The Chinese New Year, officially known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival (春节/春節 chūnjié), is a significant event for the Chinese population worldwide. It signifies the beginning of a new year in the Lunar Calendar and marks the arrival of spring. 
The festival is grandly celebrated throughout Asia, in China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. But far from Asia, the festival is an equally big affair in London. The Chinese New Year in Chinatown London is considered the biggest CNY celebration outside Asia. So, come celebrate the Chinese New Year in London by planning your trip with this guide that will take you through the vibrant streets of Chinatown.

All About Chinese New Year in Chinatown London

The 2025 Lunar New Year in London marks the beginning of the Year of Snake. The Chinese New Year 2025 is set to fall on 29 January 2025. The festival is celebrated for two weeks, extending till mid-February, with the biggest events being organized from 1-2 February. 

The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) organizes events throughout Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square. Visitors can witness majestic parades and ceremonial dances or performances in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. If you want to get a hands-on experience with Chinese culture, then head over to Leicester Square.
The main highlight of the celebration that you should not skip is the Chinese New Year Parade, which starts from the east side of Trafalgar Square and extends to Chinatown. Other highlights of the celebration include cultural performances and the famous dragon and lion dance in Trafalgar Square.

Explore Apartments in Westminster to stay near the action and enjoy the most.

Key Dates to Mark

The LCCA organizes the biggest celebration for Chinese New Year, and 2025 is set to be no less grand than any of the previous years. Even though 29 January marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, the festivities officially begin on 1st Feb, and the day of 2nd Feb buzzes with celebrations throughout the day.

1st Feb marks the first day of the Chinese New Year in Chinatown London celebration. On this day, you can see Lion Dance performances throughout Chinatown. The performance begins in the late morning and continues till the evening. 

2nd Feb is the second day of the festivities, beginning with a parade followed by cultural performances, speeches, and dragon and flying lion dance performances. The performances can be seen throughout Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Dean Street, and Shaftesbury Avenue.

Chinese New Year Parade in London 2025

The Chinese New Year 2025 Parade will take place on the second day of the celebration, on 2nd Feb. The parade will start from Trafalgar Square, passing through Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, ending at Chinatown. 

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and end by 11:45 am. Therefore, visitors are recommended to make their way to Trafalgar Square early in the morning to grab a good viewing spot to see the beginning of the parade. Even if you are late, you can make your way towards Leicester Square or Chinatown to catch a glimpse of the grand parade. 

Your best chance of getting an assured viewing spot is by buying a set in one of the grandstands around the route of the parade. However, tickets are often sold out early. Regardless, if you are traveling on a budget, you can grab a seat in one of the cafés or restaurants situated along the route and still enjoy viewing the parade as it passes by.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your experience during the Chinese New Year celebrations, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some essential tips to help you enjoy the festivities smoothly:

Timing Tips

• The main celebratory events will take place on 2nd February.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot for the parade, which starts at 10:00 AM.
• Evening visits offer a magical atmosphere with glowing lanterns, cultural performances, and fireworks displays at dusk.

Crowd Management

• Expect large crowds in Chinatown during the celebrations.
• Arriving early helps ensure a better view of the parade.
• For a quieter experience, explore side streets for decorations, festive food, and less crowded areas.

Comfort and Accessibility

• Wear comfortable shoes as you may stand for long periods.
• Use event navigation apps for maps of restrooms, restaurants, and nearby facilities.
• Book your accommodation in Trafalgar and Westminster to make the most out of your visit to Chinatown on Chinese New Year.

Group and Safety Tips

• Set a meeting point to regroup in case anyone gets separated.
• Keep valuables secure and use contactless payments to avoid handling cash in busy areas.
• Final Tips for Enjoying the Festivities
• Plan ahead to reduce stress and maximize enjoyment.
• Immerse yourself in the lively celebrations, and create lasting memories.

Must-Try Delicacies

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without indulging in the delicious festive food! Here’s a guide to the must-try culinary experiences.

