Various locations across Edinburgh
Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is a celebration of the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar. Beginning on 29 January 2025, with festivities traditionally lasting for 16 days, the focus is on spending time with family, exchanging gifts, festive decorations, the countdown celebrations and firework extravaganza of New Year’s Eve.
Each year is attributed to an animal from the 12 year cycles of the Chinese zodiac, and 2025 is the Year of the Snake. A symbol of longevity, wisdom and power, in Chinese astrology people born under this sign are believed to be intelligent and thoughtful.
The lead up to the celebrations is filled with traditions, including sweeping away the dust to get rid of any bad luck from the old year, gifting red envelopes containing money to friends and family and putting up decorations of red, gold and the coming year’s zodiac animal. Family get-togethers also form an important part of the festivities, with the New Year’s Eve dinner taking centre stage.
From concerts and performances to shopping experiences and workshops, there’s a wide range of events taking place in Edinburgh this year – below are just a few offerings:
Events and workshops
- Calligraphy & Paper Cutting Workshop – Create your own ‘Fu’ character and Spring Festival couplets to bring blessings, joy, and prosperity to your home in the new year at a Calligraphy & Paper Cutting Workshop. All materials provided.
25 January 2025. - The Mound Chinese New Year Celebration for Scotland – Experience cultural and artistic displays themed on traditional Chinese New Year celebrations at the free-to-attend Mound Chinese New Year Celebration of Scotland 2025.
25 January 2025. - Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – Enjoy Chinese New Year themed decorations and the red building at night at Year of the Snake at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
From 27 January to 07 February 2025.
- Edinburgh Castle lighting up in RED – Edinburgh Castle will be lighting in red celebrating the Year of the Snake. 29 January 2025.
- Chinese New Year Celebration – Performed by the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra on the prestigious stage of the Usher Hall, the Chinese New Year Celebration heralds the most important festival in the Chinese calendar with a ground-breaking collaboration of Scottish and Chinese music and song. Don’t miss the lion and dragon dance outside at 6.30 pm.
01 February 2025. - Traditional Lion Dances at St James Quarter Edinburgh – See Traditional Lion Dances at St James Quarter Edinburgh. There will also be red envelope giveaways, symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. Guests can shop Chinese New Year inspired collections from brands across the Quarter and enjoy celebratory offers and special menus from some of the venue’s bars and restaurants. 01 February 2025.
- Chinese Lunar New Year Market – The first Chinese cultural market in Edinburgh. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture with unique art pieces and traditional food at the free to attend Chinese Lunar New Year Market at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall.
01 February 2025. - The Empress and Me Chinese New Year 2025 Performance – Supported by Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and presented by Grist to the Mill and Red Dragonfly Productions, The Empress and Me Chinese New Year 2025 Performance is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar and a cherished tradition of its Chinese New Year celebrations
08 February 2025.
Food and drink offers
- Dulse and Dulse Leith – Celebrate with Dulse and Dulse Leith and enjoy 20% off the à la carte menu. Indulge in the freshest seafood, such as pan roast Shetland cod, BBQ Steelhead trout, or Barra monkfish tail. Use code SNAKE2025 when booking.
From 25 January to 02 February 2025.
- Thai Express Kitchen – Every table dining at Thai Express Kitchen will receive a red envelope containing a prize. From complimentary appetisers to money-off vouchers. Menus in Mandarin are also available.
Offer valid from 29 January to 05 February 2025.
Accommodation offers
- Edinburgh Roomzzz Aparthotel – Start the Chinese New Year with a bang and light up your adventures! Celebrate the new year in style with a dazzling getaway. Book a stay of 3, 4, or 5 nights at Edinburgh Roomzzz Aparthotel and enjoy sparkling savings of up to 20%.
Offer valid until 31 March 2025.
Shopping experiences
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Snake – Celebrate with the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Snake limited edition designed bottle, created by one of the most influential visual artists in the world, Asian-American artist James Jean. This is a velvety smooth and vibrant Scotch with layers of incredible flavours, including fruit, spice and a long, luxurious smokiness.
- Chinese Calligraphy Experience at Strathberry, Multrees Walk – To celebrate the Year of the Snake, customers will receive a complimentary Charlotte Purse with any purchase over £300 on 01 February 2025 at the Multrees Walk store. At the Chinese Calligraphy Experience at Strathberry, Multrees Walk, guests will be able to make it their own with the in-store calligraphy artist, who will emboss a Chinese word on the back of the purse, or they can receive a personalisation on the Strathberry gift box.
Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival
Discover the full listings of all events and exclusive retail, food and drink and accommodation offers.
