Chinese New Year, Cairns 2024 - Year Of The Dragon
From Thursday, 25th of January until Sunday, 25th February 2024, the City of Cairns in Far North Queensland is set to come alive with vibrant colours, cultural performances, and traditional events as it celebrates the 2024 Chinese New Year Festival - The Year Of The Wood Dragon. According to Chinese Horoscopes the Dragon brings with it the promise of power, strength and vitality.
2024 also marks the 20th anniversary since the Cairns Chinese New Year celebrations began its community festivities, reflecting the city's commitment to sustaining cultural diversity and ties to it's sister city Zhanjiang. Every year this annual event has grown, attracting both locals and visitors alike, eager to experience the unique blend of Chinese traditions and Australian hospitality.
This article is your guide to the spectacular Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations that’ll take place in Cairns in 2024!
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as Lunar New Year, is an important traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar. While it's a time for family reunions, feasts, and paying respects to ancestors, The Cairns CNY festival also pays homage to the ongoing contributions of Chinese migrants and their descendants residing in the region.
Traditional Chinese New Year customs include a 15 day extravaganza filled with a multitude of events. From dragon and lion dances, to fireworks displays, market stalls, Yum Cha banquets fit for a king and the giving and receiving of Hongbao (red envelopes of money for good luck), Chinese New Year pulls out all the stops!
What Is The Significance Of The Wood Dragon?
Chinese astrology has been passed down throughout the centuries and is considered to be an important cultural tradition. According to Chinese philosophy, the zodiac consists of a twelve-year cycle. Each year is associated with an animal sign and one of the five elements: earth, wood, metal, fire and water.
2024 heralds the Year of the Wood Dragon, symbolising strength, vitality, personal growth and development. People born in this year are believed to be intelligent, innovative, and ambitious. The Chinese often look to the traditional Chinese zodiac for insights into personality traits, compatibility, and to make predictions for the year ahead.
Why Not Visit Some Of Cairns' Top Attractions While Visiting For CNY!
Events In Cairns For Chinese New Year 2024
Chinese New Year Day Celebrations are on 10th February, with the main public events for Lunar New Year set to start from the 25th January and concluding on the 25th February 2024. Here you’ll find a list of all the main events to check out in Cairns this Chinese New Year!
| EVENT NAME | LOCATION | DATE | TIME | COST |
| The Chinese Zodiac Art Exhibition in Collaboration with Sister City Zhanjiang | TANKS 4, Tanks Art Centre | 25th January - 25th February 2024 |
9:00am - 4:30pm Weekdays 10:00am - 2:00pm Weekends & Public Holidays |
Free |
| Chinese New Year Race Day | Cairns Jockey Club | Sunday 28th January 2024 | Gates Open 11:00am |
$10 General Admission $160 Presidents Lounge Chinese Banquet Lunch |
| CADCAI & Cairns Historical Society CNY Heritage Morning Tea | Cairns Museum Verandah, Level 3 | Thursday 8th February 2024 | 10:00am - 11:30am | $20 |
| Chinese New Year Street Food Festival | Crystalbrook Riley | Friday 9th February 2024 | 5:00pm 8:00pm | Various |
| Chinese New Year Day Celebrations | Cairns Esplanade Lagoon | 10th February 2024 | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Free |
| Chinese New Year Banquet | Golden Boat Chinese Restaurant | Saturday 17th February 2024 | 6:30pm - 7:00pm | From $55 - $75 |
| Chinese New Year Lantern Festival | Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Plaza | Saturday 24th February 202 |
5:30pm - 7:30pm Fireworks 7:30pm |
Free |
| Year Of The Dragon Yum Cha Lunch | Imperial Chinese Restaurant | Sunday 25th February 2024 | 11:30am for 12:00pm Start | From $38 - $50 |
As Cairns gears up to ring in the Year of the Wood Dragon, local residents and visitors can look forward to a vibrant month-long extravaganza brimming with multiple events. The harmonious blend of traditional Chinese celebrations with modern Australian twists also serves Cairns City’s commitment to embracing inclusivity and multiculturalism.
From the display of exquisite art exhibitions, cultural dances and performances, delicious Yum Cha feasts to street eats, lanterns to fireworks shows, Cairns Chinese New Year 2024 has something fun for everyone!
Planning to visit Cairns during Chinese New Year 2024 and have questions about other activities and tours? Chat to our local travel experts or call +61 7 4082 7470 today!
