Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2024 in Nottinghamshire

If you’re looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year or the Vietnamese festival of Tết on Saturday 10th February, we've rounded up all the best things to do and places to celebrate in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The Year of the Dragon is almost here, and we can't wait to start celebrating. Nottingham is ready to welcome the Lunary New Year in style with a host of events and things to do in February. Keep on reading to discover our selection of top go-to places and things to do if you’re looking for a great start to the new year.

2024 is the year represented by the Dragon – the 5th out of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac and calendar. The Dragon is a symbol of good fortune, including health and strength. Chinese zodiac is widely spread across most parts of the East Asian countries and has been a part of popular culture for centuries, appearing in films, animations, and books alike. 

People born in 1904, 1940, and 1988 are some of the dates which fall under this zodiac sign. Some famous names who share birthdays in the year of the Dragon include John Lennon, Adele, and Martin Luther King Jr to name just a few.

Don't forget that while you’re out and about celebrating, you can share your adventures with us using #CNY24, #LoveNotts and #ChineseNewYear.

FAMILY FUN 

There's a lot going on at Lakeside Arts this year, including different workshops that provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about Chinese traditions and culture. Try your hand at various workshops including: Fan Painting, Brush Painting, Ribbon Dancing, Lucky Bracelet Making and Puppet Making. During your visit, make sure you take a walk around Highfields Lake and admire the Chinese Guardian Lions!

Inspire Libraries are also running some fantastic workshops, including a 'Year of the Dragon 'Roarsome' Crafting' day at Huthwaite Library on Friday 16th February. Keep an eye on their calendars as they announce some more activities to get involved in!

They are celebrating Chinese New Year at Heights of Abraham from 10th - 18th February. Including displays focusing on the Year of the Dragon, a Lion Dance and fortune cookies, you can expect a week of cultural appreciation, enjoying the outdoors and creating memories in a tranquil setting.

The new Nottingham Central Library are also hosting their own events for the Chinese New Year, in partnership with the Nottingham Confucius Institute. Join them for a Chinese New Year Gala on Saturday 17th February, a Tai Chi and Qigong Taster on Wednesday 14th February or join one of their Drop in Arts and Crafts Workshops on Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th February.

NOTTINGHAM LUNAR NEW YEAR MARKET

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Nottingham Lunar New Year Market 2024, where you can immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere featuring a diverse array of stalls offering handmade crafts, goods, and a delightful selection of mouth-watering street food. The market is thoughtfully organized into two floors, each providing a unique and enjoyable experience. The upper level showcases a fantastic array of handmade crafts and goods, while the lower level is dedicated to a tantalizing array of culinary delights.

Attendees are encouraged not to miss the opportunity to acquire their exclusive Nottingham Lunar Pass 2024 at the reception area on the upper floor by presenting their QR code. This pass grants special one-time discounts at selected shops in Nottingham from February 3rd to February 11th. Over 15 local businesses have collaborated to enhance the Lunar New Year celebration, ensuring it becomes even more memorable.

SHOWS

Celebrate Chinese pianist Zee Zee (Zhang Zuo) on Thursday 15th February at the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. An imaginative and electrifying performer, she is in demand as a concerto and recital soloist worldwide. She was a BBC New Generation Artist 2013-15, making her BBC Proms debut in 2014. You can expect to hear Clara Schumann's Trois Romances for solo piano and Robert Schumann's colourful impressions of Carnival in Venice, both completed in 1839. Brahms' virtuosic and monumental Handel Variations, which was gifted to Clara Schumann on her birthday in 1861, completes the programme.

Lakeside Arts have also commissioned Xuefei Yang & University Philharmonic to play at Albert Hall on Saturday 24th February. Internationally renowned guitarist Xuefei Yang joins the University Philharmonic to perform the world premiere of Chen Yi's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra. Commissioned by Lakeside Arts with funds from the University's Cascade programme and the Nottingham Confucius Institute, the Concerto fuses Western classical and Chinese musical ideas and instruments.

WHERE TO EAT

After all the excitement of taking part in workshops, enjoying exhibitions, plays and celebrating Chinese New Year of the Dragon, head to one of the many amazing restaurants in Nottinghamshire to continue your celebrations.

Chino Latino is a multi-award-winning AA Rosette award Pan-Asian Restaurant located on Maid Marian Way just a short walk from Nottingham’s Market Square. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, they have curated an indulgent set menu for £55pp that features bold and authentic Chino Latino flavours. To start, enjoy a Dim Sum platter with a selection of Chino Latino favourites including; Prawn Cheung fun, rainbow seafood dumplings, drunken chicken and sesame prawn toast followed by crispy duck pancakes, suckling pig and to finish, our Chino Latino signature dessert platter. The menu is exclusively available from 6th February - 17th February. Don't forget to book your table to avoid disappointment!

At Panda Mami, their culinary offerings take centre stage. The restaurant is a haven for those seeking delightful international cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. Drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy, it is believed that everything at Panda Mami is interconnected. The talented chefs craft a daily feast of more than 250 authentic dishes, representing a global culinary tapestry. Their extensive menu spans the culinary spectrum, encompassing Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Carving Roast, Vegan, Vegetarian, and a sumptuous array of desserts.

VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR

February brings us the festivity of Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, and Pho are celebrating on Saturday 10^th February! Join them as they give out a red envelope to every customer that comes and dines with them. During Tet, it is tradition to give the gift of a bright, beautiful red envelope to friends and family. But not just any red envelope. These are filled with gifts and money, symbolising good wishing, luck, and fortune for the new year ahead. The red colour symbolises good luck and prosperity in Vietnamese culture. 

These could be anything from free bowls of pho, free beers, fresh juices and 20% or 50% off VIP cards.