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For many people, Lunar New Year is a major annual celebration to welcome the new year and spend quality time catching up with family and friends. As an international student who spent my entire life in Malaysia before coming to London for university, Lunar New Year no longer feels the same as how I grew up celebrating it. However, I feel lucky that there are so many things to do here in London that can make it feel like home 🏡✨

Enjoy Good Food 🥟

Treat yourself to some delicious hot pot, dim sum, or buffet - all of which are available in so many places across London. You can even visit your favourite restaurant, enjoy your favourite cuisine, and buy your favourite snacks! Many restaurants offer special Lunar New Year set menus, so you’ll have a plethora of choices to pick from. Choose any food that you’d normally enjoy with your family and friends, the key is to make your experience feel as homely as possible.

Dress in Red, New Clothes, or Your Favourite Colour!

Red is an auspicious colour for the Lunar New Year, and buying yourself some new clothes is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. But even if you don’t own a red garment, just wear your favourite colour! This way, you can make the most out of the special occasion. Do remember to wrap up warm as the weather can be unpredictable!

Watch the Lunar New Year Parade

The parade is happening again this year, welcoming the Year of the Horse! On Sunday 22nd February, the parade will begin from Trafalgar Square, passing through several streets before making its way up to Chinatown. With so many festive performances, exhibitions, activities, and food lining up, this is definitely not one to miss.

So let’s celebrate the Lunar New Year together - we will be meeting at Residences Reception on Mile End Campus at 9am and travel as a group to watch the parade!

Visit Old Spitalfields Market

Located in East London, close to our campuses, Old Spitalfields Market will be celebrating the Year of the Horse on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February from 10am to 4pm, featuring Lion Dance performances, dumpling-making workshop, art workshops, and a pop up Asian makers market. The best part is this is taking place at the market, which means that you’ll never run out of food choices to pick from!

Lunar New Year Celebration 2026

Make a trip to Camden Market

Tired of seeing the trendy chocolate-coated strawberries? Well, Camden Market is going to make an exception on Saturday 21st February between 12:30pm to 6pm, because they are welcoming the year of the Horse in full ‘horsepower’ - with music, dance, and plenty of stalls to explore. The best part? All activities, workshops, and performances are free of charge! You can reserve a spot here by clicking here.

Pop by Greenwich Peninsula’s Year of the Horse celebrations

If you would like to make the most out of the Lunar New Year festivities, you can also visit Greenwich Peninsula on Saturday 21st February, between 12pm to 5pm - expect to enjoy lion dances, festive food, art exhibition and opportunities to take part in creative workshops here! Click here to see more.

Dear Asia’s Lantern Making Workshop 🏮

If you enjoy arts and crafts, this is for you. Located in Aldgate, Dear Asia Centre will be holding a lantern-making session that you can enjoy alongside festive treats and tea that they offer. This event will take place on Monday 2nd March from 6pm to 7pm in celebration of the Lantern Festival, which makes a perfect post-lecture evening outing. Make sure to purchase a ticket from the link here!

Attend SOAS Sounds of Spring Concert 🎶

If you love music, this is not to be missed. Taking place on Tuesday, 3rd March, this concert is going to feature a special programme of traditional and contemporary music that is not typically performed in London. There is no better way to wrap up the last day of Lunar New Year, which is the 15th day, than by enjoying some live music. There are even student tickets available at a discounted price, so be sure to check it out!

Finally, don’t forget to wish your family and friends a very happy new year! You could even learn a few festive greetings - and hopefully receive some red envelopes too! 🧧

Happy new year, and enjoy the festivities in London!