Lunar New Year in Central London: What to see, eat & experience
Lunar New Year is one of the most colourful moments in Central London’s calendar. Streets come alive with red lanterns, performances, and shared meals that bring families and friends together. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and making new memories in the heart of the city.
Fitzrovia sits right in the middle of the action. As one of the most walkable and lively parts of Central London, it offers a calmer base just moments from Chinatown and Soho. This guide brings together hand-picked experiences, from major Lunar New Year London events to quieter places to eat, drink, and unwind during the celebrations.
Watch the Lunar New Year’s fireworks in Central London
Lunar New Year fireworks in Central London are part of a full-day celebration that blends parades, performances, and evening displays. The experience is energetic and festive, with events unfolding across the city before nightfall.
The main celebrations usually take place on the Sunday closest to Lunar New Year. In 2026, this is expected to fall on Sunday, 22 February, following Lunar New Year on 17 February. Fireworks typically begin at dusk, around 5:30–6:00 pm, once the daytime programme comes to an end.
Places to watch fireworks for Lunar New Year occasion:
Ticketed (Official NYE): Westminster/London Eye: Prime spots are within ticketed zones along Victoria Embankment, near the London Eye, and by Westminster Bridge for a close-up experience.
Free/General viewing spots:
- ● South Bank (General): The area across from the London Eye offers iconic views, but can get very busy.
- ● Bridges (River Thames): Southwark Bridge & Millennium Bridge: Good views, but arrive early for space.
- ● Lambeth Bridge & Vauxhall Bridge: Further from the main display but offer clear views and slightly more room.
What to expect from the fireworks experience:
- ● Large crowds and a lively, high-energy atmosphere
- ● Road closures and busy public transport throughout the afternoon
- ● Cultural performances and stage events before dusk
- ● Limited viewing space if you arrive late
You may skip the firework time if:
- ● You are travelling with young children
- ● You prefer flexible or low-key plans
- ● You arrive in Central London later in the evening
- ● You dislike cold weather and dense crowds
Skipping the fireworks does not mean missing out on Lunar New Year in Central London. Many visitors choose to enjoy the daytime performances, then head to quieter neighbourhoods such as Fitzrovia for dinner or drinks. This approach offers a more relaxed way to experience the festival while still soaking up the atmosphere, without committing to large crowds late into the evening.
Best restaurants in Fitzrovia for Lunar New Year
Dining in Fitzrovia during Lunar New Year offers a balance between celebration and comfort. As crowds build in Chinatown, many visitors choose to walk a few minutes north into Fitzrovia. Here, restaurants range from casual spots to refined dining rooms, making it easier to plan a Lunar New Year dinner that suits your pace, group size, and budget.
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1. Chishuru
Address: 3 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 8AX
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
Mon–Fri: 12:00–2:00 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm
Sat: 12:00–2:00 pm
Price per person: £100+
Chishuru offers a refined, chef-led dining experience that feels special for a Lunar New Year celebration. It suits diners looking for bold flavours and a quieter, more focused meal.
2. K-POP
Address: 47 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SB
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
Mon–Thu: 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Fri–Sat: 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Closed on Sunday
Price per person: £10–£20
K-POP is a casual Fitzrovia favourite serving classic Korean comfort dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and fried chicken. It’s a practical and affordable option for a relaxed Lunar New Year meal close to the main Central London celebrations.
3. Burger & Lobster
Address: 6 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JE
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
Daily: 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Fri–Sat: 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price per person: £40–£50
Known for generous lobster rolls and crowd-pleasing burgers, Burger & Lobster is one of the most unique and best restaurants in Central London if you’re craving something out of the ordinary.
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Where to have a real New Year’s blast?
Central London offers plenty of ways to celebrate Lunar New Year after dark, from cocktail bars to late-night venues. As the main celebrations wind down, many people continue the night indoors. Fitzrovia works particularly well for this, with walkable streets, late licences, and venues that suit both small groups and casual get-togethers.
4. Crosstown Fitzrovia
Address: 13 Newman Street, London W1T 1PB, United Kingdom
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period): Hours may vary during the celebration period.
