Auckland's city centre will be brimming with vibrant celebrations as the city embraces Lunar New Year.

Running from 26 January to 22 February, the festival promises an exciting blend of Asian traditions, local flair, and a wide range of activities for all ages.

A key feature of the celebrations is the inaugural Bao and Boba promotion.

Diners in the city centre can vote for their favourite restaurant and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

The art scene will also play a major role in the festivities, with a series of sculptures on display.

Auckland’s iconic Lucky Cat figurine, believed to bring good fortune, will also make an appearance.

A giant, three-metre tall Lucky Cat sculpture will be stationed at the Auckland Town Hall, complete with a Kiwi-style finger-heart gesture.

For those looking to dive deeper into the cultural celebrations, Te Hā o Hine (Khartoum Place) and Lorne Street will be transformed into an Asian street festival.

Visitors can enjoy food stalls, watch dragon dances, and listen to traditional musicians and buskers. A street dance battle and Tai Chi lessons are also on the agenda.

The Auckland Art Gallery will host a variety of activities, including a lion dance performance by Tung Tek, music from DJ EDY and guitarist Sam Nakamura, and family-friendly workshops focusing on traditional dishes like yee sang.

Aotea Square will serve as the venue for a spectacular line-up of performances and workshops, from gravity-defying dances to a Lunar New Year karaoke competition.

Eric Ngan, director of the Auckland Council Lunar New Year festival, highlights the importance of Auckland’s growing pan-Asian community in shaping the celebrations.

“Young Asian Kiwis are proud of their roots, enjoy life in this city, and continue to creatively evolve their traditions,” he said.

The Lunar New Year Festival is supported by the city centre targeted rate and promises to offer Aucklanders a unique cultural experience.

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