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[title]London’s annual Chinese New Year parade is back this February, with thousands of revellers expected to flock to the city centre to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon with dragon and flying lion dances, martial arts displays, firecrackers, a Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony, street food and special feasts at Chinatown’s best restaurants.
Mark your calendar for what is certainly one of the best events in London this February, and be sure to check out other things to do to celebrate the Lunar New Year in London.
When is the Chinese New Year parade in London?
The Lunar New Year always falls between late January and mid-February. In 2024, it falls on Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 10 February, with London’s Lunar New Year parade taking place the day after, on Sunday 11 February.
What time does the parade start?
Organised by the LCCA (London Chinatown Chinese Association), London’s annual parade features more than 50 different teams of participants and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. The parade will start at 10.15am and is expected to finish at around noon.
Once it wraps up, there will be various activities stationed across the parade round and on the Main Stage at Trafalgar Square and a smaller stage in Leicester Square. These include street food and arts and crafts stalls, family games, dragon dance demonstrations and a zodiac display, with festivities wrapping up at around 5.30pm.
Chinese New Year parade route
The 2024 parade will start on the corner of Trafalgar Square, next to Charing Cross station, before making its way up Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue, stopping at the bottom of Wardour Street.
Once the parade finishes, a lion dance will take place around Chinatown, travelling around including Gerrard Street, Macclesfield Street, a section of Wardour Street, Leicester Street, Leicester Place and Lisle Street.
Best places to watch the parade
The start of the parade by Charing Cross station and Leicester Square station tend to be particularly busy. For thinner crowds and a better view of the action, walk up the parade route to sections further away from the two stations.
If you’re taking kids with you, you may prefer to head to the Family Zone towards the end of the parade route at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue, where Chinatown meets Soho. This is also a good bet if you want to catch the lion dances after the parade, as you can then easily head into Chinatown where this takes place.