Delicious food is a central part of Lunar New Year celebrations, so why not mark the occasion with a Chinese meal? Here's out pick of London's very best Chinese restaurants: lucky foods to order include dumplings (for wealth), noodles (for longevity) and fish (for surplus) so make sure they're a part of your feast.
New Year’s resolutions not gone quite to plan yet? Well, there’s another chance to turn over a new leaf as Chinese New Year arrives. Also known as the Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival, Tet and Seollal, it’s the official start of the new lunar calendar, which means a chance to wipe the slate clean and start afresh for a more positive new year.
When is Chinese New Year celebrated in London in 2024?
In 2024 Chinese New Year falls on Saturday February 10 and this time around it’s the Year of the Dragon. London's Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End will fill all up with hundreds of thousands of revellers, in the biggest Lunar New Year celebration in the world outside of Asia. The centrepiece of the festivities is a spectacular parade, as well as free performances and, of course, feasting galore.
What does the Year of the Dragon mean?
One of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, the dragon represents power, nobility, vigour and luck. That means that the year of the dragon is seen as especially auspicious, bringing good fortune.
The last Year of the Dragon was in 2012, and you're known as a dragon if you were born in 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 or 1952 - which means that this is the year you'll be presented with exciting new opportunities. And, being a dragon, you'll know just how to exploit them: people born in this year are said to be confident, strong-willed and adventurous.
What date is the London Chinese New Year Parade?
The parade will be on Sunday February 11, the day after the Lunar New Year.
Where does the parade start?
The main parade starts on Charing Cross Road at 10.15 and finishes on Shaftesbury Avenue at around midday, after which there will be a lions’ eye-dotting ceremony in Chinatown and stage performances in Trafalgar Square. For more details check out our guide to London’s Chinese New Year parade.
As well as the spectacle of the costumed parade and stage performances there are also plenty of ways to join in the celebrations, from tucking into special set-menu dinners at London’s best Chinese restaurants to joining historic walks and workshops.
For more insider advice, be sure to read up on the best of Chinese London.
RECOMMENDED: More great things to do in London this January.
