Chinese New Year 2022: When is Lunar New Year and how to celebrate in London

From vibrant dragon dances, colourful lanterns and delicious dishes, Chinese New Year festivities are a beloved tradition the world over.

The capital’s world-famous Chinese New Year celebrations - a highlight of the city calendar - have been postponed for a second year, due to Covid-19, but the holiday is still going ahead.

With the date of Chinese Lunar New Year fast approaching, Londoners and the Chinese community are preparing to mark the Year of the Tiger over the next few weeks.

LondonWorld has broken down all you need to know about Chinese New Year.

What is Chinese New Year?

The festival marks the beginning of a new year, on the traditional Chinese calendar.

While modern-day China uses the Gregorian calendar, the holiday is still marked by the ancient lunisolar calendar, which incorporates the moon and sun to mark time passing.

This means the new year begins with the second or third new moon after the winter solstice.

According to myths, the holiday traditions stem from a legendary beast, who appeared during the annual spring festival and attacked Chinese villages.

It was then frightened away by red papers, lanterns and firecrackers used by the villagers to decorate their homes - hence their continued use to this day.

How does the Chinese Zodiac work?

The Chinese calendar assigns an animal to each year, on a 12-year repeating cycle, which is believed to stem from animal worship.

The Lunar New Year marks the end of one animal sign and the beginning of the next.

2022 is the Year of the Tiger, while 2021 was the Year of the Ox, and 2020 the Year of the Rat.

Everyone born in that year, is said to be under the sign of that animal - and its attributes.

When your birth year comes around, this is traditionally seen as a challenge to overcome.

The full zodiac in order is: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

When is Chinese New Year in 2022?

The full Chinese New Year celebrations have actually already begun.

Chinese New Year itself falls on Tuesday, February 1, but Little Year, or preparations for the festival, started on January 24.

From February 1 to February 11 is known as the Spring Festival, and the four day Lantern Festival lasts from February 12 to February 15.

The traditional celebrations in London - the biggest outside Asia - usually take place close to the date of Chinese New Year itself.

How can I celebrate in London this year?

Sadly this year’s celebrations in the capital have been cancelled for another year running due to concerns over the spread of Covid-19.

Usually the day is marked with a parade through the West End and a festival in Trafalgar Square, but this year this will not be taking place.

The London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) said: “Although the team here and the whole country face ongoing uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, we keep in mind the symbolism of Chinese New Year celebrations: hope, harmony, home and health.”

However, it’s not all bad news, as much of the programme will be moving online.

Follow the #CNYLondon hashtag on Twitter for details and check the Visit London website, or follow @visitlondon and @LondonChinatown on Twitter.

Announcements are set to be made from January 31 onwards.

Chinese New Year events

There will be a special television broadcast on London Live on February 6. Check back nearer the time for more details. Visit London’s Chinatown, where you can shop for gifts, enjoy tasty street food and share a delicious Chinese meal in the area’s many restaurants.

You can also attend a special night market in Newport Place, Soho, from 5-10pm on Monday, January 31st, featuring cultural artifacts, calligraphy, and delicacies.

Chinatown Stories is hosting a community walking tour through the unique streets of Chinatown, ending in a meal at a Chinese restaurant, on January 30.

While Battersea Power Station is hosting a Lights Festival until February 27, featuring digital origami tiger lights created from reused and eco-friendly materials, in honour of traditional lantern making skills.

And Bun House is welcoming guests to a Tiger Who Came To Tea inspired afternoon tea, serving themed tiger buns, Chinese teas and traditional foods, priced at £36 per person.

What will you be doing for Chinese New Year 2022?