WHERE TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN LONDON
FREE and Brilliant Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrations Across the Capital
London hosts the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.
This year’s celebrations - aka Lunar New Year or The Spring Festival - fall on Wednesday 29 January. But you can celebrate the Year of the Snake at a gaggle of major events across the capital on 1-2 February and our picks are all FREE.
Ssssnake a look at our guide to London’s best ways to celebrate this hiss-toric occasion.
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Chinatown - London’s Chinese New Year Festival
Spectacular lion dances launch the festivities on 1 February between 11am and 5pm, when colourful performers will weave through the streets of Chinatown, to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Chinatown, London. 1 February. 11am - 5pm. FREE
West End - London’s Chinese New Year Festival
Hundreds of thousands of people will head to the West End on 2 February for the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe, and more than 50 colourful New Year Parade floats.
There are also free stage shows in Trafalgar Square - featuring martial arts and dances to Chinese pop. The family zone in Leicester Square will host craft, arts and dress-up sessions.
The celebrations close with a show-stopping fireworks and lion dance display, lighting up Trafalgar Square.
Chinese New Year Festival. Through Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.1 - 2 February. FREE
Year of the Snake at Greenwich Peninsula
Greenwich Peninsula will welcome the Year of the Snake with a vibrant celebration of East and Southeast Asian culture and traditions.
Expect acrobatic Lion and Dragon dances in Peninsula Square from 1.30pm, Firepit Art Gallery exhibitions celebrating Lunar New Year; hands-on workshops like woodblock printing, bamboo weaving and Chinese knot-making; live music from Eastern Margins DJs, and the Eternal Market - a vibrant Pan Asian showcase featuring contemporary and traditional fare, brimming with delicious food, unique crafts, and community traders.
Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10. 1 February. FREE - £10. 12-4pm
Chinese New Year in Camden Town
Camden Town will celebrate Chinese New Year with an explosion of music, parades, workshops, and dance events.
The colourful Lion Dance Parade will take over Camden Market and Hawley Wharf alongside live music and costumes.
There are also hands-on workshops, from Calligraphy and Woodblock Printing to Fan Making, plus traders, creatives, and Chinese market stalls.
Camden Market, 54-57 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF. 1 February. FREE.
Lunar New Year Festival at London Museum Docklands
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at London’s original Chinatown, in Limehouse.
The London Museum Docklands is running a free family festival with dragon dances, enchanting folktales, vibrant crafts and lively community-led events.
London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL. 1-2 February. FREE
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