About London Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in Chinese communities. Each year of the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: the dragon, the snake, the horse, the ram, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, the pig, the rat, the ox, the tiger and Rabbit.
In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, people clean their houses, pay debts, buy new clothes, and cut their hair. A celebratory meal is held on New Years Eve, with many traditional dishes served, and fireworks and firecrackers are on display in the New Year.
With the beginning of the new year, the Lion Dances pass through the streets to bring good luck to the homes and businesses they visit. The drums, gongs and cymbals that accompany the Lion Dance are used to ward off evil and bad luck.
Chinese New Year 2017 Date:
Traditionally, Chinese New Year celebrations in London are held on the first Sunday after the new year. 2017 is the year of the rooster.
The parade begins around 10 a.m. along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. At noon, the main stage in Trafalgar Square has plenty of free entertainment all afternoon with many visiting artists from China. Plus, watch teams of lions dance through Chinatown and local artists performing on a stage at the end of Dean Street and traditional food and craft stalls. Keep in mind that this is a popular free event on the London calendar, so expect big crowds.
Why does the date change?
The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar and solar calendars, so the date varies from late January to mid-February.
Chinatown:
Chinatown is specially decorated and there are cultural and food stalls and lion dance exhibits.
Nearest metro stations:
- Plaza Leicester
- circo Piccadilly
- Charing Cross
Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transportation.
Organizers: Chinese Chinatown Association of London
