Five ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in London

Celebrate the Year of the Rat 2020 on 25 January and discover five awesome activities to ring in Chinese New Year in London. From where to eat to how to party, here’s how you can join in with this year’s celebrations in the Big Smoke.

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Eat delicious Chinese food

Canton, 11 Newport Place
Good food doesn’t have to break the bank and Canton in Chinatown is as wallet friendly as they come. Though Canton’s interior is simple and plain, its menu is bursting with delicious noodle and rice dishes, sumptuous meats, mouth-watering soups and their signature home-style Chinese barbecue. With so many restaurants to choose from in Chinatown, it can be overwhelming knowing where to dine – but Canton is a safe bet every time.

Discover China at the British Museum

Great Russell Street
Enjoy a free daily tour at the British Museum, which will introduce you to amazing objects from across China. Discover mesmerising ancient hand scrolls, tomb figurines, precious ceramics and much more. The tour runs from 12:15pm to 12:55pm.
britishmuseum.org

Marvel at the Chinese New Year parade

London’s West End
This year’s street parade is gearing up to be even bigger and better than before, with hundreds of thousands of people set to attend – so make sure you’re one of them. Taking place on 26 January, the colourful festivities will kick-off across the West End from Shaftesbury Avenue to Trafalgar Square.

Catch a breath-taking show

Eventim Apollo
Between 17–26 January, the awesome Shen Yun show is coming to London’s Eventim Apollo. There are still a few tickets left to see this incredible dance performance, which blends stunning costumes, high-tech backdrops and orchestral music like no other theatrical experience on the planet!
eventimapollo.com

Buy a Chinese decoration

Chinatown
There’s never a quiet moment in London’s Chinatown, with amazing restaurants, bakeries and shops to enjoy. And for those who can’t resist buying a keepsake to celebrate the New Year, Chinese tradition says you should buy something red for yourself or your house to bring good luck. Head to Zen Chinese Giftshop in Chinatown and peruse their selection of trinkets, treasures and lanterns – you won’t want to leave empty-handed.