Glasgow Is a multicultural city where everyone should feel at home. We celebrate cultures from all over the world here and one of the biggest is Chinese New Year. While our Western New Year is based around the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year coincides with the lunar calendar. The first day of the month begins during the new moon so the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. This year, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10th starting a year of the Dragon. Many Chinese and Asian people come to Glasgow to celebrate this special time with family and PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Glasgow offer comfortable, flexible accommodation for singles, couples, and families.
Year of the Dragon 2024
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon beginning on February 10th and concluding on January 28th, 2025. In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobility, honour, luck, and success and people born in Dragon years usually possess natural courage, tenacity, and intelligence. In ancient times, Chinese people thought that Dragons possessed the qualities required to lead the world due to their dominant nature and ambitious spirit. 2024 is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges for all Chinese signs. According to the Chinese horoscope, the luckiest zodiac signs in 2024 are Monkeys, Roosters, and Pigs.
Chinese residents in Glasgow
Did you know that Glasgow has the fourth-largest Chinese population in the UK? The Chinese community in Scotland, originating from both Mainland China and Hong Kong, numbers just over12,000 people, with the most significant population in Glasgow. Our Chinatown complex was a milestone for the Chinese community in Scotland when it was opened in 1992. In Cowcaddens, plans were set to convert an old warehouse into a Chinese shopping complex. The £600,000 project resulted in a Chinese mall with 15 shopping units and a large restaurant known as Chinatown, now popular with Glaswegians and visitors alike. We’re expecting to see celebrations in Chinatown throughout the Lunar New Year.
Events for Chinese New Year in Glasgow
Our events schedule is not nearly as long or as extravagant as the celebration in China but it gives our locals and visitors a chance to mark this special occasion. On 17th Feb, Kelvin Hall on Argyle Street is hosting a fun family day for all to enjoy. From 1-4pm, we’re excited to try traditional Chinese sports and games. You can make a wish for the wishing tree, try on traditional Chinese costumes, make a dragon decoration, and try traditional types of Chinese teas. From 12-4pm, there is also a Shadow Puppet Making afternoon for families to celebrate Lunar New Year. All art materials will be provided, as will a screen and torch to try your creations out and take some photos and video clips. Members of the NLS Kelvin Hall Access & Events team will be on hand to show you how it works. All of the activities are free but it’s best to book a one-hour slot to avoid disappointment.
On 18th Feb, from Midday, we’re looking forward to a big Chinese New Year celebration in George Square. Join the Chinese Cultural and Welfare Society Scotland as they hold their annual Chinese New Year Lion Dance followed by an art show in Glasgow City Chambers from 1 pm. Book tickets to the art show in advance to secure your entry. The Burrell Collection have a huge celebration on the same day, with a jam-packed programme of events for all ages. From 11am- 4pm, you can take part in lots of crafts, have your face painted, hear traditional Chinese stories, see beautiful dance performances, hear from the Curator of Far Eastern Civilisations and even take part in a Chinese dance workshop. Enjoy Chinese Calligraphy, Dragon crafts, Chinese storytelling, Chinese Dance workshops, Dance performances in the courtyard and so much more. Everything is free and drop-in except the dance workshop which is bookable in advance.
Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Glasgow and enjoy the festivities from a conveniently located base on George Square. Our best available rates are always found when you book directly on our website or with one of our team. We wish all of our Chinese guests a very Happy Lunar New Year!
