According to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year commences on 1st February. This Chinese holiday is a 15-day Spring festival celebration. Did you know the zodiac animal for 2022 is the roaring Tiger? The tiger is said to be a symbol of bravery, competitiveness, unpredictability, and confidence!
In China, New Year celebrations are of a much larger scale with lucky food, fireworks, a dragon dance, performances, red clothing, lanterns and honouring your family over the traditional holidays. In the UK, this Chinese holiday is celebrated with colourful parades, food events and creative workshops. And it’s not just the Chinese communities that get involved, but all communities too!
So without further ado, here is a list of some exciting Chinese New Year festivals, workshops and events…
Chinese New Year Southampton
When: Sunday 6 Feb 2023 10:30 – 15:00
Pricing: FREE!
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul this Chinese New Year in Southampton! This community event will be celebrated with colourful parades, reuniting with loved ones, and will showcase inspiring performances from sensational artists all over the South of England. It’s focus is to raise awareness for mental health and well being in the community. Together, UK Shaolin, Southampton City Council and Mayflower Studios MAST, have created a heartwarming and exciting experience for families to enjoy.
Lunar New Year Concert, University of Birmingham
Where: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, United Kingdom
When: Thu Jan 27 2023 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Pricing: FREE!
Fancy an evening of spectacular performances? Head to Birmingham’s Elgar Concert Hall to watch outstanding artists like Didi Xiao, Eimear McGeown, and Euphoria China perform. This event is FREE but tickets are limited to book now early to avoid disappointment.
Chinese New Year Theme Night, Cambridge
Where: The Cambridge Park, Kings Hedges Road CB4 2QT Cambridge.
When: 3rd February 2023
Pricing: £15 for 3 course meal
Cambridge Park invites you to celebrate the year of the Tiger with an array of traditional food! Tantalise your taste buds as you journey through Chinese cuisine including all your favourites such as noodles, pork spring rolls and peking duck pancakes! The cultural themed night offers 3 courses for £15. Dine out with your family this CNY!
Lunar New Year, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Where: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
When: 5th – 6th February 2023, 10:00 – 17:00
Pricing: £4 pp (pay what you can pricing)
How familiar are you with Chinese culture and practices? In this exciting event held by Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, you can watch traditional Chinese dances and martial arts demonstrations live, and have a go at learning about Chinese and Korean culture in fun activities. The little ones will love the Tiger Detective Trails too, in which you search for hidden mischievous tigers located around the museum! There are also Chinese goods & gifts available to buy in the museum’s shop – yep, it’s ‘show & tell’ gold!
Chinese New Year: Lantern watercolour painting, Greater Manchester
Where: Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 3AN
When: 30th January 2023, 13:30 – 15:30
Pricing: £8.00
Why not take a relaxing and creative approach to the Chinese New year with a calming session of lantern making and decorating. This workshop is located in a beautiful 15th century hall and is suitable for kids aged 5+. Paint your own unique designs with a range of delicate watercolours. You can take them home and decorate your walls, ceilings or gardens.- *mwah* a masterpiece!
FUN FACT: In China, paper lanterns are a symbol of vitality, social status and good luck. So in celebration of the New Lunar Year, they are hung outside of houses and in streets.
Chinese New Year Parade, Liverpool
Where: Chinatown Liverpool, 12 Lord Nelson St, Great George St, Liverpool
When: Sunday 6th February 2023 – lasts until 5pm
Pricing: FREE!
Visit one of the oldest Chinatowns in British history in the Liverpool Chinese New Year Parade, as it celebrates the year of the Tiger in style! The magnificent parade will consist of an iconic Dragon, Unicorn, and Lion Dancer parades, alongside a flurry of cultural activities in the heart of Chinatown. Watch unusual performances of both traditional and contemporary styles. Try out family workshops like paper folding, Chinese Zodiac badge making, calligraphy, painting and more! There is also a circus and music – how cool is that! And to top it all off, there is a Chinese market where you can buy souvenirs and delicious food from market stalls.
Virtual Festival at The Museum of London Docklands
Where: Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay,
London, E14 4AL. (and it’s virtual)
When: 5th & 6th February 2023
Pricing: FREE!
If you are a family who are isolating and don’t want to miss out on this super-fun celebration, don’t worry, you can attend this virtual festival. Get stuck into the community spirit at the Museum of London Docklands for the whole weekend! Enjoy traditional performances, bookable workshops and discover the city’s historic connection to the Lunar festival.
Calligraphy Workshop, Leicester
Where: DMU Confucius Institute Library, Room VP1.13, Vijay Patel Building, 8 Newarke Close, Leicester, LE2 7BJ
When: Wed, 2 February 2023 at 12:00 – 13:00.
Pricing: FREE!
Calling all scribers, it’s calligraphy time! Ever watched one of those really satisfying calligraphy videos online? Next question, have you ever wanted to master the craft itself? Well, you are in luck! For the Chinese New Year De Montfort University Confucius Institute is hosting a workshop for Chinese Calligraphy where you will learn to write famous Chinese characters related to the CNY. You will use a traditional Chinese brush while watching teacher-led demonstrations. 新年好 !
Royal observatory Greenwich, London
Where: Greenwich Park, London Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
When: 12th February 2023 10:30 -11:30
Pricing: Adult: £10, Child: £5.
What better way to understand the Lunar New Year, than to watch a Chinese astronomy lecture at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, London. Suitable for ages 7+, this fascinating talk will explore the relationship between Chinese culture and Chinese studies of the sun, stars and moon. This event will also celebrate the nation’s phenomenal space programme and its achievements, from landing on the far side of the moon to their mind-blowing mission to Mars! If you have a child that has a passion for space, science and exploration, this is the event for you!
FUN FACT: The Chinese nation has been studying the ‘heavens’/astronomy for thousands of years!
Chinese New Year Celebration Show, Lancaster
Where: St Leonard’s Gate, Lancaster LA1 1NL
When: 5th February 2023 at 12pm
Pricing: Adult: £10.00, Student : £8.00, Children : £5.00.
Be captivated by the art of Kung Fu, Chinese dancing, shadow puppet shows and musical performances in the Chinese New Year Celebration Show, Lancaster. Feel 5000 years of Chinese history unfold before your eyes, while the values of reunion and blessings remain central to each performance. There will be special appearances by Wing Chun Grandmaster, Samuel Kwok and Manchester Chinese Academy of Dance! This family focused event is suitable for ages 5+ and is a must visit in the CNY 2022!
Found a fun activity or event to visit this Chinese New Year? Check out our other blogs for more seasonal events and inspo throughout the year!
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