It’s the Year of the Pig! Time for the family to trot out and enjoy Chinese New Year and all its festive traditions. Luckily in London the occasion is widely celebrated ; there are so many Chinese New Year activities and events that kids will love. Here are some ideas for the whole family to join in the festivities:
Cutty sark Chinese new year art workshop
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Cutty Sark with an art workshop inspired by the ship’s historic voyages to China.
When: 2-3 Feb; 11.30am-1.30pm and 2pm-4pm
Where: Cutty Sark, Sammy Ofer gallery, King William Walk, SE10 9HT
Age: 3+
Cost: Free with admission
More information: website
british museum: explore china
Be inspired by the museum’s objects from China. Find your zodiac character, make a digital vase and more.
When: 3 Feb; 11am-4pm
Where: British Museum, Samsung Centre, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG
Age: 5+
Cost: free, drop-in
More information: website
Chinese New Year Weekend Museum of London Docklands
Chinese New Year Weekend Museum of London DocklandsWelcome in the Year of the Pig with fun activities and performances and be sure to keep an eye out for the spectacular lion dance outside the museum.
When: 2-3 Feb
Where: Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL
Ages: most activities 3+
Cost: free but some activities ticketed, first come first served
More info: website
burgh house Chinese new year celebration day
burgh house Chinese new year celebration dayThis day of celebration starts with a lion dance on the high street then back to the Burgh House for Chinese calligraphy, lantern making, music and more.
When: 3 Feb; 11am
Where: Burgh House, New End Square, NW3 1LT
Age: all
Cost: free
More information: website
Chinese New Year family festival day: The National Gallery
An array of festive activities is planned for families including fan decorating, make your own dumplings, create your own zodiac creature cards and watch a fan dance performance (then join in with the fan you made!).
When: 10 Feb; first activities begin 11am
Where: The National Gallery, Pigott Education Centre entrance, WC2N 5DN
Age: all
Cost: free
More information: website
chinese food market and crafts: duke of york square
Come hungry as there will be a special Chinese edition of the Square’s food market, then enjoy a lion dance performance, make your own Chinese red envelope, greeting banner and headdresses. Peppa Pig will be there for storytelling sessions and a photo opportunity.
When: 9 Feb; 11am-4pm
Where: Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY
Age: all
Cost: free
More information: website
Celebrate Chinese New Year: National Maritime Museum
Be wowed watching a Shanghai Theatre Academy dance performance and lion dances by Step Out Arts. Learn some new moves in a Dragon Dance workshop, create your own Chinese Junk flags and explore the Traders gallery in the company of James Robson, a Chinese lascar (sailor) who served on the Cutty Sark.
When: 9 Feb; 11am-4pm
Where: National Maritime Museum, Park Row, SE10 9NF
Age: all, apart from 6+ for Traders gallery exploration
Cost: free
More information: website
