Celebrating Chinese New Year in Yorkshire: A Guide to Festivities and Cultural Experiences

Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity, Yorkshire offers a plethora of activities to mark this auspicious occasion of Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, embracing the Lunar New Year in Yorkshire promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a guide to help you immerse in the festivities and cultural experiences during Chinese New Year in Yorkshire.

Attend a Traditional Lion Dance Performance

One of the most iconic symbols of Chinese New Year, the Lion Dance, is an exhilarating spectacle of music, dance, and vibrant costumes. Towns across Yorkshire, including Leeds and Sheffield, host these performances in public squares, shopping centres, and community halls. The energetic display, meant to bring good luck and fortune, is a must-see for anyone looking to partake in the celebrations.

• Leeds Merrion Centre Saturday 10th February from 10:30am to 4:30pm
• Sheffield: Sunday 11th February at 12 noon Starting at Ages Ago BBQ & Bar, West One, Sheffield, S1 4JB The Lion will journey from: West One > West St > Division St > Peace Gardens > The Moor > New Era Square > London Road.

Explore the Sheffield Lunar and Chinese New Year Festival 2024

The Sheffield Chinese New Year Gala, organised by the Sheffield Confucius Institute, is an annual highlight that showcases a dazzling array of traditional music, dance, martial arts, and acrobatics. Held at the Octagon Centre and across Sheffield, this event not only celebrates Chinese culture but also fosters a sense of community and multicultural appreciation among attendees.

Date: 10 February 2024. Time: 6:30pm (doors) – 9pm. Location: The Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, Sheffield S10 2TQ

Delight in Culinary Experiences

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without indulging in the traditional cuisine. Yorkshire’s vibrant Chinese culinary scene comes alive during the New Year, with restaurants and street food stalls offering special menus. From succulent Peking duck to steaming baskets of dim sum, there’s an array of dishes to explore. Food festivals and pop-up markets in cities like Leeds and York provide the perfect opportunity to savour these delights.

Here’s a list of some of the best Chinese restaurants in Yorkshire, spread across West, North, and South Yorkshire, offering a diverse range of Chinese culinary experiences:

West Yorkshire

1. Tattu Leeds – Known for its modern Chinese cuisine and stunning interior, featuring an indoor cherry blossom tree. Located at 29 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 5PS.
2. Sweet Basil Valley – Offers a mix of Chinese and Thai dishes, located in 1 Green Ln, Yeadon, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 7BY.
3. Wok Ever Palace – A place for Cantonese delights in Cleckheaton, praised for its delicious dishes. 23-27 Dewsbury Rd, Cleckheaton BD19 5DL
4. The Imperial – Recognized for its fresh, cooked-to-order Cantonese food in Shipley. 58-60 Saltaire Rd, Shipley BD18 3HN
5. Mans Market – An innovative Chinese restaurant in Leeds, offering a contemporary dining experience. Unit F, West Point, Wellington St, Leeds LS1 4JJ
6. Wen’s Restaurant – Known for its dumplings and salt & pepper squid, located in Leeds. 72-74 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
7. The New Great Wall Brighouse – Offers a variety of Chinese dishes in Brighouse. 44 Bradford Rd, Brighouse HD6 1RY
8. Royal City Cantonese Restaurant – A buffet-style restaurant in Huddersfield, known for its spacious setting and good food. 313 Old Wakefield Rd, Moldgreen, Huddersfield HD5 8AA

North Yorkshire

1. The Orchid Vegan Restaurant – A vegan-friendly spot in York, offering Chinese and Asian cuisine. 16 George Hudson St, York YO1 6LP
2. Tops – Located in Scarborough, offering a contemporary Chinese dining experience. 121 Falsgrave Rd, Scarborough YO12 5EG
3. Cambridge Cafe – A unique blend of Chinese and café-style dishes in Harrogate.
4. Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant – Set in an impressive building in Harrogate, known for its efficient service and tasty food.
5. The Mulan Cantonese Restaurant – Offers huge, tasty, and fresh portions in York.
6. Happy Valley – A highly praised Cantonese restaurant in York for its welcoming atmosphere and family meals. 70 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

