Live it up in London this Lunar New Year

This weekend marks the annual Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year as it is otherwise known, and a chance to give those resolutions you set at the start of the year another go if the year hasn’t gone as planned so far. The good news is you don’t need to go as far as Asia to mark the occasion, as an array of celebrations are taking place this weekend all over London. So, if this is home or you are planning to fly in over the weekend, make sure to join the festivities and celebrate the Year of the Dragon in style. 

London will light up with lively festivities

One of the best ways to celebrate in London is by attending the Chinese New Year festival, which is a massive street party and one of the biggest celebrations outside of Asia. The West End will be filled with thousands of revellers joining in the festivities that kick off at 10am with a spectacular dragon-filled parade displaying a burst of excitement and colour.

The parade will go all over the streets of Central London, starting at Charing Cross Road, progressing to Shaftsbury Avenue, and then heading straight through to Chinatown. It will end at Trafalgar Square, where you can enjoy free performances of martial arts displays, traditional dances, and Chinese pop numbers.

If you have little ones, then make sure to head over to Leicester Square, where there will be a family zone filled with fun activities such as arts and crafts and dressing up. The day will end with a magnificent fireworks display and techno lion dances that will carry the celebrations into the evening. 

Treat your tastebuds to a delicious Chinese feast

There are some amazing Chinese restaurants in London that will be perfect to visit over the weekend and treat your palate to the taste of China during the New Year celebrations. Chinatown, in particular, is home to the most authentic tasting oriental food that is the next best thing outside of Asia!

If you are lucky enough to be flying out of Terminal 2 this weekend, then paying a visit to Shan Shui is an absolute must! Their delicious menu and ambient atmosphere are a great way to get in the spirit of celebrating the Lunar New Year before a flight. 

Check out these celebrations if you’re heading through Heathrow…

Several other festivities are taking place in Heathrow this weekend to celebrate the Lunar New Year, including dragon-themed dances and performances fittingly marking the start of the Year of the Dragon!

There will also be wishing trees dotted all over each terminal for passengers to write their wishes down and hang them on these beautiful trees, in keeping with Asian traditions and customs.

There will be lots happening in Heathrow to celebrate the Lunar New Year, sure to get you in the spirit before you join the festivities in the bustling streets of London. It is a great way to start the Year of the Dragon in style! 

🐉 Happy Chinese New Year! 🧧