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[title]Looking to charge in to the Year of the Ox in style? Look no further than the magical Lunar New Year celebrations popping up at The Rocks this summer. The historical harbourside lanes will come alive with twilight markets, outdoor feasts and Ox-themed installations on February 12 to 21. Here are a few highlights of the ongoing celebrations to pop in to your calendar.
Browse stalls at The Rocks Lunar Markets
Take advantage of the balmy air and wander under the red lanterns at these special up-late markets. The Rocks will be hosting their ever-popular stalls during Lunar New Year with a focus on Asian food and covetable objects. Browse stalls laden with handmade jewellery, textiles, homewares and art while you feast on market treats. From 11am to 2pm the markets will also offer free calligraphy, mahjong and Chinese Zodiac readings in The Rocks Square. The Rocks Lunar Markets take place over two weekends, on Friday February 12 to Sunday 14, and Friday February 19 to Sunday 21.
Find the giant golden ox installation
On Kendall Lane you'll find a larger than life tribute to the new year – an art installation called 'Ox in a China Shop'. Find the giant ox sculpture and explore the surrounding sensory experience of hundreds of cascading plates and glittering red and gold lanterns, hung to give the illusion of being immersed in the "china shop" from the cheeky saying. This temporary installation is bound to be a festive photo opp and a memorable Lunar New Year experience.
Make a wish at the maple tree
Every Luna New Year billions of people gather around the world to try their luck at their local wishing tree. The Rocks special ox iteration will be a dazzling maple tree dotted with warm fairy lights, bells and red and gold leaves. Grab a tag, write down your wish and toss it into the tree, if the attached ribbon sticks to the branches your wish will come true. Don't worry, you can have more than one try at it and hopefully your 2021 will get a little extra cheer as a result.
Groove along to live DJs and enjoy roaming entertainment
While you're wandering around The Rocks Lunar New Year festivities you'll be soundtracked by some excellent tunes from DJs like Mowgli May and be delighted by pop-up performances. Catch jaw-dropping tricks from magician Neo Song, thrilling kung fu and parkour demonstrations and the visceral excitement of dragon dancers and drumming. All this under the criss crossing festoon lights and unbeatable celebratory atmosphere.
Feast on alfresco treats in The Rocks new dining areas
If you're craving a sit-down meal during the festivities The Rocks is the place to be. With over nineteen eateries offering al fresco dining you're spoilt for choice. Head to Tayim for Middle Eastern dishes with some Chinese influences added for the month of February, pull up a chair under the golden lights in their pop-up outdoor area for a special Lunar New Year dinner. On Sunday head to Sergeant Lok for bottomless yum cha. Feast for a two hour sitting and enjoy the restaurant's favourite dishes alongside some inventive dim sum specials and a special Lunar New Year dish called Yee Sang, where the noodles are tossed for good luck.