Archived: Chinese New Year at SKYCITY

If you're looking to celebrate the Chinese New Year in style then head along to SKYCITY as they mark the Lunar New Year with 16 days of celebrations including a stunning fireworks display coinciding with the closing of Auckland Lantern Festival.

Festivities begin on the eve of Chinese New Year with free performances by lion dancers, acrobats and drummers and on New Years Day the auspicious ‘painting of the eyes’ ceremony will take place. This is then followed by the arrival of the Chinese God of Fortune, who will descend from the top of the Sky Tower to welcome in the New Year. The God of Fortune’s descent will be marked by a display of firecrackers, lion dancers, drummers and acrobats, with performers continuing to entertain guests throughout the night.

Check out a list of the Chinese New Year highlights:

• The Sky Tower will be lit in the traditional colours of red and gold for the duration of Chinese New Year celebrations, from 18 February to 5 March*
• Free entertainment including dazzling acrobatics, drummers, fire dancers and jugglers at 7pm in the Atrium and 8pm in the plaza every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during the New Year period.
• On Thursday 26 February Jade Dragon Restaurant pops-up in Albert Park serving Chinese-style pork burgers alongside pork and prawn dumplings on the first night of the Auckland Lantern Festival. Free tuk tuks will ferry visitors between Albert Park and SKYCITY Auckland.
• On Sunday 1 March, to mark the close of the Auckland Lantern Festival, a breathtaking fireworks display will illuminate Auckland from the top of the Sky Tower.
• Jade Dragon restaurant is offering special a la carte and banquet menus during Chinese New Year, including wok-fried crayfish and crispy roasted chicken with ginger sauce.
• SKYCITY Chief Operating Officer New Zealand/General Manager SKYCITY Auckland John Mortensen says the Chinese community is an integral part of Auckland, adding cultural richness and diversity to the city.