It’s no surprise that every year, thousands of people descend on the West End of London to experience the vibrant and lively celebrations of the Chinese New Year. London comes alive with an electric, festive atmosphere and the celebrations are both varied and vast.
This is a celebration like no other and to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the best bits, here are 7 of the most exciting things to see and do at the event:
- See the Grand Parade
London plays host to a famous 2-hour parade that kicks of the day featuring over 50 dragon and lion teams that perform from Charing Cross Road through Shaftsbury Avenue in Chinatown. You will also get to see dazzling decorated floats and energetic street performer snaking their way through the city.
See the map below for the 2018 Parade route:
Parade Route: Trafalgar Square > Charing Cross Road > Shaftesbury Avenue
Main Stage at Trafalgar Square 
Stage at Shaftesbury Ave.
Pop Up Crafts and Food Stalls 
Lion Dances in Chinatown
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP21rTPhFSh/?tagged=chinesenewyearlondon
2) Don’t miss the traditional ceremonies and performances
Soak in the culture in Leicester Square which comes alive with family-friendly performances and entertainment along with traditional ceremonies such as the eye-dotting ceremony (known in Chinese as the Hoi Gong ceremony), in which officials paint red ink on a new lion’s costume. Both traditional and contemporary performing arts can be seen on this stage which showcases Chinese talent and celebrates the friendship between China and the United Kingdom.
Staging for #CNYLondon #CNY2018 #ChineseNewYear London #YearOfTheDog #London Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hei Fat Choy! pic.twitter.com/Rm5FE21GiW
— AcornEventStructures (@AcornEventsUK) February 20, 2018
3) The mane event? The Lion Dance
One of the most un-missable events is the lion dance that takes place in the center of Leicester Square in the afternoon. It is believed to scare off evil spirits and bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity to all. These skilled dancers leap onto high poles in time with traditional Chinese music. The first dancers are in traditional lion costumes followed by Chinese dragons and their performance is breathtaking.
4) Try amazing Chinese street food, of course!
Leicester Square hosts an array of mouth-watering street food stalls from all over Asia. From noodles to dumplings there is something for everyone. Alternatively, head to China Town for traditional Chinese cuisine and tasty treats, although be prepared to queue. Have you tried an Instagram famous bubble waffle from Bubble Wrap London yet?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfVc0zWBvI7/?taken-by=bubblewraplondon
5) Admire the decorations in China Town
During the new year period, China Town is covered with festival red lanterns and traditional decorations. This is the place to get your perfect Instagram shot down the narrow roads, capture the madness and soak up the bustling atmosphere.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfWmVnzlico/?tagged=chinesenewyearlondon
6) Buy Chinese keepsakes from street stalls
With huge smiles on their faces, vendors line the streets with vibrant, colourful carts filled with keepsakes and trinkets. From homemade crafts to elegant kimonos and lucky cats, you will find something to help you remember the day and show to your friends and family.
Hello Neko
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•#chinatown #chinesenewyear #london #chinatownlondon #streetphotography https://t.co/Fvdwu7EujP pic.twitter.com/IfG6e0lwIH— Andreas Ioannou (@antreas0ioannou) February 23, 2018
7) End your day with a brilliant fireworks display!
Everyone loves fireworks and the spectacular fireworks at the end of London’s Chinese New Year celebration are not to be missed. With a final “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “San Nin Faai Lok” (Happy New Year in Cantonese), end your day with this brilliant display which lights up Leicester Square.
And best of all, it’s all FREE!
While 2018 marked the year of the dog, Chinese New Year in 2019 will bring in the year of the pig and takes places on 5th February. London’s celebrations should fall somewhere around this date but keep an eye out for updates.
Who will you take to the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia? #ChineseNewYearLondon
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