London Chinese New Year Events will be found across the capital, with the big day on Wednesday 29th January.
For China, New Year doesn’t fall on January 1st, but at the beginning of the new Lunar Calander. This changes from year to year, and in 2025 it falls on January 29th. On January 30th we will see the start of the year of the snake. There are plenty of events across London for Chinese New Year, so read on to find the best London Chinese New Year Events in 2025.
Chinese New Year Parade
The main event of the Chinese New Year in London, 2025 will of course have a Chinese New Year Parade. Organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, the parade is expected to last about 1 hour and 45 minutes starting at 10am. It will set off from the eastern edge of Trafalgar Square before heading north to Chinatown.
Celebrations will continue throughout the day around Chinatown. In Chinatown, there will be lion dances and lots of Chinese food. A community stage and exhibition space will be at the corner of Dean Street and Shaftsbury Avenue. In Leicester Square, there will be cultural workshops and family activities.
Trafalgar Square Chinese New Year Celebrations
Held alongside the Chinese New Year Parade and also organised by the LCCA, Trafalgar Square will host Chinese New Year celebrations throughout the day. It features the main stage for the Chinese New Year Celebrations. At 12 midday following the end of the Chinese New Year Parade, the Trafalgar Square celebrations will begin with opening speeches. There will be performances throughout the day including Dragon and Flying Lions Dances.
In Trafalgar Square there will also be cultural performances, Art and Craft Stalls, Festive Stands, and Hot Food. The event is expected to end around 6pm.
Chinatown Lion Dance
If you’re in Chinatown on Saturday 1st February, the day before the big celebrations, there is still some fun to be had. Lion Dances will be held throughout London Chinatown as part of the New Year celebrations on Saturday as well. These will take place throughout the day from 11am to 5pm.
Camden Chinese New Year Festival
Outside Chinatown, 2025 will be the first year with a major celebration at Camden. It is organised by the team behind the Yunnan Cultural Festival in late 2024. Held on Saturday, February 1st from 1pm – 5pm the event will feature a festive market, cultural performances, DIY workshops, and more. Camden will be decked out in in lanterns, spring festival couplets, and over decorations for the event.
Greenwich Peninsula Lunar Festival
This Lunar New Year, Greenwich Peninsula will be holding a vibrant celebration of East and Southeast Asian culture and traditions. It will host a packed programme of workshops, performances, food and drink.
There will be traditional Dragon and Lion Dance performances across the Peninsula. Discover the art that lies at the heart of Chinese culture with the Splendours of Henan Exhibition at FirePit Art Gallery and a paper lantern installation. Celebrate all facets of East and Southeast Asian culture at the Eternal Market by Eastern Margins with a host of independent traders. For more creative individuals, there will be block printing, bamboo weaving and Chinese knots workshops. There will also be a chance to have a go at a game of Mahjong.
If you liked this article why not read: Chinese Consumer Prepare to Celebrate the Year of the Snake
