Chinese New Year in London

When is Chinese New Year in London?

Chinese New Year is properly known as the Lunar New Year, to celebrate the start of Spring and the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It typically falls in late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year is on the 29th of January.

Did You Know?

Lunar New Year is mainly celebrated in Southeast and East Asia. Here are some other countries that are celebrating.

• China
• Vietnam
• Korea
• Malaysia
• Singapore

Chinese Zodiac Animals

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac - rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals cycle every year, and it takes 12 years for a full rotation. This year is the year of the snake, which represents wisdom.

You were born in the year of the snake if you were born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, or 1965. According to the zodiac, you are thoughtful, you face problems and solve them. You are a smart talker with the facts to defend yourself.

Why Should I Go as an English Student?

This is a great experience to learn about a culture that might be new to you.

Why not try new foods? Here are some lucky Chinese New Year foods:

Chinese Dumplings (Wealth)

Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make in the New Year.

Longevity Noodles (Happiness and Longevity)

Their length and preparation symbolise the eater’s life.

Shrimp (Happiness)

Shrimp represents ‘liveliness’, as well as ‘happiness’ and ‘good fortune’. This is because the Cantonese word for shrimp, is ha, which sounds like someone laughing.

Fruit (Fullness and Wealth)

Eating certain fruits like tangerines and oranges, which are round and a ‘golden’ colour. It is believed that these fruits bring good luck and fortune due to their pronunciation.

If you’re looking to get lucky make sure to try one of these!

Speaking Opportunity- The parade is packed full of opportunities for students to interact with other people. Here are some ways to start conversations

• Ask for directions
• Order from a food stall
• Talk with locals about the event
• Say Happy Lunar New Year!

Expanding Vocabulary - Students can learn new words related to Chinese culture for example lanterns, dragon dance, fortune cookie etc.

Where Can I Celebrate Chinese New Year in London?

Get involved in Chinese culture and head down to the Chinese New Year Parade, full of colourful floats and huge Chinese lions and dragons. This will be a fun day out full of celebration and includes family-friendly entertainment and performances.

Here are some places in London you can celebrate Chinese New Year

• Leicester Square
• Trafalgar Square
• Dean Street
• Shaftesbury Avenue

The 2025 Chinese New Year Festival in Central London is taking place on the 1st and 2nd of February.

Fun Facts

• Longest Chinese holiday
• Chinese New Year celebrations last several days
• Fireworks are lit to banish monsters
• Red envelopes called Hongbao are given out

Red envelopes are given to friends, family, colleagues and many other relatives. It symbolises good luck and happiness. Red is believed to scare off bad spirits and bring positive energy!

Don't miss out on the celebrations - Kung Hei Fat Choi!