Sheffield is gearing up to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a variety of vibrant events that showcase Chinese culture and the city's large East Asian community. From traditional lion dance performances to hands-on workshops, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a roundup of the upcoming celebrations.
Lunar New Year Festival
Building on the success of last year’s events, Sheffield is set to celebrate the Lunar Chinese New Year with a HUGE festival taking place on 1st - 2nd February 2025 and it's completely FREE. The event promises to be the largest Lunar New Year celebration Sheffield has ever seen. The festival will transform the city centre into a vast celebration of culture, with an exciting programme of events and performances designed to engage people from all walks of life. Highlights will include a main stage at the Peace Gardens, a world champion ‘Lion Dance’ troupe traveling from Foshan in China, 1,000 Chinese lanterns throughout the city centre, giant Chinese zodiac characters and a wide selection of food stalls and traditional activities to enjoy.
Date: Sat 1st Feb - Sun 2nd Feb
Location: Peace Gardens
More Info: www.cultural-inclusive.com
Here is the itinerary for both days:
Lunar New Year Spectacular Show at the Octagon Centre
Enjoy a spectacular show featuring traditional Chinese performances, including music, dance, and martial arts, celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Date & Time: Monday 10th February
Location: Octagon Centre, University of Sheffield
More Info + Tickets: www.sheffieldchinesenewyear.com
New Era Square
Wander through the zodiac exhibition, watch a thrilling acrobatic lion dance that showcases incredible skill and agility, and enjoy the amazing food & drink spots in the area.
Date: Friday 31st Jan
Location: New Era Square
More info: www.instagram.com/p/DEpO_icsaVR
Lion and Cultural Dance Extravaganza at Meadowhall
Experience the thrill of traditional lion dances and cultural performances at Meadowhall. This event promises a lively showcase of Chinese heritage, perfect for all ages.
Date: Friday 31st January 6:30pm
Location: Meadowhall Shopping Centre
More Info: www.meadowhall.co.uk/event/chinese-new-year
Sheffield Lion Dance Street Parade
Join the excitement as the Sheffield Lion Dance Team parades through the streets, bringing good luck and vibrant energy to the city.
Date & Time: Sunday 2nd February
Location: Starts outside Ages Ago BBQ (West One) @ 12pm
More Info + Route Map: www.facebook.com/events/1575061119859693
Red Packet Treasure Hunt
We will also be hiding traditional red envelopes across the city with prizes inside from local independent East Asian businesses such as Yee Kwan Ice Cream, Guyshi, China Red, ALS Gong Cha, Oisoi, KH Oriental, Wokie Box etc. Maybe you’ll even find some cash!
Date & Time: Sat 1st Feb - Sun 2nd Feb
Location: Not telling you ;)
Keep an eye on our Instagram stories for clues: www.instagram.com/independentsheff
Light Switch-On Celebration
The Children’s Hospital Charity will be celebrating Lunar New Year by lighting up Sheffield Children’s Hospital with a 5-meter Dragon. This is the third year the Charity have brought the Dragon light display to the hospital, and this year there will be light-up lanterns to join the dragon.
Date: Thursday 30th Jan - 10th February
Location: Sheffield Children's Hospital
More Info: www.tchc.org.uk/news/celebrate-lunar-new-year-by-making-a-difference.html
Lunchtime Talk: Changing Seasons – The Local History of the East Asian Community in and around Sheffield
Join Stephanie Chung as she presents the community project "Changing Seasons," discussing the fascinating local history of the East Asian community in and around Sheffield.
Date & Time: Thurs 13th February @ 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: Weston Park Museum, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP
More Info: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/lunchtime-talk-changing-seasons-the-local-history-of-the-east-asian-community-in-and-around-sheffield
Dragon Puppet Making for the Lunar New Year
Bring the family along to create dragon puppets and engage in creative painting to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Date & Time: Tuesday 18th February @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Weston Park Museum, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP
More Info: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/family-activity-dragon-puppet-making-for-the-lunar-new-year
Cutlery Works
Participate in lantern-making and calligraphy workshops at Cutlery Works. These hands-on sessions are perfect for those looking to delve into Chinese arts and crafts.
Date: Saturday 8th Feb
Location: Cutlery Works, 73 – 101 Neepsend Lane, Sheffield S3 8AT
More Info: www.cutleryworks.co.uk/events
Cambridge Street Collective
Join in for dim sum making, lantern crafting, language classes, calligraphy workshops and more at Cambridge Street Collective. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
Date: Multiple options
Location: Cambridge Street Collective, Cambridge Street, Sheffield
More Info: www.cambridgestreetcollective.com/events
Cantonese Opera: The Fable of the Ungrateful Wolf
Experience the rich tradition of Cantonese opera with a performance of "The Fable of the Ungrateful Wolf" at the Millennium Gallery.
Date: Fri 7th February @ 6pm
Location: Millennium Gallery, 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2PP
More Info: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/cantonese-opera-the-fable-of-the-ungrateful-wolf
Year of the Snake Party at Millennium Gallery
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Hong Kong-style snacks, crafts, games, and traditional cultural performances at the Millennium Gallery.
Date: Sat 8th February @ 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Millennium Gallery, 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2PP
More Info: www.sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/lunar-new-year-celebration-2025
Free Chinese Buffet and Lion Dance at Genting Casino
Celebrate with a complimentary Chinese buffet and a live lion dance performance at Genting Casino.
Date: Friday 31st Jan
Location: Genting Casino, Sheffield
More info: www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/whats-on/chinese-new-year-at-genting-casino-sheffield/
Lunar New Year Messy Play
A fun, interactive play session for young children featuring Lunar New Year-themed activities.
Date: Friday 31st Jan @ 10am-11am
Location: Bradway Community Hall S17 4QR
More Info: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=956391532664925
Sheffield Lion Dance Team
For more Lunar New Year excitement, follow Sheffield’s Lion Dance Team for additional performances throughout the city.
More Info: www.instagram.com/p/DFQO_wpMz6S
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Sheffield’s Lunar New Year events offer something special for everyone. Mark your calendars and get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake in style!