
Lunar New Year is almost upon us, and the city is – once again – gearing up to ring in the new year and the first new moon of the lunar calendar. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake. Symbolising transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth; snakes are renowned for shedding their skin, which signifies the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new. Certainly worthy of a sss-elebration, don’t you think?
The capital city goes all out to mark the occasion, hosting a plethora of celebratory festivities. But undoubtedly one of the best ways to ring in the new year is with the Chinese Lunar New Year parade. And here’s everything we know about this year’s so far.
When is the parade?
The parade will be taking place on Sunday February 2, four days after Lunar New Year, and is organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association.
Where will it be?
The parade takes place across the West End, starting near Trafalgar Square, before snaking its way down Shaftesbury Avenue and ending near Chinatown.
What is the route of the parade?
The parade will start at 10am, just east of Trafalgar Square. It will then make its way up Charing Cross Road and past Leicester Square Station, before making a left onto Shaftesbury Avenue and ending near Wardour Street at around 11.45am.
Expect to see over 50 teams take part in the parade, filling the streets with the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe, along with plenty of floats, vibrant costumes and performances.
What else is on?
Stick around after the parade as the streets of Chinatown will be keeping the celebrations going with lion dances and festive stalls, and many restaurants will be open late, serving up celebratory dishes, grand feasts, and festive specials.
Trafalgar Square is where you’ll find the main stage, where you can watch special performances, and find community stands, food stalls, and product stalls. Family activities will also be held near Chinatown, where the whole family can get stuck in the workshops and cultural activities including arts and crafts, calligraphy, Chinese music and dressing up in traditional outfits.
How do I get there?
The closest stations are Leicester Square (which will take you straight to the heart of Chinatown), and Charing Cross (where you’ll find the starting point of the parade and the festivities in Trafalgar Square).
There’s a hand map on their website detailing the full schedule.