How you can celebrate Lunar New Year in Wellington

From Wednesday 29 January until Sunday 16 February, the Asian Events Trust with funding from Wellington City Council and other partners, are bringing Paint the Town Red, the Lunar New Year Festival, to Courtenay Precinct and the waterfront.

Check out some ways to join in on the festivities below and to celebrate the year of the sssnake.

Sssip & Sssavor

Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 16 February | Courtenay Precinct

Over the festival period, Courtenay Precinct venues will present a drink and/or dish inspired by the colour red, the snake or the Lunar New Year in their menu.

Get together with your friends and family for a night out in Courtenay Precinct, sipping drinks and savoring bites from our Paint the Town Red venues.

See all Paint the Town Red venues here. 

Sssidewalk Sssideshow 

Saturday 1 February | 6pm to 9pm | Courtenay Precinct

Firecrackers, street performers and music will bring Courtenay Precinct to life. This will be a fantastic celebration for families, foodies, or festival goers. See the programme here. 

Fireworks display

Saturday 1 February | 9.30pm to 9.45pm | Wellington waterfront

Legend has it that fireworks were used to drive away evil in China when it was discovered that a monster who terrorised villages was afraid of the colour red and loud noises. They symbolise strength and unity as communities come together to overcome adversity, celebrate diversity, good health and happiness for the coming year.

There will be a fireworks display in Wellington’s harbour to light the night sky to ward off evil spirits, making way for a new year filled with health, happiness, good luck and prosperity for all Wellingtonians. 

Lee Kum Kee Asian Market 

Sunday 16 February | 11am to 5pm | Shed 6

Shed 6 will be transformed to a food hall where the aromas and an array of mouth-watering Asian cuisines await you. Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey featuring diverse Asian cuisines. Featuring sizzling stir-fries, savoury dumplings, sweet treats and more, our stall holders will share the rich tastes of their traditions through their love of food. Find out more.

Asian Market – Craft stalls

Sunday 16 February | 11am to 5pm | TSB Arena

Immerse yourself in a bustling street market in the heart of TSB Arena where you will experience a rich tapestry of Asian arts, craft and culture. Explore a kaleidoscope of stalls and displays from local community groups and organisations.

Lunar New Year is supported by the Council and Paint the Town Red is part of the Courtenay Place Precinct Plan. The Courtenay Place Precinct Plan was developed in collaboration with stakeholders of Courtenay Place including businesses, residents and Police, and sets out a vision and plan to make Courtenay Place a brighter, cleaner, safer and more attractive place to visit, stay and play.