Dancing dragons and lions, traditional musical performances and a magical lantern parade are just some of the Chinese New Year celebrations taking place in Southampton this February.
Marking 2025’s Year of the Snake, Southampton’s programme will launch on 1stFebruary, with the city’s Guildhall Square providing the backdrop to a free programme of celebrations organised by the Chinese Association of Southampton. Starting at 10.30am with a colourful dragon and lion dancing show, the larger-than-life puppets, accompanied by a walking entourage, will bound into Westquay shopping centre for more activities and performances, martial arts displays and interactive workshops from midday to 4pm.
The following weekend, 8th February, revellers can head back to Southampton’s Guildhall Square for more free cultural performances organised by the Hampshire Chinese Association. Running from midday until 1.30pm, an impressive dragon parade and traditional lion dance will be accompanied by family focused games plus health and wellbeing activities for all. The celebrations will continue with more (largely free) ticketed activities staged from 3-5pm at the MAST Mayflower Studios with an exciting Chinese Lion Dance, captivating martial arts demonstrations and traditional Beijing Opera, as well as both modern and traditional singing and dancing.
Marking the end of the Chinese New Year extravaganza, there will be a magical lantern parade on the 12th February.
STAY at Accor Ibis: The appropriately named Ibis Southampton Centre is perfectly located for exploring the maritime city. Bright and airy this economy hotel is ideal for those on a budget who want to make a weekend of it. Arriving Friday 7th February, a two-night two-room stay costs £162 based on a family of four https://all.accor.com
STAY at Ennios: Located on Town Quay in a prime spot opposite Southampton harbour, Ennois, a boutique-style restaurant with 10 rooms. Prices for a one-nightweekend stay during the Chinese New Year celebrations including breakfast costs £230 based on two sharing www.ennios.co.uk
For more information visit: www.visitsouthampton.co.uk, https://www.southamptonchinese.org.uk/homewp/arts/cny2025/english/ and www.hampshirechinese.com/chinese-new-year