Kota Kinabalu (Jan 20) - The spirit of the Lunar New Year will come alive in Sabah as the Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns & Lions Dance Festival returns with a full-day cultural celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on January 25, 2026.
Organised by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK), the event will take place at Level 2, Kinabatangan II and III, and is open to the public with free admission. The festival is designed as a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that blends traditional performances with interactive cultural activities.
The programme will begin at 8.00am with the Cultural Village Exhibition and a Children’s Colouring Contest, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Chinese heritage through displays, crafts and artistic expression. The main festival will officially kick off at 12.00 noon, featuring spectacular dragon, unicorn and lion dance performances by various troupes, filling the convention centre with colour, rhythm and festive energy.
One of the key highlights will be the arrival of the Guest of Honour, the Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, expected at 2.00pm, followed by an opening drum-beating ceremony to mark the auspicious start of the celebrations.
Throughout the day, visitors can also take part in lucky draw sessions, adding excitement to the festive atmosphere, while enjoying cultural exhibitions and performances suitable for all ages.
The festival aims to promote cultural appreciation, community unity and the preservation of traditional Chinese arts, while providing a lively platform for families to celebrate the Lunar New Year together.
The event is scheduled to conclude at 8.00pm, promising a full day of tradition, colour and celebration as Sabah welcomes the Year of the Dragon in festive style.