Chinese New Year 2022 in London Free

Chinese New Year always falls between late January and mid-February, and the Chinese New Year festival in central London, which is organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), usually takes place close to the actual date of the new year.

In 2022, Chinese New Year falls on 1 February.

Where do London's Chinese New Year celebrations take place?

The central London festivities take place across the West End, from Shaftesbury Avenue down to Trafalgar Square.

There are lively activities and foodie treats in Chinatown; Leicester Square offers family-friendly entertainment; and while Trafalgar Square hosts the main stage performances, more stages can be found on Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.

The celebrations also host the vibrant Chinese New Year parade, featuring colourful floats and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe.

Chinese New Year 2022 in London event programme

The theme of the 2022 festivities is yet to be announced. Check back closer to the time for more details. In the meantime, here is a preview of what you can normally expect in London:

Chinese New Year parade:

Watch colourful floats and more than 50 teams take part in the vibrant Chinese New Year parade, featuring the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. The parade kicks off at 10am in Charing Cross Road, before snaking its way through Shaftesbury Avenue in Chinatown.

Trafalgar Square:

The fun in Trafalgar Square begins from 11am, as screen shows and a thanksgiving ceremony are followed by firecrackers, speeches and the Lions' Eye-Dotting Ceremony at 12pm.

Experience traditional dragon and flying lion dances from 12.50pm, ahead of fun-filled stage performances including Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, Chinese pop hits and an exciting lineup of artists from China.

If you’re feeling peckish, experience a taste of the Far East with street food dishes from the stalls lining the square throughout the celebrations.

You can also stop by the National Gallery, just off Trafalgar Square, throughout the day to enjoy family activities and see colourful costume displays.

The finale gets underway from 5.45pm with a variety of showstopper performances, including a techno lion dance and a spectacular pyrotechnic display, which lights up Trafalgar Square to mark the end of the festivities.

West End stages:

The London Chinese New Year fun continues across the West End with special performances, workshops and activities from 12pm to 5pm.

Spot up-and-coming British-Chinese artists performing dance, music and comedy at the talent and community zone on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Take the kids to the family zone in Leicester Square for cultural activities and family-friendly entertainment, including arts and crafts, calligraphy, Chinese music and dressing up in traditional outfits. Plus, look out for children's performances and lion dances.

See thrilling martial art performances, including Shaolin kung fu and wing chun, in the martial arts and cultural zone on Charing Cross Road. You can also find calligraphy and traditional painting workshops.

Chinatown:

Head to Chinatown from 12pm to 6pm, where you’ll be able to get up close to lion dances and take selfies with Chinese zodiac animals. Or, sit down for a traditional Chinese New Year meal and festive treats in one of Chinatown’s restaurants.

Follow these 10 tips for Chinese New Year in London to make the most of your time at the event.

How to get to the Chinese New Year event

The area around Chinatown and Trafalgar Square gets very busy during London's Chinese New Year celebrations, so be sure to plan your route in advance using this travel guide.

About Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, is a huge festival among Chinese communities in London and across the world.

Based on the lunar and solar calendars, the actual date of Chinese New Year varies and each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Chinese New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger, falls on 1 February. 

Learn more about the traditions of Chinese New Year and find more things to do during Chinese New Year in London, including special Chinese New Year activities in the capital.

Can't visit London during CNY celebrations? Worry not! Chinatown is a hive of bustling activity all year around, so don't miss out on visiting throughout the year.