Celebrate Chinese New Year in London
Did you know that the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia take place in London? Dazzling parades and shows are organized every year, and delicious dishes are waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the festivities with our guide and book your hop-on hop-off bus tour in London today.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important date on China's traditional lunisolar calendar. It always begins on Lunar New Year’s Day, which this year falls on January 29. Celebrations typically last seven days, and the Chinese exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck. The celebrations traditionally conclude with a Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
What happens in London for Chinese New Year?
As every year, come and watch the traditional parade in Chinatown, which attracts thousands of people. Don’t forget to stop by Leicester Square, where workshops and street performances will entertain young and old alike.
The Chinese New Year Parade
True to the city’s tradition, the largest and most beautiful celebration will be the Chinese New Year parade, with its main stage in Trafalgar Square. With over 300,000 people participating in London's Chinese New Year festivities, the parade promises to bring color to the streets of London.
The parade usually starts at Charing Cross Road, winding through Shaftesbury Avenue and Chinatown. Dragon and lion dances, street performers, and festive music will fill the streets of London, bringing vibrant celebrations for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the grand finale fireworks show at Trafalgar Square, an explosion of lights to celebrate Chinese New Year in London!
How to get there?
For Chinatown:
- Yellow Route: Get off at Stop 1 Coventry Street
- Blue Route: Get off at Stop 26 Piccadilly
For Trafalgar Square:
- Yellow Route: Get off at Stop 2 Trafalgar Square
- Blue Route: Get off at Stop 25 Trafalgar Square
Family Fun at Leicester Square
If you hop off one of our buses at Leicester Square during the official Chinese New Year parade, you’ll find plenty to entertain your kids with various Chinese cultural activities. Teach your children the art of calligraphy, enjoy Chinese music, and watch street performances. You’ll also have the opportunity to try on traditional costumes and take some great photos.
To make the most of Chinese New Year, bring your family to Leicester Square and enjoy a culturally rich weekend!
How to get there?
- Yellow Route: Get off at Stop 1 Coventry Street
- Blue Route: Get off at Stop 26 Piccadilly
Shaftesbury Avenue
If you visit Shaftesbury Avenue during the festivities, you’ll witness martial arts demonstrations, including Tai Chi Chuan. With hundreds of combat styles developed over centuries in China, it’s fitting that London celebrates this part of Chinese heritage.
How to get there?
- Yellow Route: Get off at Stop 1 Coventry Street
- Blue Route: Get off at Stop 26 Piccadilly
What to do in Chinatown?
Geographically, London’s Chinatown is bordered by Shaftesbury Avenue to the north, Rupert Street to the west, Charing Cross Road to the east, and Leicester Square to the south. This vibrant East Asian community is filled with authentic Chinese shops, bakeries, and food.
All year round, Chinatown is a fascinating place to visit. Keep an eye out for street signs in Chinese, stone lions and decorative sculptures, as well as a spectacular array of colors. Visiting Chinatown offers a true glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions. Since London’s official parade takes place in Chinatown, most of the city’s New Year celebrations happen in and around this area.
To learn more about this neighborhood, try the Tootwalk "The Senses of Soho," an audio-guided walking tour that reveals all the secrets of Soho and Chinatown.
Where to eat in Chinatown?
It’s clear that Chinatown is the best place to enjoy authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine in London. There are plenty of sensational dishes to try and numerous Chinese restaurants to visit. Here are some of our top recommendations. If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year at a restaurant in London, especially in Chinatown, make sure to book in advance.
Baozi Inn
25 Newport Court, London WC2H 7JS
If you’re looking for a rustic experience, Baozi Inn is the perfect spot. Plus, the menu is so varied that you might struggle to decide. Try their dumplings, spicy street food, meat skewers, or udon noodles.
Cafe TPT
21 Wardour St, London W1D 6PN
If Chinese street food interests you, head to Cafe TPT. This small, unassuming spot serves generous portions of Cantonese and Malaysian dishes. From meaty broths to succulent pork ribs, you’re bound to find something delightful!
Four Seasons
23 Wardour St, London W1D 5PR
Known for its mouthwatering duck dishes and BBQ meats, Four Seasons is always a great choice for dining in Chinatown. This modest restaurant also serves tasty tapas.
Candy Cafe
First Floor, 3 Macclesfield Street, W1D 6AU, London
If you’re after something sweet, you should visit Candy Cafe. You’ll find a wide range of drinks and traditional desserts, as well as delicious Cantonese and Taiwanese specialties like mango sago or red bean milk.
Whether you’re craving hot or cold teas and desserts, specialty smoothies, or sweet dumplings, Candy Cafe is the ideal place to enjoy Asia’s finest sweet treats.
How to get there?
- Yellow Route: Get off at Stop 1 Coventry Street
- Blue Route: Get off at Stop 26 Piccadilly
As you can see, London in winter has plenty to offer. To make sure you don’t miss anything, hop aboard one of our hop-on hop-off bus tours in London. You can also combine your bus tour with a ticket to St. Paul’s Cathedral.