With the start of February comes the celebrations of Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year in London. Also known as the Spring Festival, this is the start of the new lunar calendar. In the Chinese zodiac, this year is the Year of the Dragon, which symbolises good luck, power, success and honour among other qualities.
2024 is sure to bring plenty of excitement to London, which is why we’ve gathered this year’s best events to attend.
When is Lunar New Year?
This year, the Lunar New Year will fall on Saturday 10 February 2024. The date changes every year as it is dependent on the moon. However, the celebration will always fall between 21 January and 20 February.
Chelsea’s Chinese New YearJoshua Tucker
Chinese fancies in Chelsea
The leafy suburbs burst into colour on Saturday to celebrate Chinese New Year. Head to Duke of York Square and tuck in at a special edition of the weekly Fine Food Market, full of traditional Chinese favourites and warming dishes. Expect a sea of red lanterns, dragon dancers, lion performers and Chinese drummers echoing through the square.
Address: Duke of York Square, 80 King’s Road, London SW3 4LY
Website: dukeofyorksquare.com
Dates: Saturday 10 February
Dim Sum Terrace, Harrod’s
Have a feast at Harrod’s
Celebrate Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year in indulgently foodie fashion at Harrod’s. On the fifth floor, pan-Asian restaurant Chai Wu serves ive specials alongside their regular menu, including a dragon roll with flame-grilled eel and fresh avocado and a spectacular dragonfruit petit gâteau for dessert. On the floor below, find the iconic department store’s Dim Sum Terrace, where chefs craft traditional handmade dumplings each morning; the bespoke menu includes lobster-stuffed dumplings adorned in caviar.
Address: Chai Wu, Fifth Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL; Dim Sum Terrace, Fourth Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Website: harrods.com/chai-wu; harrods.com/dim-sum-terrace
Dates: Chai Wu until Tuesday 13 February; Dim Sum Terrace until Monday 12 February
