The Chinese New Year is the biggest festival on the Chinese Calendar. On Sunday 10th February, we say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and we usher in the Year of the Snake; and in honour to mark this annual ceremony, there are a number of events being held in London on Sunday 10th February.
Celebrations are erupting all over Soho, including various stalls and performance artists in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue and in the heart of Chinatown. The highlight of the festival is the parade, which will weave along the Strand, along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. If you only do one thing in London on the 10h, make sure you observe the Lion Dance display; the drums and symbols promise a rather hypnotic display - definitely a must see!
Last year the crowds peaked as a whopping 250,000 people, but with the festivities lasting from 12 noon until 6pm, you’ll have plenty of time to eat, drink and embrace the richness of the Chinese Culture. It’s also one of the best experiences you can have in London without breaking the bank – it’s absolutely FREE.
You’ll have a chance to sample some of the fantastic traditional Chinese cuisine on offer from the various venues in Chinatown, or the stalls dotted around Trafalgar Square. If you’re planning on spending the day in London there are plenty of pubs and bars at your disposal, whether you’re looking to keep the expenditure down and gorge yourself on the Chinese food available, or looking to splash the cash and treat yourself as you welcome in the New Year.
If you’re looking for something a little different this year; something that will combine your love of cocktails with Chinese food, why not check out Ping Pong Dim Sung’s New Year Chinese Banquet – in partnership with Ready Steady Cocktail – all the details can be found HERE about the special offer. Check out one of their 12 locations, spread across London.
Also check out The Drunken Monkey in Shoreditch, for a fantastic place that serves Tim Sung cocktails and is sure to have some penny saving deals on, including Happy Hours all week round and specially offers on the weekend!
Knowing how busy the Chinese New Year will be in Central London, below is a short list to help you find a venue when you're lost for ideas. Whether you're looking for a budget location, a restaurant, cocktails or something more upmarket, you'll find a place that's perfect for you. Click here to see our list of pubs and bars near the festivities.
We hope the Year of the Rabbit, is a happy and prosperous one for you all!
