Chinese New Year 2023 in London: Four events for the Year of the Rabbit
2023 is the year of the Rabbit, and new year celebrations will mark the transition from 2022’s Year of the Tiger.
Chinesenewyear.net states: ‘In Chinese culture, rabbits represent the moon. Some say it is because the shadows of the moon resemble a rabbit. Others say it is because of the Rabbit’s pure characteristics.
Chinese New Year celebrations can last up to 16 days, but the first seven are considered a public holiday in China.This year, celebrations will begin on January 22, 2023, and conclude with Lantern Festival on February 5.
As such, a massive variety of events will be put on to celebrate right across London.
From Chinatown to Trafalgar Square, if you’re looking to celebrate the Chinese New Year, here is what you need to know.
The London Chinese New Year Celebrations are taking place on Sunday the 22nd of January, here is the schedule:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Festival of Spring Parade
12:00 PM - 18:00 PM: Celebratory Performance in Trafalgar Square
18:30 PM - Festive dinner in London's Chinatown
Chinese New Year parade
One of the obvious highlights of the capital’s CNY celebrations is the New Year parade, which will see more than 50 teams take part, and generally begins on Charing Cross Road at 10am.
From there, it will make its way through Shaftesbury Avenue.
Trafalgar Square
Beginning at 10am, celebrations will usually take place throughout the day at Trafalgar Square in central London until the early evening.
Visitors will be treated to a screen show and thanksgiving ceremony, firecrackers, speeches, the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony and much more
Food stalls will line the square, and performances will include martial arts displays, flying lion dances, dance shows, and pop acts.
West End stages
Various stages will be positioned around the West End, including the talent and community zone on Shaftesbury Avenue, the family zone in Leicester Square and the martial arts and cultural zone on Charing Cross Road.
Chinatown
Obviously, Chinatown will feature some of the best celebrations of the Chinese New Year. From exceptional restaurants to street performers and artwork, Chinatown will definitely be worth a visit over the weekend.
