How People Celebrate Chinese New Year in the UK
How People Celebrate Chinese New Year in the UK
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. Although the festivities originate in East Asia, the holiday has become a global event, bringing people of all cultures together to celebrate the arrival of the new lunar year. Even in the UK, far from China, Chinese New Year is celebrated with vibrancy, cultural pride, and community spirit. Here’s how people in the UK mark this joyful occasion. This year, Chinese New Year is on Wednesday 29th January, and it will be the Year of the Snake.
In Chinese tradition, each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The order comes from a race across a river set by the Jade Emperor, where the cunning rat won and the others followed in the order they finished. This cycle repeats every 12 years.
Vibrant Parades and Performances
(Image Credit: The Standart)
Major cities in the UK host spectacular Chinese New Year parades that draw large crowds, regardless of the weather. These parades feature traditional dragon and lion dances, acrobats, and live music.
London’s Chinatown and Trafalgar Square: London has the one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia. The streets of Chinatown are transformed with red lanterns, food stalls, and live music, while Trafalgar Square hosts stage performances.
Manchester’s Dragon Parade: This northern city is famous for its 175-foot dragon, which winds its way through the streets along with acrobatic performances, accompanied by drummers, dancers, and live music.
Birmingham’s Celebrations in Digbeth: This area comes alive with traditional dancing, live music, and street food stalls offering Chinese delicacies.
Community and Cultural events
Chinese New Year is also a time to learn more about Chinese heritage and culture. Many UK communities organize free events such as:
Workshops and Craft Activities: Community centres host events where families are invited to participate fai chun writing, which is a Chinese calligraphy activity where you write down your wishes for the new year on a red paper, symbolising luck and prosperity.
Cultural Events: Museums like the Manchester Museum invites visitor to enjoy an evening of music, dance, and friendship as part of the Chinese New Year celebration. There will be performances including traditional Chinese dance, acrobatics display, and even Chinese traditional clothing try-on sessions!
Celebratory Chinese New Year dishes that you can get in Chinatown
(Image credit: China Highlights)
Here are some symbolic cultural dishes that you can get in Chinatown to welcome good fortune, health, and long life into the new year.
- Nian Gao (New Year Rice Cake): a sweet and sticky rice cake that symbolises a better year
- Steamed fish: symbolises abundance and prosperity
- Dumpling and spring rolls: symbolises wealth
- Tangyuan (sweet rice balls): symbolises family together ness
- Longevity noodles: happiness and longevity
Chinese New Year themed everything!
A lot of restaurants and shops also celebrate Chinese New Year by making exclusive themed food and goods! Take a look at these!
BAO London’s pistachio-filled snake
(Image credit: Courtesy of BAO London)
Shangri-La's Lunar New Year afternoon tea
(Image credit: Courtesy of Shangri-La)
Fortnum & Mason's Chinese New Year cookies
(Image credit: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)
Bespoke cocktails at Hakkassan
(Image credit: Lateef Photography)
Join the Festivities!
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Chinatown, watching a dragon parade, or simply enjoying a Chinese meal with friends, celebrating Chinese New Year in the UK is a joyful and enriching experience.
This year, why not immerse yourself in the festivities and learn more about this beautiful tradition? No matter where you are in the UK, there’s bound to be a celebration nearby that welcomes everyone to join in the fun and start the Lunar New Year with positivity and good fortune.
Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财)! – Wishing you happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Snake!
