Best Places to Celebrate Chinese New Year Around the World
Experience the Year of the Monkey without traveling to China. Visit Chinatowns in cities from London to Kuala Lumpur for authentic feasts reminiscent of Beijing hutongs and vibrant celebrations like those in Shanghai. Celebrations span two weeks from February 8, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
London
London hosts one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia, beginning February 14. Festivities center on Chinatown and nearby streets, with a parade along Shaftesbury Avenue ending in lion and dragon dances at Trafalgar Square.
Key event: Trafalgar Square concert
Following the parade, dance troupes and musicians perform on stage at this iconic landmark.
Key sight: Gerard Street
The main street of Chinatown bursts with vibrant sounds and colors all day, making it essential for visitors.
Key foodie spot: Wong Kei
Among central London's many Chinese restaurants, Wong Kei on Wardour Street is a favorite for its wonton noodle soup and bustling atmosphere.
New York
Manhattan's iconic Chinatown thrives, but Queens' Flushing boasts a large East Asian community. Koreans and Chinese unite for an extended parade that lasts into the night.
Key event: Chinese New Year Temple Bazaar, Flushing Town Hall
After the parade, Flushing Town Hall's arts center hosts a traditional bazaar (flushingtownhall.org) featuring crafts, musicians, and performers.
Key sight: Main Street and 39th Avenue
The parade concludes at this bustling intersection in Flushing's Chinatown.
Key foodie spot: New World Mall Food Court
This renowned basement food court at Main and Roosevelt Avenues offers top Asian cuisine. Try the pork belly and pickled green buns from Xiao Yuan Huang.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur's large Chinese community celebrates enthusiastically with national holidays on February 8-9. Streets, especially around the Golden Triangle near Petronas Towers, come alive.
Key event: KLCC Chinese New Year events
Shopping malls host lion and dragon dances; KLCC features prominent performances throughout the festivities.
Key sight: Petaling Street
On February 8, this historic Chinatown street fills with crowds, food stalls, and shops.
Key foodie spot: Jalan Alor
In Bukit Bintang, this street offers excellent Chinese restaurants. Don't miss the sticky chicken wings from Wong Ah Wah.
San Francisco
With America's oldest Chinatown (est. 1848), San Francisco blends tradition with spectacle in its grand annual parade.
Key event: Chinese New Year parade
On February 20, over 100 floats parade around Chinatown's edge, drawing more than three million spectators. Secure bleacher seats on Kearny Street for $30.
Key sight: Dragon Gate
Chinatown bustles with lanterns and decorations; start at the Dragon Gate on Bush Street.
Key foodie spot: House of Nanking
Renowned for sesame chicken, this spot surprises with chef-recommended dishes.
Melbourne
Melbourne's Chinatown offers events across two weeks, from February 6 to 21.
Key event: Dragon’s Awakening Ceremony
On Little Bourke Street, a massive dragon parades from 10am to 10pm.
Key sight: Melbourne Zoo
For the Year of the Monkey, enjoy special access to the squirrel monkey enclosure with photo ops.
Key foodie spot: ShanDong MaMa
This arcade gem excels in dumplings, especially the mackerel variety.
Bangkok
Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown is a top Asian spot for Chinese New Year, with events lasting late into the night.
Key event: Yaowarat Road concert
From midday on February 8 at the Chinatown Gate, enjoy singers, acrobats, drummers, and dragons.
Key sight: Wat Arun
This temple hosts dragon parades, lanterns, and traditional music.
Key foodie spot: Yaowarat Road food stands
Join the longest lines for legendary street food.
Singapore
Public holidays on February 8-9 allow full immersion in celebrations.
Key event: 9th International Lion Dance competition
On January 23-24, 16 troupes compete; tickets S$15.
Key sight: Chinatown
2,268 student-designed lanterns illuminate Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, and South Bridge Road.
Key foodie spot: Chinatown Food Street
Choose from 30 stalls; try fried oysters from Katong Keah Kee.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's diverse energy fuels multi-day festivities.
Key event: International Parade, Tsim Sha Tsui, 8 February
International floats with dancers and musicians parade through Tsim Sha Tsui.
Key sight: Sha Tin Racecourse
On the third day, enjoy horse racing after a lion dance.
Key foodie spot: City Hall Maxim’s Palace
This dim sum haven serves steaming buns from trolleys; expect queues.
