2026 is the Year of the Horse! In Chinese tradition, the sign of the horse is known for energy, passion, and speed,

Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a great place to visit for a day trip all year round. But when they have special events on it’s even better. In the Winter time they host the Winter Wonderlights.

During the Summer they have the Summer Series and host some fabulous events to celebrate the Lunar New Year Celebrations!

The Dragon and Lion Parades are a highlight of the day. The Chinese dragon and lion dance up Main Street to welcome the New Year.

Here are some photos from previous years.

Luna New Year Sovereign Hill Dragon Parade

Enjoy an Asian banquet feast with chicken skewers, dumplings, spring rolls and dipping sauces in the New York Bakery. Or perhaps you’re a fan of chicken and Pork Bao Buns?

There’s more than just food available to celebrate the Lunar New Year; face painting, arts and crafts, a wishing tree and parades are all part of the fun at Sovereign Hill this weekend.

Sovereign Hill Chinese New Year Activities

In the Peking Opera (a dominant form of Chinese opera), traditional face painting is crucial; it serves as a way of designating characters.

Luna New Year Face painting Sovereign Hill

There’s an opportunity for kids to learn their Chinese Zodiac- a historic categorisation system based on the Chinese calendar, the Chinese zodiac gives an animal and its supposed characteristics to each year in a revolving twelve-year cycle.

Sovereign Hill Chinese New Year Activities 3

Once they know their animal, kids can make a lucky money envelope based on their animal as part of a craft activity. They will even be given a chocolate coin to put in there in the hope of “good luck” for the year.

Kids will love this included extra as they get to decide on their character for the day. Three beautiful blossom trees overlook the lake, providing an opportunity for people to write their wishes, hopes and ambitions for the coming year on a note to hang up.

Sovereign Hill Chinese New Year Activities 2

Not only are all these wonderful activities happening in recognition of the New Lunar Year, but all your old favourites are still part of your entry ticket.

You can’t forget about the gold panning, candle stick-making demonstrations, bowling, performances and lolly shop demonstrations.

And no trip is complete without some old-fashioned Raspberry Drops!

Tips for Visiting Sovereign Hill to Celebrate Luna New Year

Get there early so you can get the most out of your day! There’s plenty to see and do- you don’t want to miss out on anything.
Food and drinks are available to purchase from multiple stores.
Pre-book the photography session prior as this does book out quickly.
Make sure you bring good walking shoes as you will do a few steps.