The annual Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands celebrations are back for the Year of the Rat in 2008. With loads of events perfect for kids, including workshops, crafts, games and performances, children of all ages are sure to be entertained.

Chinese Traditions
With a very long history, Chinese culture has influenced the Western world for generations. At the Chinese New Year festival at the Museum in Docklands, kids and their parents can learn about ancient traditions and experience them at the same time. Find out the reasons for the traditions Chinese families follow when celebrating the new year, try on traditional costumes and try your hand at some ancient games.

Performances for all ages
At the Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands celebrations, you can explore the history of China with lion dances and find out how the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac came to be. The lion dance marks the opening of the New Year, and there will be a chance to watch a variety of other performances throughout the festival, with fan dances and puppet shows for kids.

Arts and crafts
Children are invited to find out more about Chinese culture through arts and craft activities, so as well as hearing tales of Ancient China, they also get the chance to make their pwn Chinese inspired puppets, decorate special Chinese New Year plates and find out how to write in caligraphy.

Chinese tea
Tea was one of the biggest exports from China to England in the past and in a special tea time session, kids can find out about the traditional rituals of tea drinking and make their own teapot filled with tea to present to someone as a gift.

Museum in Docklands
Since its opening in 2003, events for Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands have proved to be incredibly popular with children and families. Located on Canary Wharf, the museum is situated near London’s original Chinatown, which was in Limehouse, making it the perfect place to explore Chinese culture and traditions in London.

The Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands events will run from Monday 3rd February to Saturday 1st March 2008. Opening hours are 10am – 6pm daily.

Nearest rail: West India Quay DLR. Museum admission is £5.00 for adults and free for under 16s. For more information call 0870 444 3856.