Chinese New Year 2020 London: Parade date, route, timings and travel advice for the Chinatown celebrations this weekend

Chinese New Year is officially here. The Year of the Rat begins in earnest this weekend, with celebrations lighting up the capital.

Over the course of the next two weeks, millions of people all over the world will be eating, drinking, and generally being merry to celebrate China’s most important lunar festival.

London has celebrated the occasion for decades, beginning with a small community gathering in Chinatown in the 70s. Now, it's the biggest outside of Asia, with thousands of people flocking to the city to enjoy parades, concerts, dancing, martial arts performances and a plethora of stunning food.

This is everything you need to know about the celebrations in London this weekend.

When is the Chinese New Year parade?

This Sunday January 26, from 10am. There'll also be other performances taking place in and around Chinatown and Trafalgar Square from midday until 6pm.

Where in London is the parade?

Things kick off north of Trafalgar Square on Charing Cross Road, before moving through Shaftesbury Avenue and ending in Chinatown.

What will the Chinese New Year parade involve?

Dozens of teams will take part in the procession which will see a flurry of acrobats, musicians, dancers and hand-crafted floats whirl, jump and back-flip their way along the route. Many of the floats have been gifted to London by the Republic of China itself, and the starring collection of decorative Chinese lions and dragons is the largest in Europe.

What’s the programme for the rest of the day?

A thanksgiving ceremony will begin at 11am in Trafalgar Square, followed by firecrackers, speeches and a Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony, where a willing participant dressed in a lion costume will be given paint-dotted eyes so that they can ‘see’.

From 12.50pm traditional dragon and flying lion dances will take off on the square’s main stage, before an afternoon of martial arts displays, workshops, and dance and music shows.

There will also be a martial arts and cultural zone on Charing Cross Road and a talent and community zone on Shaftesbury Avenue to check out.

Is the event appropriate for children and families?

Yes. Performances are suitable for all ages, but families looking for entertainment geared specifically towards children should head to Leicester Square. Here, they will find family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, calligraphy and dressing up opportunities. There will also be dumpling-making classes and storytelling sessions at the National Gallery for visitors to enjoy throughout the day.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes. There will be festive menus on offer in Chinatown’s main restaurants, and street food stalls will line Trafalgar Square to keep spectators happy. Read our guide to the best Chinatown restaurants here.

What to wear for the festivities

Red is the colour of Chinese New Year, so try to incorporate it into your outfit and tradition says you’ll be granted good luck for the coming year.

Where to park for the parade

Guests are advised not to drive, but those who do can try their luck at the Q-Park in Chinatown, where there are also a limited number of accessible parking spaces.

How to get to Chinatown and Trafalgar Square

Predictably, town will be extremely busy during the celebrations so some Tube station entrances are likely to operate on a temporary entry-or-exit only basis due to the volume of visitors. Follow the official #CNYLondon hashtag and @TfL on Twitter for real-time updates. There are planned closures on the District and Metropolitan lines, as well as on the London Overground and TFL Rail. There will also be road closures, so be sure to check before you travel.

What does the Year of the Rat signify?

This year's zodiac animal, the rat, signifies fertility due to its large numbers of offspring. It was historically seen as a sign of wealth and excess in Chinese culture, while some also believe it to be a symbol of intelligence.