On Saturday 25th January, celebrations will take place around the world to ring in Chinese New Year. We will be waving goodbye to the Year of the Pig and welcoming in the Year of the Rat, the first animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
Get a head start on your plans for Chinese New Year with our rundown to what’s on in the UK for you and the kids.
London – Sunday 26th January
London hosts one heck of a Chinese New Year party! It’s even been named as the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia. London’s Chinese New Year festivity is a feast for the senses with celebratory treats, free stage performances and a colourful parade for you to enjoy in the West End. Not to mention the enchanting music, mesmerising lion dances and the smell of delicious food. Here’s what you can get up to;
- Watch the colourful Chinese New Year parade, which usually starts on Charing Cross Road, featuring giant floats and traditional dragon and lion dancers.
- Enjoy show-stopping performances throughout the day at Trafalgar Square.
- Head over to the family zone in Leicester Square for traditional Chinese activities and entertainment.
- Take your perfect Chinese New Year snaps before grabbing a bite to eat in Chinatown.
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As seen on Visit London; Jon Mo / LCCA
Manchester – Friday 24th January – Sunday 26th January
Every year, Manchester lights up to celebrate the Spring Festival. The three-day party will feature Manchester’s famous red lanterns, a glittering golden dragon, live performances and the legendary Dragon Parade. There will be plenty of activities for you and your little ones to get involved with and most of them take place on the Sunday;
- Head to St Ann’s Square for a photo with the 50ft giant, glittering golden dragon that has taken up residence for the weekend.
- Follow the famous 175 foot dragon through the city’s streets as it makes its way to Chinatown.
- Take part in fun activities at the Central Library and Exchange Court.
- New for 2020, a stunning illuminated dragon will light up Chinatown each evening with performances at 5.30pm (Friday – Sunday), and additional performances at 6.30pm & 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
- From 12pm on Sunday 26th January, head to Yang Sing on Princess Street for a traditional banquet celebration of Chinese New Year with lucky eggs, dumplings and a prosperity toss. Avoid the crowds and spend your afternoon with Yang Sing for a relaxing family friendly afternoon with lion dancing, martial arts demonstration and much more.
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Birmingham – Friday 24th January – Sunday 26th January
Three days of Chinese New Year festivities are brewing in Brum! Here are some of the highlights;
- Head over to the Bullring & Grand Central on Saturday afternoon for traditional lion and dragon dances, classical fan and umbrella dances and Shaolin Warriors.
- Watch awesome live performances at The Arcadian from 5-7pm on Saturday. You can expect to see stilt walkers, foot jugglers, face changing performances and lion and dragon dancers, followed by firecrackers.
- Sunday has a similar set up to Saturday with even more live performances, crafts and family friendly activities taking place at the Hippodrome Square, Hurst Street and The Arcadian from 11:30am.
- Experience the premiere of renowned choreographer, director and filmmaker Corey Baker’s new dance piece performed by Hong Kong Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
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Where will you be celebrating Chinese New Year? Let us know by commenting down below.