Top things to do this Chinese New Year in Manchester

It’s that time of year again—Lunar New Year is here, and Manchester is ready to shine! Experience one of the city’s most dazzling celebrations as it comes alive to welcome the Year of the Snake. Stroll through streets adorned with iconic red lanterns, marvel at a shimmering golden dragon, and immerse yourself in captivating live performances.

Ready to celebrate in style? Discover our top picks for making the most of Manchester’s Lunar New Year festivities and ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Starting Wednesday, 29 January, immerse yourself in the magic of Spinningfields, where vibrant lantern installations light up the neighbourhood. Perfect for photos, these displays create a festive atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Take part in the Manchester Cash Hunt, where red envelopes with hidden cash prizes will be scattered across Spinningfields and St John’s. Clues will be shared on Instagram (@manchester_cash_hunt), and exclusive bonus prizes are available through the free Spinningfields app.

Don’t forget to visit the Lunar New Year selfie box in Spinningfields Square to capture your celebratory moments. Follow @spinningfields on social media for updates and join the fun!

Looking to try something new? Join a Chinese painting workshop led by local artist Ula Fung.

Using traditional materials like bamboo brushes, mineral paints, and Chinese ink, you’ll start with rice paper and work your way to creating a final piece on a luxury Chinese scroll. Each session introduces new brushwork techniques and styles, making this workshop perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.

Celebrate with friends and festive drinks at Kargo, Quayside MediaCity, where the traditions of Hong Kong take centre stage. Participate in fai chun writing, crafting red-paper wishes for luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting new ones, this event is a meaningful way to embrace the joy and spirit of the Lunar New Year.

Let your creativity shine at a Lunar New Year lantern workshop with artist Ula Fung. Learn to paint with bamboo brushes, mineral paints, and Chinese ink while designing your own lantern.

This workshop is open to ages 16+ and welcomes all painting abilities, making it a fun and inclusive activity to celebrate the season.

Step into a world of colour and joy at Manchester Museum’s Lunar New Year celebration. Experience performances like lion and traditional Chinese dances, K-pop and C-pop showcases, and a lively choir.

Enjoy family-friendly activities, acrobatics, costume try-ons, and authentic food, including Malaysian and Taiwanese dishes and boba tea.

Delight in a family-friendly spectacle featuring an 18-metre dragon, lion dances, Kung Fu displays, and playful pandas. This show is packed with energy, colour, and excitement—a perfect way to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

On 2 February, Circle Square hosts Hello Oriental’s vibrant Chinese New Year event. Expect balloon animals, a traditional dragon dance, and a specially curated menu featuring authentic East Asian dishes like Prosperity Salads.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a free family collage workshop at esea contemporary on Sunday, 2 February 2025, at 11am. Guided by artist James Collar, participants aged 8+ can create vibrant snake-inspired collages using a variety of materials. Spaces are limited—book now to enjoy this festive, hands-on Lunar New Year event!

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a fun family trail at the gallery! Pick up a sketchbook, find six posters with activities, and collect letters to uncover a secret word. Share it at the front desk to claim your reward! The trail runs until Sunday, 9 February 2025—don’t miss it!

Be part of the magic as Manchester comes alive for Chinese New Year. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Find out more about the events and activities taking place across the city on our dedicated Chinese New Year page.

Want to know more about what's happening in the city and wider region? Visit our what's on page.