Chinese New Year

February 1 2025

Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the vibrant and exciting festivities of Chinese New Year in London! Join the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) as they usher in the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable celebration full of cultural performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. This lively event highlights the rich traditions and heritage of Chinese culture, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy dazzling parades, immerse yourself in captivating performances, or explore unique markets, London’s Chinese New Year celebration is the perfect way to ring in the new year with joy and excitement! Discover the official event programme and more exciting activities you can attend to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in London:

 

Lion dance

This year, the festivities are set to take place across two days, starting with the spectacular lion dance performances on 1 February between 11am and 5pm. Head to Chinatown where you’ll find performers dancing colourful lion costumes through the streets to mimic the movements of a lion. The traditional spectacle is said to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

 

Chinese New Year Parade

Watch colourful floats and more than 50 teams take part in the vibrant Chinese New Year parade on 2 February between 10am and 11.45pm. The parade in London welcomes the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe, starting on the east corner of Trafalgar Square before snaking its way along Charing Cross Road and around the streets of Chinatown.

 

Trafalgar Square

The fun in Trafalgar Square kicks off on 2 February at midday with speeches and the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony. You can then experience traditional dragon and flying lion dances and fun-filled stage performances, usually including Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, Chinese pop hits and an exciting line-up of artists from China.

Explore the arts and crafts stalls and festive stands or get a taste of the Far East at street food stalls dotted around the square throughout the celebrations. You can also stop by the National Gallery, just off Trafalgar Square, throughout the day to enjoy family activities and see colourful costume displays.

The finale gets underway at with a variety of showstopper performances, which last year included a techno lion dance and spectacular pyrotechnic display, lighting up Trafalgar Square to mark the end of the festivities at 6pm.

More information for residents and businesses can be found here.

 

Staying Safe & Secure

If something looks unusual or doesn’t feel right during the Chinese New Year celebrations in London, report it to staff or security.

 

Chinese New Year Menus & Offers

Start your celebrations early and enjoy exclusive offerings from local businesses. Try an exclusive cocktail at The New York Bar at The Rubens at The Palace on 29 January to mark the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake. You can sip this vodka-based cocktail infused with lychee and strawberry alongside two small plates for just £29. Find out more here.

House of Ming also have a limited edition menu to honour Chinese New Year. The dishes pay homage to the Year of the Snake, which symbolises wisdom, transformation, and prosperity. Inspired by Sichuan and Cantonese flavours, the menu will be available from 18 January to 11 February. Plus, four cocktails have been especially curated for the occasion. Discover more.