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It’s almost Lunar New Year, which means that we will be ushering in a new era defined by the Chinese zodiac signs. On Wednesday, January 29 it will become the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, transformation, intuition and resilience.
Chinese New Year, AKA the Spring Festival, is a commemoration of the new lunar calendar, and is celebrated in many South Asian countries including Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in many diaspora communities around the globe.
If you’re looking for a celebration in London but don’t want to face the West End crowds, we have you covered. Here are some of the best alternative Lunar New Year events for 2025.
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Year of the Snake at Greenwich Peninsula
Greenwich Peninsula will be transformed into a festival of Lunar New Year activity on February 1, ushering in the year of the snake with a host of performances, workshops and tasty treats. More info here.
Feb 1. Greenwich Peninsula, SE10. Free.
Lunar New Year at London Museum Docklands
Did you know London’s original Chinatown wasn’t located in its current spot neighbouring Soho, but in Limehouse? Celebrate in the location of London’s OG Chinatown at this free festival organised by the London Museum Docklands, including Chinese folktales, handicrafts and the dragon dance. More info here.
Feb 1-2. London Museum Docklands, E14 4AL. Free.
Chinese Astronomy at Greenwich Royal Observatory
From ancient astronomy to the modern-day, explore how Chinese astronomers have interpreted the sun, the moon, the stars and space exploration during this special show at Greenwich’s Royal Observatory commemorating the Lunar New Year. More info here.
Old Spitalfields Market
For east Londoners:Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch is hosting two days of tea tasting, dumpling making, lantern crafting and more in a weekend-long pop-up curated by artist and designer Mei Hui Liu. More info here.
Feb 1-2. Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6EW. Free-£20.
Lunar New Year at BAO
Trendy Taiwanese restaurant chain BAO makes a special bao bun to commemorate Lunar New Year every year. 2025’s offering is a very cute green snake-shaped bun, which you can get your hands on at any of the seven BAO locations. They are also doing a five-course Lunar New Year feasting menu, which you can sample for £29 per person from the City, Marylebone, King’s Cross, Shoreditch and Battersea locations. More info here.
Until Feb 9. Various locations. £29.
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