In 1985, the launch of official Chinese New Year Celebrations in London, as organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, coincided with the area being officially named ‘Chinatown’ by Westminster City Council. This reflected the importance of the area to the diaspora entrepreneurs and communities. What is Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year always falls between late January and mid-February and has a history of over 3,500 years. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on 29 January. It is also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and is the most important festival in Chinese culture. It celebrates the beginning of the new year on the When is Chinese New Year celebrated in London? Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, always falls between late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on 29 January. The 2025 Chinese New Year festival in central London, organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), takes place on 1 and 2 February. 2025 will welcome the Year of the Snake for the first time since 2013. If you were born in 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953 or 1941, this year will be one of luck and opportunity. London’s Chinatown is close to Central London’s main attractions including Leicester Square, Theatreland, Covent Garden and Soho. The nearest underground stations to Chinatown are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Various buses link Chinatown to many other areas and taxis are plentiful. Chinese New Year In 2025 Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday 29 January, and this time around it’s the Year of the Snake. London’s Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End will fill up with hundreds of Chinese New Year is on a different day each year because it is based on the lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar that most of the world follows. The lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, and each month begins with the new moon which means that the date of Chinese New Year changes each year in relation to LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: Dear Asia in Aldgate, which teaches Japanese, Korean and Chinese language, hosts two Lunar New Year celebrations — a mahjong workshop on 25 January, followed by Year The first Sunday of the Year of the Wood Snake, February 2, will see the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia taking place in London. What began in the 1970s as a small community To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centered around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious color to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy. 6. Chinese New Year at London Museum Docklands. The London Museum Docklands offers a cultural dive into Chinese heritage. During Chinese New Year, it hosts exhibitions, traditional dance performances, and workshops that families can attend for free. 7. Lunar New Year at the BFI. Film enthusiasts, assemble! The Chinese Lunar New Year is almost here and London is again preparing to host various festivities across the city. In 2025, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated today, January 29, but in London, many events will actually take place over the weekend. When does Chinese New Year start? Chinese New Year in 2025 starts on Wednesday, Jan. 29. When does Chinese New Year end? Chinese New Year in 2025 lasts until the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12. Spectators from across the Bay Area gathered in San Francisco Chinatown to witness the start of the 15-day Lunar New Year celebrations, which featured cultural performances, lion dances, and the Chinese New Year is a rich tapestry of traditions, history, and family. Whether it’s through the delicious foods, vibrant customs, or heartfelt reunions, the festival embodies the hopes and aspirations for a better year ahead. BBC London, 2nd floor, Egton Wing, BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London W1A 1AA. Tel: 020 776 52667 | Textphone: (for hearing impaired users) 020 7935 7414 For the new year, chefs have carefully prepared the Serpent’s Sweet, a Chinese New Year macaron with an oolong gnash, and the Firecracker Petit Gâteau, made with Bergamot curd and gel, and Sichuan Pepper Chantilly, the true showstoppers. Finish your meal with macarons or a selection of pineapple pastries washed down with a tea from the 24 London transforms into a cultural hub during Lunar New Year, offering Chinese New Year celebrations in London that captivate all ages. One of the most iconic events is the ‘Chinese New Year Parade’, a dazzling showcase featuring lion dances, traditional music, and elaborately decorated floats. What is this year’s Chinese New Year animal? This coming year is the Year of the Snake, with previous Years of the Snake being 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.
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