What to Expect in Chinatown London This Lunar New Year 2025

London’s Chinatown is gearing up for an extraordinary celebration of the Lunar New Year 2025, marking the Year of the Snake. This highly anticipated event promises colourful cultural displays, entertainment, and festive activities, making it a must-visit destination this February.

Event Highlights

The celebrations will span two days, offering a rich blend of traditional and modern Chinese festivities.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Lion Dance Performances: Watch the iconic lion dance come alive across Chinatown from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The rhythmic drumming and acrobatic moves are believed to bring good fortune and chase away bad spirits.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

• ▪️ Chinese New Year Parade: Beginning at 10:00 AM, the parade will travel from the east of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown, showcasing a dazzling array of costumes, music, and cultural artistry.

• ▪️ Trafalgar Square Festivities: From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, enjoy speeches, the traditional Lion’s Eye-Dotting Ceremony, and stunning performances, including dragon dances and flying lion displays. Browse art and craft stalls or sample delicious Chinese street food.

• ▪️ Chinatown Activities: Experience a feast for the senses with lion dances, festive market stalls, and an array of Chinese delicacies.

This two-day event is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere of London.

Why 2025 is the Year of the Snake

The Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle, assigns an animal to each year. The Snake, the sixth sign in the zodiac, is a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are often regarded as intelligent, strategic, and graceful.

The 2025 Year of the Snake carries the theme of renewal and growth, encouraging us to reflect on past actions and welcome change. Much like a snake shedding its skin, this year inspires new beginnings and transformation. It’s a time to set thoughtful intentions, make strategic decisions, and approach challenges with a calm, composed mindset.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with House of Spells

While in Chinatown, take a short walk to House of Spells, London’s ultimate destination for fandom merchandise. This Chinese Lunar New Year, make your celebrations even more special by exploring our wide range of gifts for Lunar New Year, including unique collectables and themed treasures. Treat yourself or present someone with a perfect gift they love from our store and spread love. 

And here’s a fun idea: as 2025 is the Year of the Snake, why not adopt the theme with our exclusive Slytherin merchandise? Choose from a collection of scarves, notebooks, wands, and collectables to embody the intelligence and cunning of the Snake and Slytherin. It’s a great way to combine fandom with tradition!