Price per person: £5–£10
If you’re stopping by Crosstown Fitzrovia during the Lunar New Year period, there’s an extra reason to indulge. This Lunar New Year, Crosstown takes their famous sourdough doughnuts to the next level with the Lunar Legends – their cult-favourite Pandan Lunar New Year doughnuts with fragrant pandan glazing and coconut cream filling. Featuring their signature sourdough Pandan doughnut and the cake-style Pandan Lamington, these limited-edition treats are only around for a very short time.
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5. Punch Room
Address: 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period): 4:00 pm–12:00 am daily
Price per person: £15–£30
Built around shared punch bowls and classic cocktails near the Regent Street, Punch Room feels polished without being formal. It’s a good choice for a relaxed Lunar New Year drink where conversation and atmosphere take priority.
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6. Cahoots Underground Bar
Address: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
- Mon–Thu: 4:00 pm–12:00 am
- Fri–Sat: 4:00 pm–1:00 am
- Sun: 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price per person: £15–£30
Set inside a former Underground station, Cahoots Underground Bar brings a playful 1940s theme to cocktails and live music. It’s a lively stop if you want your Lunar New Year evening to feel social, upbeat, and a little theatrical.
7. Rhum Tavern
Address: 48 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SE
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
- Tue–Sat: 5:00 pm–12:00 am
- Thu–Fri: 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Price per person: £10–£30
Centred around a focused rum list and classic serves, Rhum Tavern offers a cosy, neighbourhood-style setting. It’s well suited to a low-key Lunar New Year drink without the noise and crowds of Soho.
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8. The Cocktail Club
Address: 4 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QJ
Opening hours (Lunar New Year period):
- Mon–Wed: 4:00 pm–11:30 pm
- Thu: 4:00 pm–12:30 am
- Fri–Sat: 4:00 pm–1:30 am
Price per person: £10–£30
Known for creative cocktails, loud music, and late opening hours, The Cocktail Club suits group celebrations and spontaneous plans. It’s one of the livelier bars in Central London if you want your Lunar New Year night to carry on after dinner.
Reminder: Opening hours and event schedules may vary during Lunar New Year, especially around peak celebration days. We recommend checking directly before your visit.
Drop a visit in Chinatown
If there’s one place that truly feels transformed during Lunar New Year, it’s Chinatown. In the days around the main celebrations, the streets fill with red lanterns, hanging banners, and decorative arches that make even a short walk feel festive.
Set just south of Soho, Chinatown hosts lion dances, drumming performances, and pop-up cultural displays throughout the day. During the afternoon, visitors can watch lion dances, live music, martial arts displays, and cultural performances that build momentum towards the evening celebrations. It’s lively and often crowded, but visiting earlier in the day makes it easier to enjoy the atmosphere at a relaxed pace.
Practical tips for Lunar New Year in Central London
The city feels especially busy during this time of year, with packed streets, special programmes, and changing schedules across Central London. A bit of forward planning can make the experience smoother, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the whole day moving between events.
Key things to keep in mind:
- ● Check dates and schedules in advance, as event timings and opening hours may shift during the celebrations
- ● Book restaurants away from the busiest areas if you prefer a quieter meal
- ● Arrive earlier in the day to enjoy performances and decorations before peak crowds
- ● Walk calmer neighbourhoods, such as Fitzrovia Quarter, to take breaks between events
Spend time with kids or loved ones on Lunar New Year in Central London
For many people, this celebration is less about rushing between events and more about being together. Central London lends itself well to that, especially during the day, when decorations are at their brightest and performances feel more accessible for all ages. A gentle plan, perhaps a short walk, a shared meal, or time spent in calmer areas like Fitzrovia Quarter, helps turn the occasion into something relaxed, memorable, and easy to enjoy with family or close friends.
Other activities to do:
- ● Daytime walks between decorations
- ● Visit a museum with free entry
- ● Casual café stops and shared treats
- ● Neighbourhood wandering in calmer areas
- ● Early dinner instead of late plans
- ● Photo moments and memory-making
End your trip with more to explore in Fitzrovia Quarter
When the crowds thin and the pace slows, Fitzrovia comes into its own. Independent cafés, relaxed restaurants, and characterful streets make it an easy place to wander without a plan. Whether you’re extending the evening or saving ideas for next time, explore what’s on and plan ahead with us.