Chinese New Year- Year of the Rat

Chinese New Year- Year of the Rat

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and is the most important date in China’s traditional calendar. Chinese New Year always commences on the lunar new year which, this year, falls on Saturday 25th of January 2020. Celebrations usually last for seven days and this year is the Year of the Rat. The Rat is the 1st animal of the Chinese zodiac. Representing luck and wealth, people born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020.


Chinese New Year Parade

Location: Chinatown, London, W1D 5QA

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

The parade starts through Chinatown before passing through Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. .The parade ends at Trafalgar Square with the main stage where spectators will witness the official opening ceremony. Be sure to stick around for  the grand finale at Trafalgar Square and an explosion of Chinese New Year fireworks in London!


Leicester Square Family Fun

Location: Leicester Square,

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square

If you stop off at  Leicester Square during the official Chinese New Year Parade, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids entertained while they take part in Chinese cultural activities.Teach your children about the art of calligraphy, dance to Chinese music and watch family-friendly street performances. There’s also the chance to dress up in traditional Chinese attire.If you want to fully embrace Chinese New Year, then take your family to Leicester Square and add a bit of culture to your weekend.


Shaftesbury Avenue

Location: 29 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 7ES

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

If you take a trip down to Shaftesbury Avenue on Sunday 10th February, then you’ll witness a showcase of martial arts, including Tai Chi Chuan. There are hundreds of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China, so it’s only right that London celebrates this part of Chinese heritage.


Museum of London Docklands

Location: 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, No, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL

Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf

Website: www.museumoflondon.org.uk/

On the 8th and 9th of February , the museum will host a family festival with performances and creative workshops. Entry to the event is free of charge and will begin at 11:00 and run until 16:30 pm, however, some events need to be booked in advance. Please see the website for more details. If you’re looking for something different to do with the kids, drop in and spend some time learning about the Chinese culture.


Explore Chinatown

Location: Chinatown, London, W1D 5QA

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Chinatown is a busy East Asian community and offers fantastic, authentic Chinese shops, bakeries, and food.  A trip to Chinatown really does give an insight into Chinese traditions and culture. Most of London’s Chinese New Year festivities occur in an around Chinatown, with the official London parade starting from  here.


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