When
On and around Sunday 14th February and Sunday 21st February 2010
Where
Locations across London.
Take part in Chinese New Year London events and welcome the Year of the Tiger in traditional, vibrant Chinese style.
Live performances
Trafalgar Square will be transformed with a diverse selection of live performances again in February 2010. Although Chinese New Year actually takes place on the Sunday 14th February, the London parade and dances happen a little later on Sunday 21st February. The massive Trafalgar Square event sees traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances with modern music and dance, and a line up of visiting Chinese performers from the different provinces in China.
A cultural explosion
Enjoy colourful Chinese New Year London celebrations in Leicester Square on 21st February 2010, with firecrackers and fireworks being set off in the afternoon. Visitors can also sample authentic Chinese cuisine served by restaurants and stalls in Chinatown. The Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Chinatown on Sunday 21st February are free to attend.
Far Eastern fun
Last year's Chinese New Year London celebrations drew over 50,000 people to a grand parade and welcoming ceremony at Trafalgar Square. This year’s event is expected to be just as big an occasion, and if you fancy a gourmet feast to start the New Year off in style, click on the link below.
China in London 2010
A season of events and activities will mark the start of China in London 2010 festival, which recognises and celebrates Chinese culture in London. There are events for all ages at venues across London; click below for more information on how this year's China in London festival is celebrating the Year of the Tiger.
Cultural events
Londoners can also get cultural with a series of special events at London museums and galleries for Chinese New Year, which include a free family-themed event at the National Maritime Museum and a special wildlife photography exhibition at the National Geographical Store on Regent Street, featuring beautiful images of the big striped cats to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.
Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the Museum in Docklands, close to London's original Chinatown in Limehouse, with plenty of fun and educational activities for kids, including lion dances, traditional Chinese arts and crafts and storytelling.
Live shows
If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2010 with the family then head to the National Portrait Gallery, which is hosting an event by the Confucius Institute which features dances, martial arts and storytelling. With crafts and games available for all agegs too, this is another exciting and accessible immersion in Chinese cultural art. For more information on the live performances for the Year of the Tiger at the National Portrait Gallery, click below.
Chinese Fair at Westfield Shopping Centre
If you want to soak up authentic Chinese culture, then head to the Chinese fair at Westfield Shopping Centre. Organised by the Chinese Embassy, there's acrobatic gymnastics, Tibetan dancing, Tai Chi Fan displays, tea tasting, calligraphy and much more besides.
Chinese New Year at Harrods
A traditional lion dance will be making its way through the Food Hall at the famous Knightsbridge store for Chinese New Year on Sunday 14th February. The event is free to attend.
Recommended Chinese Restaurants
Celebrate with a meal (or two) at our pick of the best Chinese restaurants in London.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong is going all out to celebrate Chinese New Year in London with Tiger beer and special New Year menus. Diners can celebrate the Year of the Tiger in style here. Click on the link below for more information on the special dim sum and other delicious food on the menu for the Year of the Tiger.
Lotus Chinese Floating Restaurant
Lotus Chinese Floating Restaurant is hosting lion dancing coupled with sumptuous special menu for Chinese New Year in 2010. The set menu costs £28.00 per head.
The Chinese New Year in London events take place on and around Sunday 14th February and Sunday 21st February 2010.