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Celebrate the Year of the Ox in London, with the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, and to wish each other "Xin Nian Kuai Le" (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or "San Nin Faai Lok" (in Cantonese). For the latest updates on the day of the Chinese New Year London celebrations, follow the official #CNYLondon hashtag on social media. When is Chinese New Year celebrated in London?

Chinese New Year always falls between late January and mid-February. In 2021, Chinese New Year falls on 12 February.

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.

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

The central London festivities take place across the West End, from Shaftesbury Avenue in the north 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 Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road.

Chinese New Year in London event programme

The 2021 festivities celebrate the Year of the Ox. The 2021 London Chinese New Year event programme is yet to be confirmed – check back later in the year for more information.

Chinese New Year parade:

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

Trafalgar Square:

The fun in Trafalgar Square normally begins with screen shows and a thanksgiving ceremony, followed by firecrackers, speeches and the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony.

Experience traditional dragon and flying lion dances, ahead of fun-filled stage performances throughout the day, including Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays 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.

As night falls over London, the finale gets underway with a variety of showstopper performances to mark the end of the Year of the Ox festivities.

West End stages:

The London Chinese New Year fun continues across the West End with special performances, workshops and activities.

You can usually spot up-and-coming British-Chinese artists at the talent and community zone on Shaftesbury Avenue; take the kids to the family zone in Leicester Square; and see thrilling performances in the martial arts and cultural zone on Charing Cross Road.

Chinatown:

Head over to Chinatown, 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.

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 our travel guide and read our tips on how to stay safe in London.

Alternatively, book a hotel near Chinatown to stay near the Chinese New Year action.

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 2021, the Year of the Ox, falls on 12 February.

Learn more about the traditions of Chinese New Year.