Top 5 things to do this Chinese New Year in Manchester

The UK’s brightest celebrations. As the dark streets light up, welcome in the Year of the Rat this weekend in Manchester. Featuring the famous red lanterns, a glittering golden dragon, live performances and the legendary Dragon Parade. This year there is a new parade route, starting at 12.30pm outside Central Library in St Peter’s Square.

Here are our top things to do this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

1. Chinatown Celebrations

24 – 26 January

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown with live performances, workshops, food, stalls and a funfair.

Don’t miss the brand-new illuminated Dragon, plus traditional lion dances, Chinese acrobatics, singing, poem reading and Kungfu.

On Sunday 26 January follow the 175ft dragon from St Peter’s Square to Chinatown and enjoy the spectacular fireworks finale at 6pm.

2. The Dragon Parade

26 January 

Follow the famous 175ft dragon as it weaves its way through the city’s streets along a new route for 2020’s celebrations. Starting from outside Manchester Central Library in St Peter’s Square, the city’s iconic dragon will be accompanied by traditional lion and ribbon dancers, alongside Chinese opera performers, giant Buddha Dolls and the Chinese Scout parade.

Look out for the dragon as it makes its way from St Peter’s Square down Peter Street to Oxford Street onto Portland Street before heading down Princess Street and into the heart of Chinatown for 2pm. And be sure not to miss the fireworks finale at 6pm on Sunday evening.

View a map of the parade route here. 

3. Giant Golden Dragon

25 – 26 January

Head to St Ann’s Square to catch a glimpse of the 50ft giant, glittering Golden Dragon that has taken up residence for the weekend. Share your pics using #chinesenewyearMCR.

4. Family Arts & Craft Workshops 

25 – 26 January

Over the weekend, there are plenty of family-friendly workshops to get involved in! On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January, Manchester Arndale will host Manchester Confucius Institute and Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA) for family arts and crafts. Manchester Art Gallery and Central Library will also be offering up arts, crafts and performances, whilst CFCCA will host a drawing competition with fabulous prizes including an original drawing by Joey Yu. 

5. Chinese New Year Weekend Shopping

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Harvey Nichols with live DJ sets, special offers and complimentary personalisation, plus Tarot Card consultations with The Wellness Foundry.

Head to Selfridges, Exchange Square for a host of beauty masterclasses and demonstrations from Charlotte Tilbury, Beauty Concierge, NARS, Pat McGrath and TOM FORD, plus a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, complimentary quick sneaker cleans and personalised gifts.

For more Chinese New Year events head to visitmanchester.com/CNY & follow the fun at @ChineseNYMCR.