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Chinese New Year 2025

Welcome the year of the snake with LNER

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      Passengers

      新年快乐 ! (Happy New Year!)

      This year the Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday 29 January 2025, marking the year of the Snake, with celebrations beginning on Wednesday 29 January, and closing with the lantern festival on Wednesday 12 February to mark the close of the New Year celebrations and the full moon.

      Find the best places to celebrate, travel tips, and tube directions to London's Chinatown below.

      The Year of the Snake

      2025 marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising grace, wisdom, and mystique.

      In Chinese culture, the snake is known for it's elegance and intelligence, often associated with deep thought and inner peace. Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to have good intuition, analytical skills, and adaptability (lucky for some!).

      The snake's ability to shed its skin represents rebirth, making 2025 a year for personal and general transformation. This year emphasises growth, creativity, and flexibility, encouraging individuals to embrace change and pursue ambitious goals!

      Find the perfect place to celebrate Chinese New Year

      Discover the vibrant festivities happening across the UK as we usher in the Year of the Snake. From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of York, each city offers unique and exciting events to mark this special occasion.

      Travel to London's Chinatown by Tube

      The nearest stations to Chinatown are Leicester Square Underground Station and Oxford Circus Underground Station.

      Leicester Square Underground Station is served by Piccadilly and northern tube lines.

      Oxford Circus Underground Station is served by Victoria, Bakerloo and Central tube lines.

      LNER trains arrive at London King’s Cross, so getting to Oxford Circus underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station is easy.

      Via Leicester Square Underground Station:

      From London King's Cross train station, walk to King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

      Walk to the Piccadilly line and take the Westbound train. You will be on here for 4 stops, to Leicester Square Underground Station.

      Exit here and to through the Charing Cross exit. From here it's a 4 minute walk to Chinatown.

      Via Oxford Circus Underground Station:

      From London King's Cross train station, walk to King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

      Walk to the Victoria line and take the Southbound train to Brixton. You will be on here for 3 stops, to Oxford Circus Underground Station.

      Exit here. From here it's a 13 minute walk to Chinatown.

      Travel advice

      • Don't forget to bring warm clothing

      • Always bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing. You know what British weather is like!

      • Try to learn a Chinese greeting such as Sun Nin Faai Lok (Son-nin-faai-lor) or Xin Nian Kuai Le (shin nee-an kwai le). Both mean Happy New Year!

      • Wear a red item of clothing to the celebrations. Wear a red outfit, red shoes, or a red scarf etc.

      • Check the timings for exhibits, parades, and festivals before you travel to ensure you don't miss a thing!

      Go by train and relax!