South Yorkshire

1. Four Seasons – Recognized for its fantastic Cantonese cuisine in Dinnington.
2. China Rose – Offers wonderful food and pleasant staff in Doncaster.
3. Jamps – Celebrated for its excellent food and service in Tickhill, often considered the best Chinese in Yorkshire.
4. Dunsville Hong Kong Cantonese Restaurant – Known for its lovely set out and the best Cantonese food in Doncaster.
5. Oriental Palace – A mix-reviewed place in Doncaster, noted for its absolute food quality.
6. Dynasty – Praised for the quality of its Chinese dishes in Rotherham.

East Yorkshire

Here’s a list of recommended Chinese restaurants in East Yorkshire, based on reviews and popularity:

1. Yips Chinese Restaurant in Bridlington: Known for its large portions and good service, although it lacks an online menu. Patrons have praised the quick service and large portions​​.
2. Yinjibar in Kingston-upon-Hull: Offers a family meal option with positive feedback on the food and service. It’s a favorite for its Asian dishes and has garnered positive reviews for both food quality and customer service​​.
3. Oriental Palace in Kingston-upon-Hull: Highly recommended for its delicious food and generous mixed starters. First-time visitors have reported the food as delicious and plentiful​​.
4. Woksoever in Cottingham: Known for its “all you can eat” menu at a great value. Reviewers have praised the food and found it to be great value for money​​.
5. The Plough Inn in Pocklington: Noted for having the best Chinese food some patrons have ever had. It’s well-regarded for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent food​​.
6. Emperor Ming in Bridlington: Distinguished by its unique approach of advising customers on their orders for a better dining experience. Customers have appreciated the advice on food selections and the overall dining experience​​.
7. China Red at the Coach and Horses in Kingston-upon-Hull: Favored for consistently top-notch food and service. It has received positive feedback for both the quality of food and the service provided​​.
8. China Palace in Brandesburton: Recommended for its Cantonese-style BBQ roast pork and fried squid with salt and pepper, highlighting delicious and well-seasoned dishes suitable for takeaways​​.
9. The Lee Garden Chinese Restaurant in Beverley: Praised for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, offering a brilliant Chinese dining experience​​.
10. Golden Cottage in Howden: Known for its banquet options and consistently good food, making it a popular choice among locals​​.

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience, ranging from traditional Cantonese to modern Chinese cuisine, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for dim sum, crispy duck, or a vegan Chinese meal, Yorkshire’s Chinese restaurant scene has it all.

Participate in Lantern Making Workshops

Lanterns are a symbol of brightness, happiness, and reunion during Chinese New Year. Various community centres and museums in Yorkshire, such as the York Museum, offer lantern making workshops. These sessions not only allow participants to create their own lanterns but also learn about the significance of lanterns in Chinese culture.

• Chinese New Year Lantern Workshop Sun, 11 Feb, 14:00–16:00 Cutlery Works, 73 – 101 Neepsend Ln, Neepsend, Sheffield
• Kids Activity- Chinese New Year inspired arts and crafts morning with breakfast snacks: Sat Feb 10 2024 at 10:00 am to 11:30 am Mitchell way, Waverley, S60 8AR Rotherham, United Kingdom, Rotherham, United Kingdom

Or make your own at home #ad.

Enjoy Fireworks

To mark the end of the celebrations, some venues may host fireworks displays. These events, often held in local parks or along the waterfront, provide a spectacular finale to the festivities. The sky lit up with colors is a sight to behold and a perfect way to usher in the New Year with hope and excitement.

Visit Yorkshire for a Lunar New Year celebration

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Yorkshire offers a unique blend of traditional festivities and modern entertainment. The region’s embrace of cultural diversity is evident in the variety of events and activities available, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the Lunar New Year in all its glory. From the dramatic lion dances to the exquisite flavors of Chinese cuisine, Yorkshire provides a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the spirit and joy of this significant cultural celebration.