On 25th January, people all around the world will be celebrating Chinese New Year – 2020 is the Year of the Rat. But it’s not just China that hosts incredible festivities to mark the start of a new lunar year. It’s worldwide. So we’re giving you the lowdown on some of the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year around the world.
Beijing, China
Where’s better to head for Chinese New Year than the capital of China itself? Chinese New Year, otherwise known as the Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday of the year. And with good reason. The city is decorated with red lanterns and red-window paper cuts, and there are firework displays and temple fairs too.
London, United Kingdom
London is home to the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia and is an exciting destination to explore at this time of year. Watch the parade that snakes from Chinatown to London’s West End, catch a dragon or lion dance performance and tuck into some delicious Chinese foods on offer. Don’t forget to catch live performances in Trafalgar Square too!
San Francisco, USA
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Chinese New Year whilst in the USA, you may want to head straight for San Francisco. The city hosts the largest Chinese New Year’s celebration in North America, with over 3 million people watching the parade each year. As well as the huge parade, there are also smaller events taking place too. These include the Chinatown YMCA Run, the Flower Market Fair in Chinatown plus a community street fair (with traditional dancing, lion dancing, fortune-telling and Chinese calligraphy).
Bangkok, Thailand
If you happen to be in Thailand during Chinese New Year, head to Chinatown (Yaowarat) to celebrate! Similar to the other cities mentioned, there will be street performers in the shape of lion dancers and drummers. And once celebrations for the lunar year are finished you can jump straight into Bangkok’s Lantern Festival too!
Singapore
Singapore is an incredible place to celebrate Chinese New Year, with a packed schedule of parades, festivals and carnivals. Chinatown will, of course, be the centre point for the celebrations, with a whopping five events taking place, including a lion dance competition, the Festive Street Bazaar and the huge Chingay Parade. Universal Studios Singapore is also getting in on the act too.
Fancy visiting one of the above destinations anytime soon? Get your discounted student and youth flights now.
