How to celebrate Chinese New Year

From London’s famous parade to huge celebrations in Manchester and Newscastle, here’s how to celebrate the Year of the Rooster where you live.

Chinese New Year activities in London

Over 700,000 people flock to celebrate Chinese New Year in London, making their festivities the largest outside of Asia.

Celebrations will take place on Sunday 29th January between 10am and 6pm in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and across the West End and are all free to attend.

Kicking off with a colourful parade that snakes from Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue, the lively display will include dragon dancers, vibrant, hand-crafted floats and martial arts – all led by a flying Chinese lion.

The London Eye will also join the citywide celebrations with a specially designed red and gold lightshow every hour from 4pm over the weekend, as well as “surprise and delight moments” for maximum excitement.

Chinese New Year activities in Manchester

Manchester will be hosting a four day long extravaganza, spanning from Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th January.

6,000 red lanterns will line the shopping streets of the city centre and a Chinese Food Market will take place in St. Ann’s Square.

The ever-popular Dragon Parade will be there (complete with 50ft glittering golden dragon), along with spectacular music, fireworks and entertainment, plus the stunning ‘Lanterns of the Terracotta Warrior’s exhibition.