Furry lions in frilly trousers cut a joyous path through Crown Street Mall at the weekend as part of celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year.

The festivities included kung fu and martial arts demonstrations by the Southern Crane Martial Arts Academy, and craft lessons in plaster painting, Chinese lanterns and equine face masks - a fitting tribute to the Year of the Horse.

Destination Wollongong general manager, Mark Sleigh, said it was important to mark the occasion.

"It's great to be able to showcase Wollongong's multiculturalism through events such as this," he said.

"The Chinese New Year is such an important date in so many of our residents' calendars and we hope this will bring out the community and visitors to enjoy the display and activities on offer."