Embracing Traditions, Gifting, and Good Fortune.

Celebrating Chinese New Year:

The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and cherished celebration in Chinese culture. It’s a time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome new beginnings with joy and optimism. Traditions like Guonian (surviving the old year) and Bainian (welcoming the new year) highlight resilience and prosperity.

In many countries, Lunar New Year festivities span two weeks, with families reuniting to celebrate and prepare for a prosperous year. Businesses often close, and the holiday concludes with parades and cultural events. In Kent, you can join the celebrations with festive markets, family dinners, and dragon dances.

Rooted in symbolism, traditions include cleaning the home to sweep away bad luck, wearing red for happiness, and decorating with red lanterns to attract positivity. Red envelopes (hongbao) are gifted as blessings for wealth and fortune, making this festival a time of hope, family, and togetherness.

A Fresh Start: Embracing the Lunar New Year

The Chinese New Year, celebrated between January 21st and February 19th, marks a time of renewal, reflection, and family connections. Rooted in tradition, this holiday emphasizes togetherness, with the New Year’s Eve dinner being a cherished gathering for families.

In Kent, the festive spirit shines through unique local celebrations. Towns like Canterbury, Maidstone, and Rochester host events featuring traditional Chinese cuisine, red lantern decorations, lion dances, and drumming displays. Cultural centers and restaurants join in with special menus and activities, blending Chinese traditions with Kent’s local charm.

These celebrations highlight the Lunar New Year’s essence—family, renewal, and joy—showcasing Kent’s growing multicultural heritage and inviting everyone to share in the prosperity of the year ahead.

What to Look Forward To:

Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals. People born in a particular year are believed to carry traits similar to their zodiac animal. For more see

If you’re eager to join in on one of the best parties humanity has to offer (a third of the world is celebrating, after all), but have no idea how, where and when, we’ve got you covered:

Traditional and Contemporary Performances:

Chinese New Year is a time for vibrant performances that showcase both traditional and contemporary Chinese dance, music, and theatre. These performances often blend ancient Chinese artistry with modern interpretations, highlighting the dynamic evolution of Chinese culture. In cities such as London and Birmingham, you can find these performances in cultural centres, theatres, and public spaces.
For a more local experience, cultural hubs in Kent like Celebrate Lunar New Year in Maidstone and The Gulbenkian Theatre host performances to celebrate the Lunar New Year, providing a closer look at the artistry of China’s rich traditions.

Lion Dances:

Lion dances are a captivating highlight during Chinese New Year, believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Expect to see thrilling lion dances performed in public spaces such as city centres, bustling markets, and malls. Check here

Delicious Chinese Delicacies:

In Kent, you can find Chinese restaurants offering traditional dishes in celebration of the New Year. To enjoy traditional foods that symbolize wealth, longevity, and good fortune. Yuan Xiao (sweet rice dumplings) and Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) are popular treats during this time, check here.

Cultural Seminars and Lectures:

For those interested in learning more about Chinese culture and history, many venues across the UK host cultural seminars, lectures, and workshops during Chinese New Year. In Kent, look out for educational events at places like The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, which regularly holds events focused on cultural education.

Lantern and Fireworks Displays:

Lantern festivals and fireworks displays light up the sky to mark the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. The colorful lanterns symbolize hope, light, and good fortune, while fireworks are thought to drive away evil spirits and ensure a prosperous year ahead. Chinatown in London is particularly famous for its stunning lantern displays.

In Kent, cities like Tunbridge Wells and Gravesend host smaller-scale lantern parades and firework events that are perfect for families. These celebrations create an enchanting atmosphere and are a beautiful way to end the festivities.

A Season of Gifting and Gratitude:

Chinese New Year is a season of joy, generosity, and gratitude, symbolizing prosperity and happiness through thoughtful exchanges.

At Kasar Stays, we felt this spirit firsthand when our dear friend, Mrs. JH, gifted us a special token of celebration. Her gesture highlighted the beauty of traditions that unite us and the bonds that transcend cultures.

As vibrant Chinese markets bloom with decorations, teas, spices, and handcrafted goods, they remind us of the joy in giving and sharing—a universal language of goodwill. This New Year, let’s celebrate connection and the warmth of meaningful traditions.

The Year Of The Snake: Chinese New Year 2025

As we step into the Year of the Snake, whether you are in Kent, London, or anywhere in the UK, Chinese New Year is a celebration that blends tradition, culture, and community.

From dazzling lion dances to delicious meals and lively performances, there are countless ways to participate in this exciting festival.

We can help you find the best and ideal apartment to celebrate the Chinese New Year with your loved ones in any city. Whether you're visiting Chinatown in London, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, or anywhere across England, we've got you covered!

Don't miss the chance to experience the warmth, joy, and prosperity of the Lunar New Year in the heart of your local community.

Call us now on 01622541000 or send an email to CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR AT KASAR STAYS APARTMENT to secure your perfect stay today!