Famous Restaurants:

• Visit iconic spots like Bun House (Lisle Street), Dumplings’ Legend (Gerrard Street), and Four Seasons (Wardour Street).
• These restaurants serve local specialities and are extremely popular during the festival.
• Tip: Check for advance reservations to secure a table.

Festival Food Stalls

• Located throughout Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Dean Street, and Shaftesbury Street, the stalls offer a variety of traditional delicacies.
• Must-Try Traditional Foods:
  • New Year Rice Cake (Nian Gao): A symbol of wishing good fortune and progress.
  • Longevity Noodles: Representing long life and good health.

Other Festive Favorites

• Dumplings and Spring Rolls: A staple at festival stalls, these snacks come in delicious varieties and are a must-have.
• Symbolic Dishes:
  • Chicken: Pronounced similarly to "prosperity" in Chinese, whole chicken dishes symbolize family unity and wholeness.
  • Fish: Representing abundance, fish is traditionally served whole. Leftovers are kept to symbolize surplus for the coming year.

Whether dining at a restaurant or enjoying street food, these delicacies offer a perfect way to savor the spirit of the Chinese New Year!

Performances to watch

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year with a variety of captivating performances across Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. Here’s what to look out for:

Trafalgar Square Main Stage

The square transforms into a hub for ceremonial performances.

• Lion Dances: A traditional favorite featuring bold and colorful costumes.
• Flying Lion Dances: High-energy acrobatics that leave spectators in awe.
• Dragon Dances: A stunning highlight showcasing a massive dragon manoeuvred by skilled performers.

Dean Street & Shaftesbury Avenue Community Stage

• Experience cultural performances from diverse communities.
• Enjoy unique interpretations of the Chinese New Year through music, dance, and art.

Chinatown Traditional Performances:

• Shows begin at 10:30 AM, right after the parade in Trafalgar Square, and run until 6:00 PM.
• Immerse yourself in cultural dances and musical acts accompanied by traditional drum and cymbal beats.

Parade Floats Display

• Wander through Shaftesbury Avenue and parts of Leicester Square to see the parade floats up close.
• These vibrant displays bring the festival’s theme to life with intricate decorations and designs.

From ceremonial dances to vibrant cultural displays, the performances will ensure a memorable Chinese New Year celebration!

Transport Tips

Planning your travel is key to enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities. Here’s how to navigate the event with ease:

• Anticipate Large Crowds
  • Last year, over 500,000 people attended, and a similar turnout is expected for 2025.
  • Crowds will be heavily concentrated around Trafalgar Square (the main stage) and Chinatown (the heart of the festivities).
• Parking Challenges
  • Parking near Trafalgar Square and Chinatown will be extremely limited.
  • Arriving early in the morning may increase your chances of finding a spot, but public transportation is the best option.
• Travel by Tube
  • Leicester Square Tube Station: The nearest stop for Chinatown.
  • Charing Cross Station: Ideal for those heading to Trafalgar Square to catch the parade.
• Timing Your Travel
  • Aim to arrive at least 2 hours before events start at 10:00 AM. This gives you time to avoid subway crowds and secure a prime viewing spot.

By planning ahead and relying on public transport, you can make the most of the vibrant celebrations without the stress of navigating through massive crowds.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year 2025 in Chinatown London will be an unforgettable celebration with the grand New Year parade, lion and dragon dance, cultural performances, and delicious food. Being the largest celebration outside of Asia, the event is a unique chance to experience rich traditions, grand festivities, and joyous celebrations.

It is truly a sensory banquet from exploring the vibrantly decorated streets and tasting authentic Chinese dishes to watching the dazzling shows in Trafalgar Square. During its festive season, it gets difficult to book your accommodation so book your accommodation in Westminster before your arrival to avoid any last-minute issues.

So do not forget to mark your calendars for the main festivities on 1-2 February 2025 and plan your visit early to secure the best spots for the parade and performances. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories with family and friends in this cultural extravaganza.