What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Chinese culture. It’s all about fresh starts, family time, and celebrating with loved ones. The date varies each year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, but it usually falls sometime between January and February. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and for 2025, it’s the Year of the Snake.

Leicester is hands-down one of the best places to experience Chinese New Year in the UK. The city is super diverse, with a large Chinese community, so the celebrations are big, vibrant, and inclusive. As a student, this is a great chance to experience the rich culture and traditions.

Chinese New Year Events in Leicester

If you’re looking for something different to do in Leicester, the Year of the Snake celebrations are just the thing to break up your routine. Whether Chinese New Year is a tradition you already celebrate, or you’re curious to experience it for the first time, this event promises to be packed with excitement, colour, and plenty to enjoy with your mates.

The festivities begin on 1st February at Highcross Leicester, where the celebrations will run from 1 PM to 6 PM. Expect live performances from traditional Chinese music and stunning dance routines to impressive acrobatics. Groups like Chinese Whispers Ensemble and Euphoria will bring the stage to life, and there’ll also be interactive workshops where you can get involved with storytelling or creative crafts. To top it off, lion dances will be popping up around the city centre throughout the day; they are bright and loud and are an absolute must-see.

The excitement continues on 2nd February, starting at De Montfort University. At 2:30 PM, a Lion Dance performance will take place outside the food village, which is a great chance to grab a bite to eat while you watch. Then, at 3 PM, the main procession will kick off from Jubilee Square. Expect a vibrant parade with lion dancers, puppets, dragons, Buddhas, and more, filling the streets with colour and energy.

From 4:30 PM, Town Hall Square will become the centre of the action. You’ll find martial arts demonstrations, laser displays, fire effects, and even more lion dancers, creating an incredible atmosphere. To cap it all off, the evening will finish with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky, bringing the celebrations to an unforgettable close.

The best part? It’s all free. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with your flatmates, a way to experience a new culture or just an excuse to head into town, Leicester’s Chinese New Year celebrations have something for everyone. Grab your friends, take a break from uni life, and join in the fun as Leicester welcomes the Year of the Snake!

Top Chinese Restaurants in Leicester for Authentic Dining

If you’re craving some authentic Chinese food to kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations (or just want to treat yourself), Leicester has plenty of top-notch spots to satisfy your taste buds. The city’s diverse restaurant scene offers everything from traditional dim sum to hearty hotpots and stir-fries. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite with mates or a more refined dining experience, these restaurants will give you an unforgettable taste of China.

Imperial

High Street

A staple in Leicester’s Chinese dining scene, Imperial is known for its high-quality dishes and authentic Cantonese flavours. If you’re a fan of dim sum, you’re in for a treat, as this is a standout on the menu, with options ranging from delicate steamed dumplings to crispy fried delights. 

Sichuan Brothers

London Road

If you love bold, spicy food, Sichuan Brothers should be at the top of your list. Specialising in the bold, fiery flavours of Sichuan cuisine, expect mouthwatering dishes packed with spices, peppers, and fragrant seasonings. Try their famous hotpots and signature mapo tofu for an authentic taste of Sichuan that will leave you wanting more.

Spring Jiangnan

Welford Road

For a taste of Southern Chinese cuisine, Spring Jiangnan is the place to be. Their menu features a mix of delicious clay pot casseroles, tradi

tional cold dishes, and classic noodle dishes, perfect for anyone looking for a more refined Chinese dining experience.

Mr Wang’s Hot Pot

High Cross Street

If you’re in the mood for something interactive and fun, Mr Wang’s Hot Pot offers a unique dining experience where you create your own hotpot. With a variety of broths, meats, and vegetables to choose from, this hotpot experience brings the flavours of China right to your table. It’s a great option for groups of friends looking for something different while enjoying authentic ingredients and flavours.

Taste of China

High Street

Known for its exceptional value and consistently delicious food, Taste of China is a favourite among locals. This no-frills spot serves up tasty Chinese comfort food, from stir-fries and soups to more hearty dishes like crispy duck and sweet and sour chicken. Perfect for a casual meal, this restaurant never compromises on flavour or authenticity.

Top Asian Super Markets in Leicester for Chinese New Year Ingredients 

If you’re in the mood for a cosy night away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, why not whip up some Chinese New Year treats in your studio kitchen at St George’s Tower? It’s a great way to embrace the celebrations and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or by yourself.

Leicester’s Asian supermarkets, like Wing Yip or Loon Fung, are perfect places to pick up all the ingredients you’ll need to cook up your own festive dishes. Whether you’re making dumplings (which are said to bring wealth and good fortune) or preparing rice cakes (a traditional food symbolising stability), you’ll find everything you need to create an authentic Chinese New Year spread. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try your hand at making sweet sesame balls – these are crispy, chewy treats filled with red bean paste, and they’re perfect for snacking while you enjoy a film or relax.

Celebrating Lunar New Year at St Georges Tower

Leicester is the place to be if you want to experience Chinese New Year in all its vibrant glory. With its rich cultural diversity and exciting line-up of events, the city offers an unforgettable way to ring in the Year of the Snake. Whether you’re joining in the lively parades, watching the spectacular lion dances, or indulging in mouthwatering Chinese cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As a student staying at St George’s Tower, you’re perfectly positioned to make the most of all the action. Located right in the heart of Leicester, you’re just a stone’s throw away from all the main events, meaning you can easily step out and dive straight into the celebrations. Whether you’re heading to Highcross Leicester for the performances, catching the Lion Dance at De Montfort University, or soaking up the atmosphere at Town Hall Square, your central location makes it all super convenient.