Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated worldwide. In 2025 it will usher in the Year of the Snake. From spectacular parades to lively markets and traditional performances, here are some of the must-visit Lunar New Year events in the UK, Canada, the US and Australia.
United Kingdom
1. London’s Chinese Lunar New Year (Free)
Location: Chinatown and the West End
Dates: 1-2 February 2025
London’s celebration, organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, is the largest Lunar New Year event outside of Asia. The festival combines traditional and modern activities, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Highlights:
- Grand parade with more than 50 teams of lion and dragon dancers.
- Cultural performances in Trafalgar Square, including martial arts and Chinese music.
- Family-friendly zones in Leicester Square featuring arts, crafts and traditional outfit dress-ups.
Top tips:
- Dress warmly: January and February can be chilly.
- Wear red for good fortune.
- Plan your route using Transport for London’s Journey Planner to navigate crowded streets.
2. Manchester’s Lunar New Year Market
Location: Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street
Dates: 1-2 February 2025
This year, Manchester’s market will double in size, featuring more than 110 vendors. Organised by the Hong Kong Cultural Community, it expects to welcome 60,000 visitors.
Highlights:
- Live music, including Cantonese New Year songs and K-pop.
- Asian delicacies such as siu mai dumplings and thousand-layer cakes.
- Handcrafted goods, such as zodiac-inspired ornaments and fai chun calligraphy scrolls.
Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and sample the best food options.
Canada
1. Vancouver’s Lunar New Year Parade
Location: Chinatown
Date: 2 February 2025
Vancouver hosts one of Canada’s largest Lunar New Year parades, bringing together traditional seasonal activities and fare.
Highlights:
- Dragon and lion dances.
- Cultural showcases at Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
- Pop-up food stalls offering dumplings and sticky rice cakes.
Tips for visitors:
- Public transit is recommended as parking is limited.
- Visit local shops for exclusive Lunar New Year deals.
2. Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden
Location: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Dates: 25-26 January 2025
This event hosts cultural traditions that tie in with the attraction’s Asian Garden. More than 40 local vendors will be on hand with Cantonese-inspired food and crafts.
Highlights:
- Lion dance and kung fu performance by the UBC Kung Fu Club.
- Cultural workshops, like calligraphy and sweet dumpling-making.
- Admission to the garden, blending cultural and horticultural experiences.
Tips for visitors:
- On-site parking is unavailable. Find paid parking nearby at Thunderbird Stadium.
United States
1. Lunar New Year in New York City
Location: Various locations across the city
Dates: 29 January 2025 (official day), with events throughout late January and February
New York City is alive with Lunar New Year celebrations, from parades to fireworks and performances.
Highlights:
- Chinese New Year firecracker ceremony: Sara D. Roosevelt Park near Chinatown.
Date: Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Time: 11:00am – 3:30pm | Cost: Free - Lunar New Year parade: Featuring lion dances and cultural performances.
Date: 16 February 2025 | Time: 1:00pm | Starting Point: Mott Street & Canal Street - Additional festivities at Hudson Yards and South Street Seaport.
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a good vantage spot for the parade and visit the US’s oldest Chinatown.
2. Lunar New Year Market in Washington, DC
Location: Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive Southwest
Date: 1 February 2025
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art’s evening market, where cultural performances, food vendors and artisan booths transform the historic building into a festive hub.
Highlights:
- Lion dances by the Yee Fung Toy Association.
- Curator-led gallery tours exploring Chinese art and Buddhist sculptures.
- Hands-on activities, crafts and food vendors offering Asian dishes.
Pro tip: Arrive early to explore family-friendly activities from 1pm to 3pm before joining the evening market.
3. Chinatown-International District Lunar New Year Celebration
Location: Hing Hay Park, Chinatown-International District, Seattle
Date: 22 February 2025
Seattle’s Chinatown-International District hosts a Lunar New Year event with cultural performances, food and family activities.
Highlights:
- Lion and dragon dances, Japanese Taiko drumming, and martial arts.
- A Food Walk with dishes available at more than 40 Chinatown-ID eateries.
- Arts, crafts, and cultural vendors.
Pro tip: Pick up a Food Walk menu at the information booth to plan your culinary adventure.
4. Lunar New Year Festival in Monterey Park (Free)
Location: Downtown Monterey Park, Garvey Avenue (between Garfield and Alhambra Avenues), Los Angeles
Dates: 18-19 January 2025
Monterey Park will celebrate the Year of the Snake with a weekend festival.
Highlights:
- Traditional lion and dragon dances.
- More than 100 vendors offering gifts, crafts and culinary creations.
- Live entertainment, folk dancing, amusement rides and a carnival fun-zone for families.
Pro tip: Use free parking and shuttle services at designated locations for easy access.
Australia
1. Sydney Lunar Festival (Free)
Location: Various locations across Sydney, including Queen Victoria Building
Dates: 29 January-16 February 2025
Sydney’s largest Lunar New Year celebration features street parties, live entertainment, lion dances, dragon-boat races and art installations. The giant origami snake lantern outside the Queen Victoria Building will light up the night.
Highlights:
- Street performances and traditional lion and dragon dances.
- Art and light installations, including the illuminated origami snake lantern.
- Special activities such as dragon boat races and food stalls serving Asian cuisine.
Pro tip: Arrive early to watch the giant lantern lighting ceremony and secure a great spot for the lion dances.
2. Lunar New Year Food Market (Free)
Location: St Ives Village Green, Village Green Parade, St Ives, NSW
Date: 7 February 2025
The Lunar New Year Food Market offers an evening filled with street food and entertainment for the family.
Highlights:
- Cultural entertainment, including the Qing Fong Lion Dance and Dragon Dance performances.
- Family-friendly activities like craft stations and face painting.
- Food available for dining in or takeaway.
Pro tip: Arrive early to catch the Qing Fong Lion Dance performance.
