Saturday 21 February
Lion Dances & Street Celebrations Chinatown, Soho & West End — ~0.6 miles (12 min walk)
Lion dancers weave through the streets of Chinatown and the West End, bringing energy, rhythm and traditional blessings to the neighbourhood. Performances typically take place from late morning through the afternoon, with pop‑up stalls offering seasonal snacks and cultural displays.
From Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, exit onto Haymarket and walk south towards Coventry Street; turn left towards Chinatown. A flat, enjoyable stroll through the West End makes it easy to reach the heart of the celebrations.
Sunday 22 February
Chinese New Year Parade & West End Celebrations
Main Parade – starts from 10:00 AM
London’s iconic Chinese New Year Parade begins near Trafalgar Square, travels along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, and culminates in Chinatown. Expect vibrant floats, lion and dragon dancers, musicians and performance troupes filling the streets with colour and sound.
Post‑Parade Festivities – starts from 12:00 PM
The celebrations continue throughout Chinatown and nearby squares:
- Trafalgar Square: Cultural performances, music, martial arts demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Leicester Square: Workshops, dance displays and children’s activities.
- Chinatown Streets: Lion dances, street performances, and artisan offerings.
Walking Distance:
- Trafalgar Square: ~0.7 miles (14 min walk)
- Leicester Square: ~0.5 miles (10 min walk)
- Chinatown: ~0.6 miles (12 min walk)
Travel Tips:
- Public Transport: Nearest Underground stations include Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly lines) or Tottenham Court Road (Central/Northern lines) — both a short stroll from the Townhouse.
- Arrive early (before 09:30 AM) for the best parade viewing spots.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable footwear for February weather.
The main street celebrations, parade and cultural displays are completely free. Guests can enjoy the festivities without tickets or fees. Note that certain workshops or indoor performances may require booking or a small fee, and dining at local restaurants is separate from the free celebrations.
Other Festive Highlights in the West End
Cultural Walking Tours (22 Feb ~ starts from 11:30 AM)
Join a themed walking tour of Chinatown to explore its history, hidden gems and Lunar New Year traditions — a thoughtful complement to the day’s festivities.
Seasonal Menus & Limited‑Edition Treats
From 9–22 February, local eateries offer Lunar New Year‑inspired dishes — festive dumplings, warming broths and speciality teas that capture the spirit of the Year of the Fire Horse.
Entry & Tickets
All main street celebrations, parades and cultural displays are completely free to attend. Some workshops or indoor performances may require advance booking or a small fee. Dining at local restaurants is priced separately.
