The Year of the Dragon is pretty much here, as, based on the lunar calendar, the Lunar New Year falls on February 10 this year. The occasion is celebrated by millions of people around the world, on the day of the first New Moon of the calendar year. So, let’s take a peek at all the sweet sweet things to do in Edinburgh to celebrate the Lunar New Year this month.
1. Attend a Chinese New Year concert or watch the dragon and lion dance
Usher Hall is welcoming guests for a magical Chinese New Year Concert for another year on February 10. Combining both Chinese and Scottish culture, the concert is set to feature Highland dancing, Peking Opera, and the elegant Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra. What is more, visitors and passers-by can rejoice in a majestic display of Dragon and Lion Dance, Tai Chi, Bagpipes and other performances outside Usher Hall between 5pm and 7pm before the concert. The concert starts at 7:30pm, and guests can book their tickets here.
2. Watch the lion dance at St James Quarter followed by a lovely meal
On February 10, gather at St James Quarter, where spectators will be delighted with a Lion Dance performance to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The show starts at 12pm, and takes around an hour. After the Chinese New Year festivities outside, visitors can head up to Duck & Waffle, which has prepared plenty of specials to mark the Year of the Dragon. Go for the Crispy Duck Salad with pomelo, pine nuts, shallots, or the Spicy Glass Noodles with toasted soybeans, bok choy, fried duck egg. These specials are available between February 10 and 17, not including Valentine’s Day.
3. Try the Lunar New Year specials at celebrity Chef Jimmy Lee’s street food joints
Celebrity TikTok and TV Chef Jimmy Lee is behind two street food spots in Edinburgh, located at the Bonnie & Wild food court. Get a wee taste of Hong Hong at Salt & Chilli, with delights such as Bao filled Katsu Chicken and Pulled Aromatic Duck. Or go for fiery Cantonese cuisine with a Scottish twist at Leith Wok (what an amazing pun, too), with dishes like Duck Spring Rolls with Hoi Sin Bramble dip, and Chicken Satay Skewers.
4. Try out the special tasting experiences at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
To celebrate The Year of The Dragon, one of the luckiest signs of the zodiac, those who book any of the experiences available at Johnnie Walker Princes Street between February 9 and 11 will be gifted a red envelope, each containing a surprise inside, such as tasting experiences, culinary whisky pairings or a bottle of the limited release whisky. Plus, the venue has introduced its first-ever Journey of Flavour Tour in Mandarin, and a special Lunar New Year Retail Tasting taking place on February 9 at 6:3opm. You can book a tour here.
5. Try out Chen Style Tai Chi
Master Liming Yue will be leading the Wood Dragon Chinese New Year celebration seminars, where guests can learn Chen Style Tai Chi & Qigong both in-person and online. To check out all the available seminars, go to Tai Chi Centre’s website.