Chinese New Year Events in Macau

Photo: Live water ballet will take place at the aquarium in MGM's Grande Praça over Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is here, and there is a myriad of events going on in Macau. From the elegant synchronized swimmers that will perform at the MGM to self-guided walking tours, visitors to (and residents of) Macau will not be wanting for choice this holiday. Read on to discover all that is on offer.

XiQi Aqua Dance will be showcasing an aquatic performance in the giant aquarium located in the MGM’s Grand Praca. Each ten-minute show will take place at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm from February 19th to the 23rd. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Chinese New Year market where you’ll have the chance to try out Beijing-style treats including sugar coated fruit skewers, pastries and doughnuts. On the 19th the MGM management team will be officiating an eye-dotting ceremony at 12pm which will be followed by a traditional lion dance. If you haven’t yet, check out the “Red Sandalwood Art Exhibition of Old Beijing City Gates” which features miniature versions of cultural landmarks of the Chinese capital which have been carved out of red sandalwood. From February 18th to the 25th you can see carving demonstrations by two visiting craftsmen. The works are on display until March 22nd from 12pm to 9pm Tuesday to Sunday (free admission).

From the 11th to the 18th the Lunar New Year flower market will be set up in Tap Seac Square from 9am to 12am (11th to 17th) and 9am to 2am on the 18th. The lion dance will be performed in Senado Square on the 21st at 11am and in Tap Seac Square on the 22nd at 4:30pm. If you’re eardrums are up for it, head to the firecracker zones (shorefront of Est. Lam. Marques Esparteiro in Taipa; and Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen in Macau) from 12pm to 2am on the 18th; 10am to 2am the 19th and 20th; and 10am to 12am the 21st to the 23rd. A lion dance will be held in Taipa’s Bombeiros Square (25th from 12pm to 2pm); and at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf there will be a prosperous dragon and lion dance on the 19th from 2:30pm to 4:30pm; and the God of Fortune parade from the 19th to the 21st 12pm to 8pm. The Mandarin’s House will host a traditional lion dance on the 19th at 3pm and 4pm. On March 7th and 8th they will also host a bazaar to celebrate the Year of the Goat (12pm to 6pm).

The first Chinese New Year parade will take place on the 21st with the opening ceremony at 8pm at the start of the parade route, which is in front of the Macao Science Center. The procession of the 14 floats will follow a route along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and end at Sai Van Lake Square. Throughout the parade, the floats will stop at Kun lam Statue and Rua de Torre de Macau along the way for a short performance. That same evening, a firework show will debut at 11pm by Macau Tower. For a smaller scale show, the Grand Hyatt will host a fireworks celebration at 11:58pm on the evening of the 18th.

On the 28th, the parade will kick-off at 8pm at Rua Norte do Patane, with a ceremony to mark the start of the parade. There will be more performances at the end of the parade route (Jardim do Mercado Municipal de Iao Hon) with dancing and singing performances throughout, as well as the same 14 floats from the previous week. If you can’t make it to either of the parades, the floats will be on display for photo opportunities.

Macau is full of historic, hidden gems so hope for sunny skies and take a peek into the other side of Macau with one of the self-guided walking tours - launched by the Macau Government Tourism Organization (MGTO). Of the eight "Step Out - Experience Macau's Communities" walking routes, four are brand new and four have been redesigned, and they offer a little something for everybody. The routes are: Footsteps into the Historic Centre; An Experiment of Creativity; Crossroads of China and Portugal; A Legacy of Arts and Culture; Enchanting Stories of Our Lady of Fatima Parish; The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish; Bygone Days of Taipa Village and Nostalgia in Coloane. If you can, go for your stroll on the weekend, as the MGTO has arranged for a variety of performances to take place at various landmarks through the routes. Pick up a guide book from local hotels or MGTO’s Tourist Information counters or check out the routes here.

For traditional Chinese New Year dining options, check see our guide here.

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