5 min readBristol has plenty going on to kick off the Year of the Snake – join in the celebrations at these special Lunar New Year Events.
Lunar New Year at Wai Yee Hong, 1 February
Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong host the biggest free Lunar New Year celebrations in the city. Dance and martial arts performances, and an incredible lion dance. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature dance and martial arts performances at 11am and 1.30 pm. Plus, a lively street food market.
Image - Wai Yee Hong
Lunar New Year Festival at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, 8 and 9 February
Watch vibrant song and dance performances, marvel at martial arts demonstrations, and learn about Chinese culture at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery throughout the weekend.
Bristol Museum will be celebrating Lunar New Year (also known as Spring Festival and Chinese New Year) with a packed weekend of music, dance, craft activities, Tai Chi, Kung Fu and lots more from 10.15am - 4pm on both days. The event is free to attend. The Cafe will also be serving a Chinese-themed menu throughout the weekend.
Image - Rebecca Noakes
Lunar New Year at Za Za Bazaar, 1 & 2 February
Tuck into special Chinese dishes and Lunar New Year cocktails while watching a live Chinese Lion Dance performance at popular harbourside restaurant Za Za Bazaar at 7pm on 1 February and 3pm on 2 February. Book a table with the restauran to enjoy this celebration.
Image - Za Za Bazaar
2025 South West Lunar New Year Market at Paintworks, 25 & 26 January
Browse over 100 New Year stalls, including 40+ authentic Asian street food vendors, across two days in Paintworks. You can also watch Lion dance performaces, Guzheng music, Jazz funk dance acts and other live music acts throughout the weekend. Tickets are £5, under 12s can enter for free.
Bristol Chinese New Year Party 2025 at 98 Club, 25 January
Dance along to C-Pop, C-HipHop and Pop, or join in with dice games. There will also be confetti and glowsticks, with the party going on from 11pm until 3am. Tickets are £6 and must be booked in advance.
Year of the Snake Gala buffet at Wong's, 26 February
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a special banquet of authentic Chinese food. Get ready to slither into a night of delicious food, dazzling performances, and good fortune at our Year of the Snake Gala Banquet! Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite.
Lunar New Year menu at Clouds Bristol
Tuck into a special menu of dumplings at this dim sum and wine bar in St Werburghs. There will be two sizes of menus to choose from, with vegan alternatives available on both.
KPOP Lunar New Year with DJ EMKAY at SWX, 28 January
Bounce along to 100% KPOP from your favourite artists at this party which runs until 3am. Tickets are currently sold out but keep an eye out for late releases or tickets on the door.
Lunar New Year celebration at UWE Frenchay, 29 January
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Purdown View Cafe on the UWE Frenchay Campus from 5.30pm to 9pm. This event is free to attend and open to all, with fun activities, delicious food, and exciting performances.
Lion Dance Performance at Rock Salt, 29 January
Head to one of Bristol indie, Rock Salt in Cotham for Lunar New Year Celebration on Wednesday 29 February. Rock Salt serves a flavourful fusion of both Chinese and Indian cuisine, sure to please *almost* every palate. Tables must be booked in advance.
Lunar New Year Menu at Dongnae, 29 January - 1 February
Korean restaurant Dongnae will be swapping their Hanjeongsik menu for Korean Lunar New Year celebration dishes. Dishes on the £65 set menu include: Mung Bean jelly salad with watercress and bean sprouts, Sashimi, Galbi Gui (grilled need short ribs) with pickles chillis and ssamjang and Tteokguk (rice cake soup) with braise oxtail and beef dumplings. Advance booking is required.
VSTOL's New Year Party 2025 (新春派对) at Illuminati Bristol, 1 February
Enjoy three Asian Top-Class DJs as well as a UoB Lion Dance performance in this Park Street bar, which will decked out with Lunar New Year decorations. Lucky Red Pockets will be given out to all guests. You can also choose to continue the fun afterwards at the official after-party at Central KTV. Tickets start at £7.50.
Lunar New Year Festival at Konbini, 2 February
Join this free fun-filled celebration at Konbini in Emersons Green from 12pm - 4pm, featuring a lion dance show, food tastings, sake sampling and a range of festival stalls.
Lunar New Year Boat Party at Thekla, 5 February
Celebrate the Year of the Snake by dancing through the night to Thekla's resident DJs and the“Twin Tigerz” at Thekla, from 11pm to 4am. Join in with the costume competition for a chance to win £50, plus all partygoers will receive a free red envelope.
Lunar New Year Calligraphy Workshop at Cass Art
Learn about the art of Chinese calligraphy at Cass Art on Park Street in this workshop which runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm. You'll learn about traditional customs before being shown how to write blessings such as 迎春 (Welcome Spring),福 (Luck), 大吉 (Good Fortune),如意 (Prosperity) and create your own festive calligraphy to bring luck and joy to the new year. Materials are provided. Tickets start at £5.
Lion Dancers, various dates
The University of Bristol Chinese Lion Dance Troupe will be performing in various venues across Bristol. Follow the Lion Dancers Instagram for updates.
Image - Barbara Evripidou
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