Take part in London’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations, the biggest event in the world outside China. This year, Chinese New Year falls on the 28 January which marks the Year of Rooster. Here are some fascinating events in London you can enjoy with family.
Chinese New Year Parade, Charing Cross Road
29 January 2017, from 10am
free event
© Visit London
The event will kick off at 10am with a colourful parade that snakes its way from Charing Cross Road (just the north of Trafalgar Square) to Shaftesbury Avenue. Find out more.
Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square
29 January 2017, from 11am
free event
© Visit London
At Trafalgar square, you can enjoy a thanksgiving ceremony followed by firecrackers and Lions’ Eye-Dotting ceremony from 11am. There will also be a spectacular Flying Lion Dance at 12.50pm and a range of performances from puppetry, acrobatics, classical music and Chinese rock hits. Stay until 5.30pm to enjoy the grand finale which features martial arts, traditional sounds and a stunning light show with special effects. Find out more.
Lion Dances at Chinatown
29 January 2017, 12pm-6pm
free event
Get up close to the amazing lion dances and snap some selfies with Chinese Zodiac Animals and the Luckey Money God. Find out more.
Special Performances at West End Stages
29 January 2017, 12pm-5pm
free event
Enjoy family shows by music and martial arts specialists on Shaftesbury Avenue’s Family Stage. Meanwhile on the other stage in Charing Cross Road’s Hong Kong Stage, you will see performances celebrating 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China with lion dances, drumming and music shows. Find out more.
👉Download an event programme details of the events above, here. 👈
Chinese New Year at The Coca Cola London Eye
27-29 January 2017
free event
© Visit London
Enjoy a fantastic weekend at the Coca Cola London Eye where you can see various free entertainments from dragon dancers to a spectacular light show. The sky will be illuminated with a red and gold light every hour from 4pm. Your little ones will love it as there will also be a guest appearances by Kung Fu Panda. Find out more.
Magic Lantern Festival, Chiswick House and Gardens
until 26 February 2017
tickets start from £16.50/adult and £10.50/child
© Visit London
Wander around Chiswick House and Garden to enjoy spectacular light installations and beautiful hand-made lanterns in the shape of animals and plants. Find out more.
CNY Celebration at the National Maritime Museum
29 January 2017, 11am-4pm
free event
© Visit London
Enjoy this family fun event at the National Maritime Museum, where you can see traditional dance, arts and music performances suitable for all ages during five hours of celebrations to mark the arrival of the Year of the Rooster. Find out more.
Chinese New Year at London Bridge City
28 January 2017, 2-2.30pm
free event
© Visit London
Celebrate the new Year of the Rooster at The Scoop, London Bridge City’s outdoor amphitheatre. You can enjoy fascinating traditional Chinese arts along the river Thames, from dancing and opera to sword dancing. Find out more.
Family Festival at National Gallery
28 January 2017, 11am-4pm
free event but advance booking required
© Visit London
Kids aged below 12 can join in interactive theatrical performances from Chickenshed Theatre, where your little ones can try to create roosters and ‘rooster headdresses’ in a special craft workshops. Find out more.
Chinese New Year at V&A Museum of Childhood
11 February 2017, 11.30am-4.30pm
free event
© Visit London
Enjoy a traditional and modern music and dance performances at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Your little ones can also join the opera mask craft and other interesting workshops involving everything from costumes to calligraphy. Find out more.
Do you know any other interesting Chinese New Year Events near your place? Let us know by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and by tagging us on Instagram!:)
