Liverpool and the city region is set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a vibrant mix of events that honour Chinese traditions, culture, and community spirit. The Lunar New Year officially begins on Wednesday, January 29, but the city’s main festivities will take place on Sunday, February 2, offering something for everyone.
From lively parades and cultural workshops to creative activities and traditional performances, Liverpool’s Chinatown and beyond will host a series of free and ticketed events to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Here’s a roundup of the events happening across the city:
Chinese New Year: Activities in Chinatown (1 February)
A small selection of family-friendly workshops and craft stalls will take place in Chinatown on Saturday 1 February, 12pm – 4pm. This programme offers a quieter alternative to Sunday’s proceedings, without firecrackers and loud music performances, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Legends of Spring – Bombed Out Church Projection Show (1 & 2 February)
A stunning projection show will take place at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, brought to life by Focal Studios to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Presented like a video game, Legends of Spring guides audiences through mythical stories of creation, renewal, and balance.
Developed in partnership with Pagoda Arts, the narrative combines traditional Chinese folklore with a celebration of Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage. Adding a fun twist, retro 8-bit video game art created by local schoolchildren and community groups enriches the story.
This is an outdoor event, so please dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear.
5:30pm – 9pm (running on a continuous loop each evening)
FREE – no tickets needed, just come along.
Liverpool’s Chinese New Year Celebrations (2 February)
The streets of Chinatown will be filled with the sights and sounds of traditional Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn dances. This free event is perfect for families and visitors looking to immerse themselves in the celebrations. There will also be family-friendly workshops and craft stalls.
Liverpool’s Bring the Fire Project are also returning to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025 with their latest spectacular fire production, ‘Serpentine Flames: A Fiery Tribute to the Year of the Snake’ during the finale at Great Georges Square at 4:30pm.
Chinese New Year Crafts (1, 8 & 22 February)
Drop into the Museum of Liverpool for free craft sessions that invite families to create their own New Year decorations. Sessions run between 11 am and 12 pm, and from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Chinese Calligraphy with Pei Yee Tong (8 February)
This Chinese Calligraphy Workshop led by artist Pei Yee Tong is a hands-on session where participants will explore the fundamentals of the art form, focusing on symbolism, stroke techniques, and ink control methods. Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior experience, this workshop will guide you through each stage of the process. By the end of the session, you’ll create your own piece to display or gift.
Chinese calligraphy, a key part of the nation’s cultural heritage, connects us with thousands of years of tradition, history, and philosophy.
Lunar New Year at the Lady Lever Art Gallery (15 February)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a day full of cultural activities at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Enjoy dance performances by the Wirral Chinese Cultural Association, hear the legend of the Zodiac Race, and participate in themed crafts.
Lion Dance Workshop (19 February) & Lion Dance Performance (23 February)
Learn the art and history behind the traditional Lion Dance at this interactive workshop at the Museum of Liverpool. Kids will get hands-on experience with lion puppets and drums, creating a truly unforgettable cultural moment. Then on 23 February the dazzling Lion Dance will be performed by the Hung Gar Kung Fu School.
This list will be updated as more events are announced, so check back for additional details and visit our What’s On event listings to discover more events happening across the city region.