If you’re a Chinese student feeling a tad homesick as Chinese New Year approaches, there’s no need to feel left out. The Chinese New Year is also celebrated widely across the UK.
But you don’t have to be Chinese to join in the fun. The festivities welcome people from all over the world to celebrate. From university parties to community festivities, there will be plenty of ways to take a British approach to traditional celebrations with new friends and classmates.
Check out our tips for having an epic start to this Year of the Snake!
When is Chinese New Year 2025?
The Chinese New Year celebration begins on the first full moon of the new year. As it follows the Lunar calendar, the exact date varies between January 21 to February 20th. This Year, Chinese New Year will be on Wednesday, 29th January 2025.
The Chinese New Year traditions are built around the culture and origins of the Chinese zodiac cycle, which follows the phases of the moon. These are represented by the 12 scared animals that have years assigned to them. In 2025, we’ll be observing the Year of the Snake, which encourages us to discard outdated beliefs and renew our perspectives.
Fun Fact: If you were born in the year of the Snake, it’s been said that you're intuitive, strategic and intelligent.
Chinese New Year traditions
If you’re celebrating with new friends or just want to know more about the festival as a whole, there are plenty of cultural traditions that make this day special. Here’s a few you can incorporate into your celebration for some authentic Chinese New Year vibes.
Red envelopes
"Hóngbāo" are traditional red envelopes filled with money and gifted to friends and family on Chinese New Year. These signify prosperity and luck for the coming years. Why not use this opportunity to create a connection with your friends and personalise the envelopes?
Cleaning
While it doesn’t seem too festive or fun, cleaning has a great traditional significance in the New Year festive culture. Considered similar to a spring cleaning, this signifies a reset that sweeps away the old makes space for the new. Use this as an opportunity to spruce up your accommodation.
Reunion dinners
The Chinese New Year signifies a time when families are reunited, and people come home from different places. This is why fancy reunion dinners that bring local specialities from different provinces are so important. When celebrating with your friends, why not give them a taste of your own culture? Plan a potluck dinner with dishes that hit that nostalgia sweet spot.
Fireworks
Fireworks depict the power of light and fire in Chinese traditions. According to legend, firecrackers were used to ward off evil and protect villages and the evil spirit ‘Nian’. As a part of the classic Chinese New Year, they are great fun to watch. Find out if your city is hosting any firework displays to ring in the New Year.
Dragon dances
The year of the dragon means you’ll have the opportunity to see some incredibly beautiful dragon dances. But these dances aren’t limited to a specific Chinese zodiac. While many see dragons as giant fire-breathing monsters, some Asian cultures revere them as guardians. This is why dragon dance performances are said to bring prosperity, drive away evil spirits, and usher in good fortune for the community.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in the UK
You’ll find plenty of options to have a festive and fun Chinese New Year in the UK. Most major cities have their own celebrations, which are worth looking into.
You might want to check out the Chinese New Year activities for students happening in your university. Consider checking your uni website for upcoming events on campus.
Here are our tips for each major UK location so you can find the best events for Chinese New Year 2025 close to you!
Chinese New Year in London
As one of the biggest cultural hubs in the world, London offers an incredible experience during the Chinese New Year festive season. Head down to Chinatown in Soho and experience beautiful decorations and authentic Chinese and Cantonese food for a nostalgic taste of home. We recommend the Four Seasons for an authentic New Year feast on a budget or soup dumplings at Dumplings’ Legend if you’re feeling snacky.
Chinese New Year in Manchester
Manchester has a strong game when it comes to the Chinese New Year events, with the second-largest Chinatown in the UK. Hit up Faulkner Street for some festive bakery goods and street eats while enjoying the beautiful oriental decorations. We’d also recommend that you keep a lookout for the timing and location of the traditional dragon dance for even more cultural fun.
Chinese New Year in Liverpool
Liverpool is twinned with Shanghai, and home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. If you’re seeking out Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese Arch is the place to be. Located on Nelson Street, it is home to the yearly festival and is decorated with beautiful lanterns and adornments all around.
Chinese New Year in Birmingham
Coming in third behind London and Manchester, Birmingham has a huge and diverse East Asian population which celebrates the Lunar New Year with style and bravado. The city has a major celebration for the Chinese New Year planned in the Birmingham Hippodrome in 2025. Keep your weekend free so you can check it out!
Chinese New Year in Glasgow
You’ll find a lot of celebrations around the Chinese New Year festival period in Glasgow. If you don’t know where to start, head towards Chinatown at New City Road. This area becomes a fun festive hub where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, witness the parades, and savour authentic Asian food.
Chinese New Year in Leeds
While Leeds doesn’t have a designated Chinatown, you can still enjoy themed festivities near Templar Lane, City Hall and the City Square. If you’re looking to go out clubbing with your friends, head to Call Lane for drinks and dancing.
Chinese New Year in Newcastle
The gorgeous views along the River Tyne and the great student party culture make Newcastle another great spot for celebrating the Chinese New Year. It’s a great place to have a night out. Start with Asian fine dining at St. Andrews Street and head out to party in one of the many popular clubs. New Year Celebrations generally start around 11 and parties run until late.
