Whilst in the western world, we celebrate New Year on 31st December, Lunar New Year (otherwise known as Chinese New Year) follows the moon’s cycle, meaning it begins on different days each year. In 2025, the celebrations start on 29th January and run for 15 days, with the first day being the most important. Every year welcomes a new animal, each attributed with symbols that hold meaning for what’s to come in the year ahead, and 2025 is the year of the snake, a symbol of good luck, health and strength in China. Whether you want to chow down on oodles of noodles, take a tai chi class, or attend the biggest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia, there are many places you can ring in the year of the snake in the city. Here’s our guide on how to celebrate Lunar New Year in London.
(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of A Wong
Enjoy a meal at a Chinese restaurant
If you’re the kind of person who likes to celebrate special occasions via their stomach (join the club), then you’ll be in your element during the Lunar New Year period. There are countless Chinese restaurants scattered all over the city, from high-end spots to cheap and cheerful, all of which make for an excellent spot to celebrate Lunar New Year in London. Splash the cash at Hutong (WA) in London Bridge, perched 33 floors up The Shard, or keep it casual at My Old Place, a laid-back, inexpensive restaurant specialising in Szechuan cooking. A few of our other favourite spots to get your fill of potstickers and plump dumplings are Xi’an Impression (casual and cheap), Dim Sum Duck (for Cantonese cuisine), and A Wong (for two Michelin-starred fare).
Image Courtesy of Visit London
Head to the traditional London Lunar New Year Parade
Lunar New Year in London is one of the biggest celebrations of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia, so it’s no surprise that the parade goes all out. Hundreds of thousands of people will descend on the West End to watch as colourful floats, gatherings of Chinese lions and dragons (the largest in Europe), and costumed performers cruise through the streets of London, usually starting at Charing Cross Road 10am and finishing in Trafalgar Square around 11.45am.
Lunar New Year Parade | Central London | 2nd February 2025
Image Courtesy of Bun House
Grab a delicious steamed bun from Bun House
Bun House serves fluffy Cantonese-style buns from their small eatery in Chinatown, filled with an assortment of fillings, like BBQ pork belly, curry chicken, and roasted veg. So there’s something for everyone! To celebrate Lunar New Year in London, and give your tastebuds a treat, grab one of their buns to go and have an amble around Chinatown.
Bun House | Chinatown
Images Courtesy of Museum of Docklands
Attend the colourful festivities at the Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands is hosting a free weekend of colourful festivities to celebrate Lunar New Year and showcase the museum’s historical connection to the celebration. You can expect Chinese folktales, arts and crafts workshops, ribbon dance classes, and martial arts moves. Although the events are free and many are on a drop-in basis, you have to book ahead for some, so check out their website before heading there.
Museum of London Docklands | Canary Wharf | WA | 1st & 2nd February 2025
Images Courtesy of Pan Pacific London
Keep it classic with the Lunar Afternoon Tea at Tíng at The Shard
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style at TĪNG, nestled high above London at The Shard. Their special afternoon tea is a feast for the senses, featuring stunning pastries inspired by the traditions of the season, like the Red Serpent, a rich dark chocolate mousse with a kick of Sichuan pepper and a zing of yuzu; the Mandarin, a spiced milk chocolate mousse with mandarin to symbolise luck and prosperity; and the Sakura, a delicate chai tea mousse paired beautifully with pear and cardamom.
Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones and a selection of fine teas (and those breathtaking views of London’s skyline!).
Lunar Afternoon Tea at Tíng | Southwark | WA
How will you be celebrating the Year of the Snake? Make sure you tag us in your photos and videos @loveandlondon!
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