Chinese New Year events in London

Tuesday, 1st of February 2022 marks the start of Chinese New Year. It's the year of the Tiger, which is all about strength, exorcising evils (hopefully a global pandemic too?), and braveness. Here at Brigit's Bakery, we celebrate Chinese New Year every year, but these qualities certainly feel like something worth celebrating, considering the few years we've had. So if you’re looking for any fun and family-friendly Chinese New Year events in London, you have to check out what we have planned for you!

Interesting facts about the Chinese Zodiac

Fancy some trivia about Chinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac to impress friends and family? Then you can tell them that the zodiac system has been around in Chinese culture since the Qin dynasty, which established the first empire in China around 230 B.C. That’s a long time ago - over 2,000 years!

We don't really know how it all started, but it’s possible the Chinese zodiac came about as a way to worship animals. Various fascinating legends exist to explain why these 12 animals were chosen and how they have anything to do with personality traits, fortune, and compatibility. They certainly make for some interesting reading if you're curious to find out!

So why does the Chinese New Year start in February? Because it follows the lunar year (rather than the Gregorian calendar we all know and love) and coincides with the sighting of a new moon. In Chinese tradition, the turn of the new lunar year is traditionally a time to remember ancestors and pay a tribute to the gods. Families tend to get together for dinner and give children red envelopes of money as a symbol of good luck. Red decorations are also used to attract good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. All great things we want from a new year, right?

Do you know your Chinese zodiac animal?

According to various myths, the Chinese zodiac has 12 animals that were selected through a race. Because there could only be 12 winners, animals had to cross a rapid current river and reach the finish line on the shore. Apparently, it all started with a cat and a rat. But today the 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The Chinese zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years, so make sure you check what your zodiac animal is. 2022 is the year of the Tiger, and so were 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010. And the next year of the tiger won't be until 2034! Were you or your grandparents, parents, or children born in the year of the Tiger? It wouldn’t be a bad thing, you know? Because people born under the Tiger are brave, competitive, and confident. Maybe a little unpredictable, but also very charming and well-liked by others.

If you want to know more about the Chinese Zodiac to impress those around you, you can find out more interesting facts here.

Chinese New Year events in London in 2022

Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, celebrations for Chinese New Year normally start on the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar and end around 15 days later with the Lantern Festival. This year, Lantern Festival is celebrated in London on Saturday, the 5th February 2022, and you'll be able to find various lantern-making or other crafty workshops - most of them free.

If you’re in London this February, we highly recommend you join the traditional Chinese New Year parade. It's free to attend and a fun event for the whole family. The parade starts on the 2nd February 2022 (from 11 am to 5 pm) from Charing Cross Road and goes all the way through Shaftesbury Avenue into Chinatown.

You'll be able to enjoy traditional Chinese dance and music as well as contemporary performers. Also, don't miss out on the family zone in Leicester Square. Perfect for children, there'll be performances, martial arts, and free workshops. The celebration ends in Trafalgar Square with huge fireworks and entertaining stage performances.

And while you're there, if you'd like to pop in for a visit at the end of your amazing day, our bakery in Chandos Place, Covent Garden will be open until 6 pm. And you can be sure our staff will welcome you with open arms.

Celebrate Chinese New Year events in London with Brigit’s Bakery

As always, here at Brigit's Bakery, we love a celebration. Give us a special occasion (especially a joyful, colourful one like Chinese New Year), and we’ll find a way not just to mark the event (in style) but to help you have the best time with your friends and family.

This year, to celebrate the Chinese New Year we are launching a themed Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, running on the 1st of February 2022 only with 3 tours departing from Victoria Coach station at 12 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5 pm.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to International travel restrictions the Chinese New Year tour will not be happening in 2022.

We have a brand new, Chinese-inspired menu that will include the following freshly-prepared savouries:

• Pork burger.
• Ham, cheese, and mustard mayo finger sandwich on tomato bread.
• Cucumber, cream cheese, and mint finger sandwich on spinach bread.
• Smoked salmon pretzel with cream cheese.
• Savoury muffin with feta, peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes.

And when it comes to homemade cakes and tarts, you'll be able to enjoy:

• Black sésame macaron.
• Raspberry and coconut choux.
• Chocolate cupcake pandan frosting.
• And a delicious mango and passionfruit tart.

Our amazing afternoon tea menu will be accompanied by freshly-based, plain scones with clotted cream and jam, of course. And, as always, alternative menus (including Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Halal) will be available in case you have any specific dietary preferences or requirements. Just let us know at the time of booking.

So if you'd like to celebrate Chinese New Year in style, don't forget to book your table ASAP as our themed tour only runs for one day only and spaces are limited and selling fast! For the latest information and booking, please check our website.