London


<p>Chinese New Year falls on <strong>29 January</strong>, with events happening in Central London across the weekend <strong>(1-2 Feb)</strong>. If you’re keen to join in the celebrations, most of which are free, here’s the lowdown on where you need to be and when.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturday-1-feb"><strong>Saturday (1 Feb</strong>)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/parade_dragon_dance_cny2017_jon_mo1280x720-1024x576.jpg" alt="Visit London Chinese New Year 2025" class="wp-image-8201" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/parade_dragon_dance_cny2017_jon_mo1280x720-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/parade_dragon_dance_cny2017_jon_mo1280x720-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/parade_dragon_dance_cny2017_jon_mo1280x720-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/parade_dragon_dance_cny2017_jon_mo1280x720.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>11am:</strong> Head to <strong>Chinatown</strong> where thousands of hanging red lanterns will fill the sky and spectacular Lion Dances are taking place. Said to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck (which we could all do with a bit of in 2025), it&#8217;s a great way to get in the New Year spirit. </p>



<p><strong>Noon: </strong>More lion and dragon dances are taking place on the <a href="https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/lunar-new-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenwich Peninsula</a>, along with workshops including woodblock printing classes, tea-tasting and Chinese knot-making.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Afternoon: </strong>There are also celebrations happening at <a href="https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/lunar-new-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Museum Dockland&#8217;s</a>, such as dances, storytelling and crafts.&nbsp;Ticketed events are now sold out, but there are plenty of drop-in workshops still available, such as Year of the Snake crafts and ribbon dances, so check website for details. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunday-2-feb-nbsp"><strong>Sunday (2 Feb)&nbsp;</strong></h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Chinese New Year on the Square" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wt4H1PxVztE?start=3&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p><strong>10am:</strong> The largest Chinese New Year parade outside China kicks off on the East corner of <strong>Trafalgar Square</strong>, before snaking its way along <strong>Charing Cross Road</strong> to <strong>Shaftesbury Avenue</strong> and through the streets of <strong>Chinatown </strong>to the bottom of Wardour Street in Soho, and going on until the evening. With more than 50 teams taking part, it’s an amazing spectacle.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Noon: </strong>At midday it’s time to make your way to <strong>Trafalgar Square</strong> to see the Lion’s Eye Dotting Ceremony, traditional lion dances and performances on the huge stage.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1280x720-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Perfumers on the stage for Chinese New Year in London " class="wp-image-8320" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1280x720-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1280x720-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1280x720-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1280x720-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There are also arts and crafts stalls, street food, a kids&#8217; zone with entertainment in <strong>Leicester Square</strong> plus the <strong>National Gallery</strong> is exhibiting some fabulous costume displays.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>6pm: </strong>The end of the festivities are marked with a massive firework display lighting up the skies above <strong>Trafalgar Square</strong>, along with live music and yet more dancing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinese-feasts-nbsp"><strong>CHINESE FEASTS&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/thumbnail_2024_12_09_THE_IVY_ASIA_CHINESE_NEW_YEAR3361-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/thumbnail_2024_12_09_THE_IVY_ASIA_CHINESE_NEW_YEAR3361-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/thumbnail_2024_12_09_THE_IVY_ASIA_CHINESE_NEW_YEAR3361-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/thumbnail_2024_12_09_THE_IVY_ASIA_CHINESE_NEW_YEAR3361-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/thumbnail_2024_12_09_THE_IVY_ASIA_CHINESE_NEW_YEAR3361-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Many restaurants in London celebrate the Lunar New Year with special menus, new dishes and multiple courses, which we’re down with. Here’s our pick of the best for 2025.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ivy-asia-mayfair"><a href="https://theivyasia.com/lunar-new-year-2/#aboutsection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivy Asia</a>, Mayfair </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="534" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-17.39.16-1024x534.png" alt="Ivy Asia snake dessert " class="wp-image-8328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-17.39.16-1024x534.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-17.39.16-300x156.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-17.39.16-768x400.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-17.39.16.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Until 28 Feb, Ivy Asia&#8217;s offering a Lunar Dragon set lunch menu and a Lunar Samurai set dinner menu, including a bespoke serpent dessert (pictured). And to toast the Year of the Snake, they&#8217;ve partnered with Hennessy to create five new cocktails including a velvety Vanilla Viper and The Snake, which &#8216;slithers with sweet intensity&#8217; oooo. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-tang-the-dorchester-park-lane"><a href="https://www.dorchestercollection.com/london/the-dorchester/dining/china-tang-at-the-dorchester">China Tang</a>, The Dorchester, Park Lane </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/1pA-Ddmw-768x1024.jpeg" alt="China Tang at the Dorchester " class="wp-image-8331" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/1pA-Ddmw-768x1025.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/1pA-Ddmw-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/1pA-Ddmw-1151x1536.jpeg 1151w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/1pA-Ddmw.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>The five-star hotel&#8217;s legendary Chinese restaurant is going big this year, offering exquisite Cantonese menus from 28&nbsp;Jan-2&nbsp;Feb and decor adorned with dozens of dazzling Chinese lanterns. On 28&nbsp;and 29&nbsp;Jan, diners can enjoy a side of lion dancing along with their raw fish salad, other exotic dishes specially served for New Year include Lobster with XO Sauce on crispy Noodles. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunan-chelsea"><a href="https://www.hunanlondon.com/cny-hunanxhennessy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hunan</a>, Chelsea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/00023215-1024x768.jpg" alt="Hunana in Chelsea " class="wp-image-8336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/00023215-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/00023215-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/00023215-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/00023215.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Posh Chinese restaurant Hunan is going all out for Lunar New Year, serving a unique tasting menu between 29 Jan and 1 Feb. What does it involve? Think steamed black cod with chilli dressing, lotus leaf wrapped pork served with preserved vegetables and handmade buns and fried rice with dried shrimp, lotus root and Chinese celery. It also a special collaboration with Hennessy this Jan, so get there quick for limited edition cocktails to toast the New Year! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-min-jiang-kensington"><a href="https://www.minjiang.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Min Jiang</a>, Kensington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="439" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Untitled-5-01-1024x439.jpg" alt="Duck at Min Jiang restaurant " class="wp-image-8337" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Untitled-5-01-1024x439.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Untitled-5-01-300x129.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Untitled-5-01-768x329.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Untitled-5-01.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If it&#8217;s duck you&#8217;re after, nowhere does it better than this joint at the top of the Royal Garden Hotel &#8211; it&#8217;s prepared using a secret Chinese recipe. The Lunar New Year A La Carte Menu has many more exemplary dishes to try though, including a banging bean curd lobster money parcel with broccoli in&nbsp;doubanjiang chilli sauce and stuffed king prawn &amp; pork meat in morel mushroom&nbsp;with asparagus. Mouth-watering stuff. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-master-wei-holborn-amp-bloomsbury"><a href="https://master-wei.com/about-master-wei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Master Wei</a>, Holborn &amp; Bloomsbury </h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Master Wei - Chinese Cooking" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mp7W24RI26k?start=24&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>And finally, if you want to celebrate Year of the Snake but lack of finances are holding you back, our top tip is a meal at award-winning Master Wei. These exceptionally good, award-winning Chinese restaurants are run by female chef Guirong Wei, who specialises in dishes from where she grew up in China’s Xian Region. You can dine out on biang biang chilli noodles (£12.80) and fried chicken and pot sticker dumplings (£7) for under £20, which for Central London is a complete win. A new branch has just opened in Hammersmith.</p>


Where to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in London

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