About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Asia and among Asian diaspora communities worldwide. The Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, where each month begins with a new moon. The exact date varies from year to year but typically falls between late January and mid-February.
Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which adds symbolic meaning to the festivities. For example, the year 2024 is the year of Dragon🐉, and 2025 is the year of Snake 🐍, and 2026 is the year of Horse🐴. As Lunar New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, it represents a symbolic shift from the old to the new and is a time for families to reunite. Themes of prosperity, good fortune, and happiness are central to the celebration.
Traditionally in China, the celebrations start with the Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve, when families gather for a feast featuring dishes that symbolize good luck and prosperity, like fish and dumplings. Homes are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts, all believed to bring good fortune. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and usher in the new year with a bang. The festival culminates with the Lantern Festival, where dragon and lion dances bring vibrant energy to the streets, and people light lanterns to mark the end of the festivities. Throughout the celebration, it’s customary for elders to give red envelopes (红包 hóngbāo🧧) containing money to children and younger relatives, signifying blessings and good fortune for the coming year.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, each with its own unique customs and traditions. In South Korea, it is known as Seollal, which involves traditional games, folk dances, and rituals to honor ancestors. Families often wear hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, and enjoy festive meals together. In Vietnam, it is called Tết Nguyên Đán, with similar family gatherings and traditions. Mongolia celebrates Tsagaan Sar, where families come together to prepare and enjoy traditional foods like dumplings. In Singapore, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries, Lunar New Year is a vibrant celebration, often incorporating a mix of Chinese and local customs. For instance, in Singapore, the River Hongbao festival features parades, performances, and elaborate decorations.
In metropolitan cities around the world with significant Asian populations, like London, where there is a China Town, the Lunar New Year festivities are open to all, showcasing parades, fireworks, and cultural events that celebrate the rich heritage of the festival. Ultimately, Lunar New Year is a time for people of various backgrounds to embrace the spirit of renewal, unity, and hope. It offers a chance for communities to come together, regardless of cultural origin, and share in the joyous celebration.
“Celebrating Asia’s most important festival is a gateway to connecting with Asian cultures.”
“Dear Asia is the only place in London to offer our team the perfect cultural experience for celebrating Lunar new year.”
Book a bespoke workshop
Welcome to our Lunar New Year Workshops, these special events are designed to bring the joy, tradition, and vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year to you! Each of the workshops is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and festive spirit of one of the most celebrated holidays in Asia. Whether you’re familiar with Lunar New Year or experiencing it for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Option 1 – cultural Showcase
This workshop is adaptable for any group size, we can host it at your workplace, ensuring everyone can participate. The workshop includes themed decorations, food tasting, and pairing drinks (not just tea—alcohol if permitted). For seated activities, we offer options like calligraphy with red couplets, paper cutting, and crafting. We also host Korean Seollal celebrations with a similar setup.
Option 2 – Dumpling Making Workshop
Dumplings are a traditional staple during New Year celebrations, with families gathering to prepare and eat them together. Our workshop offers a unique approach to dumpling-making, featuring interactive activities and friendly competitions. You can choose to host it at your workplace (where you can freeze the dumplings after making them) or at our venue in Aldgate (you can enjoy the dumplings after making).
Option 3 – China Town Food crawl
hinatown is beautifully decorated this time of year, making it the perfect backdrop for a food crawl. This guided tour takes you through Chinatown, revealing the history and stories of London’s Asian communities. At each stop, you’ll enjoy delicious Asian street food. The tour lasts about an hour and includes 3-5 snack options, depending on your group size and budget.
Option 4 – Online Workshop
Our one-hour online session makes it easy for companies to organize a fun and engaging event. It includes a cultural pop quiz, a lucky draw, and insights into festive traditions. It’s a perfect way to bring teams together for a lively and educational experience.
Our client reviews
Read reviews from our clients to see how our cultural workshops have made a positive impact on workplace cultural diversity.
Our Festive Celebration Events
Keep an eye on our calendar, and you’ll find that we have festival celebrations throughout the year, bringing you a taste of Asian culture and heritage.
More about Asian Festivals & Cultures
Find out our blog writing offering you insights about asian festivals from history, background to ideas of how to celebrate with your team to promote culture diversity in your company.
Bespoke cultural workshops for companies
Explore our range of workshops on Asian cultures, perfect for your next team-building event or cultural learning session at work.
Best of Asia Tea Tasting
Our tea tasting workshop is an ideal way to enrich your team’s understanding of Asian tea culture and the associated way of life. In contrast to coffee, tea holds a significant place in Asian culture, with its renowned tea-serving ceremonies and communal tea-drinking practices that foster sharing, communication, mindfulness, and a sense of connection. By booking this unique workshop, you can introduce your team to the Asian lifestyle and encourage them to appreciate different cultures. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote cultural awareness and enhance team bonding through the art of tea.
Best of Asia Zen Crafting
Our Asian Zen crafting workshop is thoughtfully crafted to offer a serene experience that fosters a connection with the rich arts and crafts of Asian heritage. Through engaging in these gentle crafting activities, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for Asian aesthetics while providing a serene space for individuals to find tranquility in the creative process. The workshop covers a range of practices, including Japanese origami, Chinese calligraphy, and Korean embroidery, promoting not only inner peace but also the creation of beautiful, meaningful art, resulting in a profound sense of accomplishment with each creation.
Best of Asia Drink Tasting
Our “Best of Asia” drink tasting workshop presents a delightful opportunity to acquaint your team with a variety of unique drinks and exotic flavors. We’re excited to share with you a carefully curated selection of beverages from various regions of Asia, each boasting its distinct taste profiles and potential mixing options. During this engaging workshop, we not only explore these intriguing flavors but also delve into the rich tapestry of Asian drinking culture. Your team will gain insights into the customs, traditions, and even fun drinking games that are integral to these cultures.
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