Chinese New Year takes place on 5 February with lots of exciting things happening around the country. Communities everywhere will come together to celebrate the Year of the Pig. If you want to get involved, here are some ideas on where you can celebrate Chinese New Year.
London’s Chinese New Year 2019
It’s not a big surprise to find London hosting a big party on Chinese New Year. The capital city has a fantastic Chinatown that’s going to be at the heart of the events. Colourful parades, performances and displays around London’s West End will give you plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun.
In 2019, London’s Chinese New Year celebrations will take place on 10 February. You can find lots of Chinese food stalls and performances in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Leicester Square all day long.
Families with small children should also head down to Duke of York Square on 9 February. There’s a big celebration with Peppa Pig – you can meet Peppa and grab a fortune cookie at the Chinese New Year Market.
Chinatown Celebrations in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham
Most UK cities with a vibrant Chinatown district will, of course, be hosting lots of events and parties around the Chinese New Year. Manchester has a weeklong celebration of the Chinese culture, culminating on 10 February to a big Parade from Albert Square to Chinatown.
Liverpool’s Chinese community has been celebrating the Chinese New Year in the UK for 10 years so the party is going to be good. Different events will take place from 8-10 February, including a big pyrotechnic display on Sunday night!
Speaking of experience, Birmingham’s Chinese New Year celebrations will be the 17th annual party on 10 February. The big festival happens around the Arcadian centre and there will be lion dancing, street food and lantern making. There is also a big parade in Sunday morning kicking off from Chinatown.
Check Out Museums Across the UK
Aside from big events happening across Chinatowns in the UK, many museums are holding special events. These are a fun way to get involved with Chinese New Year and to learn more about the unique traditions around it.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has performances, workshops and activities running for two days on 2-3 February. There will also be a fun pig trail to search for pigs throughout the museum for kids and adults.
If you’re in the Carlisle area then, make your way to Tullie House. It will host an event on the 9th. The day will feature dance and kung fu performances and workshops. There will also be traditional festivities at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke on 10 February.
Museums in London will also have many different events. For example, you could visit:
- The Museum of London Docklands on 2-3 February for a family-friendly festival.
- The National Maritime Museum on 9 February for stories and performances by the Shanghai Theatre Company.
- V&A Museum of Childhood on 9 February for martial arts performances and craft stalls.
Don’t forget that if you’re into Chinese food, many big restaurants will be offering special Chinese New Year food menus and discount around this time!
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Home
Of course, you could also host your own party on Chinese New Year. Check out the best Chinese New Year fireworks from Firework Crazy and pick some lovely Chinese food recipes from BBC Good Food. Soon you’ll have a night to remember!
