From food to film, here’s how to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate. Each year is represented by one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, and this year it is The Year of the Snake. It represents wisdom, transformation, intuition and charm. The animal and its attributes will be weaving its way into bars, restaurants and parades. Here are the best ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in London. Xīnnián kuàilè.
BFI Southbank
Experience some of East and Southeast Asia’s charming cinema. The BFI Southbank Cinema is bringing back its Lunar New Year film season in 2025. Running from 23 to 26 January, Focus Hong Kong has programmed the screenings and selected the films. The line-up includes 1930s romantic comedies like All Shall Be Well, True Love, For Once in My Life, and Shanghai Blues. The films are produced by some of Hong Kong’s renowned filmmakers and directors.
Go: Visit https://whatson.bfi.org.uk for more information.
Camden Market
Chinese New Year is taking over Camden Market. On 1 February, cultural festivities will take place in partnership with local community groups. The event features fun activities. From 1pm to 1:30pm, a lion dance parade will take place from Camden Market to Hawley Wharf. Live music and performances will be held from 1pm to 4pm. Calligraphy, market stalls, and woodblock printing workshops will be held from 1pm to 5pm.
Go: Visit www.camdenmarket.com for more information.
Chinese New Year Parade
London celebrates Chinese New Year with maximum energy. Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the biggest event outside Asia. Taking place on 2 February, the parade runs from noon to 6pm and runs through the West End, Shaftesbury Avenue and Trafalgar Square. Many people descend to Chinatown to enjoy the vibrant parade, live performances and more. The festival is organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA).
Go: Visit www.visitlondon.com for more information.
Chop Chop by Four Seasons
Chop Chop by Four Seasons is located at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square. If you want to keep the celebrations going late, the restaurant is open until 4am. The Chinese New Year menu is available from 20 to 30 January. The menu includes Cantonese-style Roast Duck, Chiu Chow Dumplings, Pistachio Mille Crepe Cake and more. Plus, they will hand out red envelopes on the evening of the Lunar New Year for blessings and good fortune.
Go: Visit www.hippodromecasino.com for more information.
Greenwich Peninsula
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Greenwich Peninsula’s festivities. Located a few minutes away from North Greenwich station, it takes place on 1 February from 12pm to 4pm. The event is filled with dragon and lion dances, and live music. Join bamboo weaving workshops, Chinese knot-making, and mahjong workshops. Explore art exhibitions at the Firepit Art Gallery and walk through the Eternal Market with contemporary and traditional food stalls and crafts.
Go: Visit www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk for more information.
Hakkasan Mayfair
Hakkasan is one of London’s most exciting restaurants. Located in Mayfair, it is introducing a limited-edition menu for Chinese New Year. Enjoy the exclusive traditional dishes from 14 January to 12 February. To kick off the new lunar year, the restaurant will be fully adorned with decorations. Plus, there will be live performances and a traditional lion dance.
Go: Visit https://taogroup.com for more information.
London Docklands Museum
London Docklands Museum is a family-friendly place to celebrate Chinese New Year. The museum can be found at 1 West India Quay and is near Canary Wharf tube station. The celebration takes place from 1 to 2 February. Explore the community-led events, including mesmerising Chinese folktales and lion dances.
Go: Visit www.londonmuseum.org.uk for more information.
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch
Located in Shoreditch, Supper Club at Mama Shelter is partnering with Emily Yeoh, co-founder of the hot sauce Two Hot Asians. The restaurant will be hosting a supper club to kickstart the celebrations on 29 January. Enjoy the delicious food and beverages and the sweet delight of Pandan Tres Leches Cake.
Go: Visit https://mamashelter.com for more information.
Mei Ume at Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge
Mei Ume at Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge invites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year. Located in Tower Hill, the restaurant offers a menu created by the Head Chef, Peter Ho. The menu is available from 20 January to 12 February, and dazzling traditional Chinese dance performances will be held.
Go: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
MiMi Mei Fair
Restaurateur Samyukta Nair welcomes guests at MiMi Mei Fair for the Chinese New Year celebrations. As the name suggests, the restaurant is located in Mayfair. Celebrations of the Year of the Snake take place from 14 January to 12 February. The menu includes bespoke dishes, desserts, and beverages. The restaurant’s elegant rooms of Empress MiMi’s private residence had a stunning makeover, blending timeless tradition with elegance to commence the Chinese New Year.
Go: Visit https://mimimeifair.com for more information.
Peninsula London
Peninsula London’s Lunar New Year events run from 18 January to 8 February. Located near Hyde Park Corner, the auspicious celebrations will be marked with traditional Southeast and East Asian food. Dive into dishes at Peninsula London’s Cantonese offerings, Canton Blue and Canton Red’s Tea Lounge. The lounge will host daily Chinese tea masterclasses from 25 January to 5 February. A Dragon Dance takes place on 29 January from 11am to noon.
Go: Visit www.peninsula.com for more information.
Phoenix Arts Club
Catch Serpentine’s Seduction: Chinese New Year Cabaret show at Phoenix Arts Club. Located near Tottenham Court Road, it explores a world of mystery. Taking place on 29 January, it celebrates the arrival of the year of the snake with a glamorous cabaret and burlesque show. The menu includes a gourmet pizza and Chinese New Year-inspired drinks.
Go: Visit https://phoenixartsclub.com for more information.
