Celebrate London's Year of the Dragon

If you're feeling like your New Year's resolutions haven't quite clicked yet, don't sweat it! You've got another chance to hit the reset button with Chinese New Year right around the corner. It's also called Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, Tet, or Seollal – basically, it's the start of a new lunar calendar, a fresh beginning to aim for positivity in the year ahead.

When and Where to Party in London?
In 2024, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10, kicking off the Year of the Dragon. London's going all out with celebrations in Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, and the buzzing West End. These spots will be packed with loads of people, making it the biggest Lunar New Year bash outside Asia. Expect a wild parade, awesome performances, and tons of tasty food.

What's Happening?
The big 2024 Chinese New Year fest in central London, put together by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), is happening on February 11, the day after Chinese New Year. From Shaftesbury Avenue to Trafalgar Square, there'll be something for everyone.

Parade and Performances
Get ready for a colorful Chinese New Year parade with over 50 teams and the biggest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe! It kicks off at Charing Cross Road at 10:15 am, then heads through Shaftesbury Avenue. Trafalgar Square will be buzzing with traditional dragon and lion dances, cool stage acts, martial arts shows, and magic tricks. And don't miss out on trying some delicious street food and checking out the arts and crafts.

More Fun in the West End
The party doesn't stop in the West End! Leicester Square will have a cool zone with dragon dance demos and cultural stuff. Shaftesbury Avenue will be perfect for families with loads of fun activities. And you can explore even more celebrations and stalls in Charing Cross Road and Chinatown.

Top Tips for a Great Time
Here's how to make the most of Chinese New Year in London:
➤  Bundle up, it can get chilly in February.
➤  Learn some basic Chinese New Year greetings – it's a great way to join in!
➤  Rock some red clothes or accessories for good luck.
➤  Treat yourself to some traditional Chinese New Year eats.
➤  Grab something red for yourself – it's meant to bring good fortune.

About Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a big deal for Asian communities worldwide. Each year gets represented by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) puts together the London celebrations, which have become one of the biggest Lunar New Year parties outside Asia. Even when the big day's over, Chinatown's still buzzing with life, so there's always something cool happening.