London’s iconic Covent Garden is pulling out all the stops this Chinese New Year, blending delicious dining, exclusive shopping, and cultural celebrations. From red packets to hidden golden charms, Covent Garden promises a vibrant experience that’ll have you embracing the Year of the Snake in style.
A Festive Start with Covent Garden Red Packets
What’s Chinese New Year without those lucky red envelopes? Covent Garden is taking tradition up a notch with bespoke red packets available from January 29th to February 2nd. These elegant gift sets, handed out by participating brands, include everything you need to spread good fortune: a pair of traditional couplets, a “Fu” character for luck, and two empty red envelopes. Participating brands like AWAY, Buns & Buns, Charlotte Tilbury, Guerlain, and RedFarm are turning gifting into an art form. Don’t just grab and go—personalize your envelopes and let the good vibes roll.
Dive Into Covent Garden’s Asian Fusion Food Scene
If your love language is food, you’re in luck. Covent Garden’s culinary offerings for Chinese New Year are nothing short of spectacular. Renowned restaurants like Din Tai Fung, RedFarm, and Sticks’n’Sushi are serving up signature dishes and special treats to celebrate the occasion.
Din Tai Fung’s New Year menu includes a heartwarming “Lion’s Head” Pork Meatball Soup, perfectly paired with their limited-edition ‘Golden Twist’ cocktail. For a touch of whimsy, RedFarm’s famous “London’s biggest dumplings,” served with a straw, are a must-try. And let’s not forget dessert. Seven Dials Market’s Wheelcake Island will satisfy your sweet tooth with their fluffy Taiwanese pancakes.
Feeling lucky? Din Tai Fung has hidden golden “Snake Charms” inside baskets of their award-winning Xiao Long Bao. Pair your soup dumplings with a New Year cocktail for your chance to win one of 100 free baskets. It’s fortune in every bite.
Exclusive Lunar New Year Shopping in Covent Garden
Shopping in Covent Garden always feels like an adventure, but this Lunar New Year, it’s all about exclusive collections. Strathberry’s snake print silk scarves and Charlotte Tilbury’s refillable lipsticks in dazzling, limited-edition packaging are just the beginning. For tea lovers, Mariage Frères’ Year of the Snake Thé des Signes® offers an aromatic blend of green tea, mint, and goji berries.
The exclusivity doesn’t end there. Covent Garden staples like Paul Smith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour, and Radley are showcasing limited-edition Lunar New Year collections. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, the options are endless.
Interactive Lunar New Year Experiences
Covent Garden isn’t just about the sights; it’s about getting involved. On January 25th and 26th, Diptyque and Jo Malone London are offering complimentary calligraphy services for your luxury gifts. Strathberry’s free embossing event on February 2nd ensures your leather accessories are as unique as you are. Meanwhile, Aspinal of London’s complimentary personalisation service on January 29th adds a bespoke touch to your gift-giving.
Fitness enthusiasts can join the Peloton London Studio for a Lunar 5K Run on Floral Street. Led by instructors Hannah Frankson and Susie Chan, the route will take you from Covent Garden to Chinatown and back. Post-run treats will be waiting for those who take on this festive fitness challenge.
Experience Chinatown’s Vibrant Chinese New Year Festivities
No Chinese New Year celebration in London is complete without a visit to Chinatown. Just a short walk from Covent Garden, Chinatown will host its annual parade and performances on February 2nd. Expect dazzling lion dances, traditional music, and thousands of people gathering to welcome the Year of the Snake. Pair your day in Covent Garden with this cultural extravaganza for an unforgettable experience.
Covent Garden: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Celebration
This Lunar New Year, Covent Garden is proving it’s more than just a shopping and dining destination. It’s a hub for culture, connection, and creativity. From exclusive red packets to indulgent dim sum, and from limited-edition shopping to interactive experiences, Covent Garden offers something for everyone. Whether you’re hunting for gifts, indulging in delicious food, or soaking up the vibrant energy of Chinatown, this is the place to celebrate Chinese New Year in London.
