Every February Central London Marks the Most Popular New Year Chinese Style

The largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Europe transpire each year in Londons Chinatown with more than of quarter of a million people attending. Lots of events take place every where in the city. Trafalgar Square is where the main entertainment area is. Chinatown is full of decoration and has many Chinese Lion dances through its roads. Shaftsbury Avenue has a second stage at which more local entertainment happen. Planning is a key to success with big get togthers so book your hotel well ahead.

Each year in February, Chinese New Year has been celebrated in England. It has happened for quite a long time now. But even if you choose not to enjoy it, you will have heard someone mention it. The biggest and most visted of these celebrations happen in London. These take place at many different locations as official events and also there are many not so official goings on. The London Mayors Office has granted a small amount of funding to help with these festivities and has also allowed Trafalgar Square to be used.

Trafalgar Square has the largest stage in it. It is situated across from the National Gallery. The nearest underground station to this is Charring Cross, which has an entrance on Trafalgar Square. Here real acts from China and other entertainers will perform traditional Lion dances and entertain people with different mediums. Because its a middle of London Square it is a very well-known tourist attraction in its own right. However it gets even more colourful as the Chinese community get together with us. Two real acts from China are booked to charm us. The partys start at midday and are sure to keep going through daylight, finishing at 6 oclock. This is a free event for all the relations to really enjoy.

Chinatown itself has three Lions dancing through the streets. Local Kung Fu groups originally performed the Lion dances and many of the movements come from this art. The objective of the dance is to pluck the new seasons produce which hang in front of local business premises. This is said to bring good luck to the proprietors in the New Year. Origonally the vegetables got hung very high. This means it would be hard for all but the best artists to pluck. Traditionally red envelopes were a reward given to the most athletic troupes. These consisted of a finacical reward for the Lion dancers if they managed to grasp it. You will also see splendid beautification and many different celebrations going on. The red  envelopes are also given to the young by parents as a New Year gift.

The origins of this London Chinatown stem from no further back than the 1970's. However as the central area for Oriental businesses, restaurants and culture it has no parallel in the UK. Additionally some nearby eating houses may offer a special new years menu to the public. This traditionally is a fish dish however many other dishes are also on offer. Therefore you can come along with your family to partake of the Lion Dancers and next a really good meal to see in the Chinese new year. London's Chinatown is located in the West End and is thought to to start at Shaftsbury Avenue.

Also another area for entertainment is located on Shaftsbury Avenue, which runs West to East through London soho. most people will have heard of this place as it is considered the very middle of Londons West End. On this stage resident artists will perform traditional frolics and also some more up-to-date parties take place. So the chance thus arises for you to partake of the days fun and good feed followed by a performance in any of the many great show houses close by.

No matter what you plan you will be sure to get pleasure from it all and more at londons Chinese New Year. You will be enjoying a traditional cultural celebration that is to be relished by all the family and close friends as well in modern respectful London England. As the nights get shorter this celebration can bring a little more light into our lives as well.

It is a event to look forward to for all of you. The only method to make sure you really have a good time at this festival is to reserve a hotel before you go. In the West End there are many to choose from that will be great value for your cash. The hotel search provided in the West End has a special Chinatown hotel search available. This is where you can select between the best and best value local places to stay. Where ever you choose getting into the West End should be a simple matter by London Tubes.