Chinese New Year celebrations London : Year of the snake

As Chinese New Year approaches, cities worldwide are gearing up to celebrate the Year of the Snake in style. Expect dazzling festivities with monuments lighting up in red, parades taking over the streets, and cultural performances captivating thousands of visitors, from London.

Photos : London Chinese Association/Chinatown/Kbsp/DR

Heart of the celebrations

With a Chinese community of around 150,000 people, London hosts one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia. The main parade will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, a few days after the Lunar New Year kicks off on January 29. The parade will start at noon with speeches and the eye-dotting ceremony at Trafalgar Square before winding its way through Charing Cross Road and Chinatown.

Photos : London Chinese Association/Chinatown/Kbsp/DR

Events at Trafalgar Square

Dragon and lion dances

Martial arts performances

Live music by Chinese artists

Street food vendors offering delicious Chinese cuisine

Art and craft stalls with traditional decorations and souvenirs

The grand finale will occur at 6 PM, featuring an exciting techno lion dance and fireworks to conclude the celebrations with a bang.

West End shows

For those preferring indoor celebrations, London’s West End will host special shows highlighting 500 years of Chinese history. There will also be performances by Anglo-Chinese artists in music, dance, and comedy.

Chinatown festivities

London’s Chinatown will be the center of celebrations throughout the week. Visitors can enjoy:

Special menus and food offers in Chinese restaurants

Lion dances and festive performances in the streets

Street food stalls offering traditional snacks

Reservations are recommended as Chinatown restaurants are often fully booked weeks in advance. However, visitors can still soak up the festive atmosphere and vibrant neon lights while exploring food stalls and street performances.

Photos : London Chinese Association/Chinatown/Kbsp/DR

London Eye illuminations

The London Eye will light up in gold and red to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, this annual lighting ceremony attracts large crowds to South Bank with traditional dragon and lion dances, spectacular light displays, and performances blending ancient and modern Chinese culture.

Global celebration

As the Year of the Snake begins, people worldwide come together to celebrate Chinese culture. From London’s bustling Chinatown to the illuminated skylines of New York, the Lunar New Year is a time of unity, joy, and new beginnings.