Chinese New Year Liverpool Celebrations & Events 2025
What should you expect from the Chinese New Year event in Liverpool?
Liverpool’s Chinese New Year celebrations are a major event in the city’s cultural scene. With its strong ties to Chinese culture—home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe—these festivities provide a colourful and immersive experience that brings the community together in spectacular fashion.
The Chinese New Year events are traditionally centred around Chinatown, where visitors are treated to a dynamic and exhilarating display of dragon, lion, and unicorn parades. The streets come alive with performers donning elaborate costumes as they move rhythmically to the beats of drums, cymbals, and firecrackers, symbolising good luck and fortune for the year ahead. The Great George Square serves as a focal point for live performances, with musical acts, Tai Chi demonstrations, and even street theatre entertaining crowds of all ages.
Another key element of the celebrations is the tantalising array of traditional Chinese food available at numerous stalls throughout Chinatown. The culinary offerings range from dumplings and noodles to sweet treats, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive spirit through food. Additionally, craft stalls showcase beautiful traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and lantern-making, offering something for every age group to enjoy.
In recent years, the event has expanded beyond Chinatown, with spectacular art installations and light projections illuminating significant locations in the city. The Royal Albert Dock often features floating illuminated dragons, creating a breathtaking visual display against the waters. At the same time, the Bombed Out Church transforms into a canvas for animated projections retelling traditional Chinese stories. This fusion of modern art and ancient folklore has become a highlight of the city’s festivities.
Chinese New Year in Liverpool is a family-friendly event, with workshops and activities tailored for younger attendees. These include funfair rides, craft-making sessions, and storytelling that help engage children while teaching them about Chinese culture and traditions.
Souvenirs and Fandom Finds Nearby
You can expect to find a variety of souvenirs at Liverpool’s Chinese New Year event. The celebrations typically feature numerous stalls in Chinatown, where vendors offer traditional Chinese crafts and keepsakes. Popular items include paper lanterns, calligraphy scrolls, and jade trinkets, along with other beautifully crafted souvenirs that capture the essence of Chinese culture. Additionally, you’ll find artisan stalls selling locally made items that showcase cultural symbolism and artistry.
For those looking for something more unique, House of Spells, located within walking distance at Albert Dock, offers an incredible range of fandom merchandise from popular franchises. As the largest multifandom store in the Northwest, it’s a must-visit for fans of movies, TV shows, anime, and more. If you are seeking Liverpool experience gifts for someone special, House of Spells provides a magical stop to find unforgettable treasures.
