Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Lunar New Year at Greenwich Peninsula

This Lunar New Year get ready to embrace the Year of the Snake at Greenwich Peninsula. On Saturday 1 February 12-4pm London’s only Peninsula destination will be hosting a feast of fantastic celebrations and free and paid-for activities to welcome in health and prosperity for the new lunar year. From captivating dragon and lion dances to engaging workshops such as woodblock printing and bamboo weaving as well as cultural performances Greenwich Peninsula promises a unique blend of art culture and community creating the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary celebration. 

What’s On – Saturday 1 February:

Brut Tea Tasting

Time: 12pm – 1pm

Location: Salon Design District

Price: £5 | Bookable online

Overview: Join the founders of Brut Tea Joyce and Raphael for an intimate tea-tasting session showcasing four exceptional blends from their brand. This carefully curated experience takes you on a journey through the origins stories and unique characteristics of each blend highlighting the artistry and passion behind their creation.

Chinese Knot-Making Workshop with Yi Crafts

Time: 12pm – 12.30pm 12.30pm – 1pm 1pm – 1.30pm 1.30pm – 2pm

Location: Design District D4

Tickets: £6 | Bookable online

Overview: Discover the delicate craft of Chinese knot-making in this interactive workshop. Guided by Yi Craft expert instructors you’ll delve into the techniques behind this intricate art form a centuries-old practice originating from China’s Tang and Song dynasties. Participants will create beautiful decorative ornaments featuring classic knot designs. Each knot carries its own symbolic meaning representing unity luck and prosperity making it a perfect keepsake or thoughtful token for the Lunar New Year.

Play Mahjong with Dear Asia

Time: 12.30pm – 2pm 2.45 – 4.15pm

Location: Bureau restaurant

Price: Free but book in advance online

Overview: Explore the legacy logic and joy of Mahjong! Originating in China during the Qing dynasty Mahjong has become an iconic pastime celebrated for its rich history and intricate gameplay and beloved by all generations. Guided by experts from Dear Asia language school you’ll uncover the techniques and traditions that make this game so enduring. Perfect for beginners eager to learn and seasoned players looking to refine their strategies this workshop offers an engaging introduction to one of East Asia’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Paper Cutting Workshop with Yi Crafts

Time: 1.30 – 2pm 2pm – 2.30pm 2.30 – 3pm 3pm – 3.30pm

Location: Canteen Food Hall & Bar mezzanine level

Price: Free | Bookable online

Overview: Immerse yourself in the delicate and festive art of paper cutting a cherished tradition for Lunar New Year that dates back to the Han dynasty in China. Originally a form of decoration for windows lanterns and walls designs often feature shapes like snakes flowers and Chinese characters and represent wishes for good fortune. Guided by the Yi Craft instructors you’ll use precision-cutting tools to create your own decorative pieces. Whether you're new to paper cutting or an experienced crafter this session offers an opportunity to connect with Lunar New Year customs and take home a piece of art you’ve created.

Lion Dance

Time: 1.30pm 2.15pm 3pm

Location: The performance begins in Peninsula Square outside Greenwich Peninsula tube station. Arrive early to secure the best viewing spot.

Tickets: No need to book—just turn up!

Overview: New to the programme for 2025 the traditional Chinese lion dance brings an unforgettable burst of energy and culture to this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations. Blending acrobatics with cultural artistry this dynamic performance chases away bad fortune and welcomes good luck for the Year of the Snake. Vibrant costumes and rhythmic drumbeats bring the lion to life as it moves through the Design District and Peninsula Square spreading joy prosperity and a sense of wonder to everyone in its path.

Dragon Dance

Time: 1.45pm 2.30pm 3.15pm

Location: The performance begins in Peninsula Square right outside North Greenwich station. Arrive early to secure the best viewing spot.

Tickets: No need to book—just turn up!

Overview: A Lunar New Year must-see the dragon dance brings energy and excitement to Peninsula Square as it winds its way through the crowd. Guided by skilled performers this vibrant larger-than-life dragon moves with grace and power celebrating luck prosperity and renewal for the year ahead.

Bamboo Coaster Weaving Workshop with Yi Crafts

Time: 2pm – 3pm 3pm – 4pm

Location: Design District D4 ground floor

Price: £10 | Bookable online

Overview: Guided by skilled instructors from Yi Crafts you’ll discover the techniques behind this timeless craft of bamboo weaving. Not just a practical skill bamboo weaving is also a deeply symbolic tradition which originated in ancient China and has been passed down through generations as a symbol of craftsmanship and cultural heritage strength and resilience. This workshop will introduce you to basic weaving techniques while offering a hands-on connection to the tradition of working with natural materials. Using sustainably sourced bamboo strips you'll learn to weave intricate patterns blending tradition with your own creative flair to craft your own decorative coaster a meaningful keepsake to take home.

Woodblock Printing with Yi Crafts

Time: 2pm – 2.30pm 2.30 – 3pm 3pm – 3.30pm 3.30– 4pm

Location: Design District D4 ground floor

Price: Free | Bookable online

Overview: Discover the timeless art of woodblock printing one of China’s most celebrated cultural traditions. With deep roots in Chinese history woodblock printing served as an early method of reproducing text and images playing a pivotal role in the preservation and spread of literature and art. Skilled instructor from Yi Crafts will teach you traditional techniques to create your own prints to take home. Perfect for those seeking a creative and meaningful Lunar New Year experience this session offers an engaging way to connect with a revered cultural practice while exploring your artistic side.

To find out more about Lunar New Year at Greenwich Peninsula including how to book tickets visit the Greenwich Peninsula website www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on and follow on Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news @greenwich.peninsula

Host or Publisher Greenwich Peninsula