The Chinese Lantern Festival Southampton 2024 marks the official conclusion of the 2024 Chinese New Year celebrations – the Year of the Dragon.

Reflecting many Chinese New Year traditions, the Lantern Festival emphasises togetherness, with family and friends reuniting in a colourful display of lion dance, dragon dance. This year, UK Shaolin and the Hampshire Chinese Association bring these cherished celebrations to Southampton City.

The festivities kick off at the UK Shaolin Centre (Marlands Shopping Centre – a 2-minute walk from Guildhall Square). Our celebration includes inspiring workshops to uplift your spirits and mental well-being, featuring Chinese Lantern making, arts and crafts, Tai Chi, Chinese Calligraphy, Hoop workshops, Karate workshops, Yoga, traditional Chinese dance, and much more.

The grand Chinese dragon parade will weave its way from Southampton Guildhall Square to Westquay Shopping Centre. Inside Westquay Shopping Centre, witness a spectacular display of colourful traditional dragon and lion dances. For detailed information, please refer to the Chinese Lantern Festival 2024 schedule.

In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, symbolising power, nobility, honour, luck, and success. 2024, being the Year of the Wood Dragon, is expected to bring opportunities, changes, and challenges. If you’re seeking a shift in your current life, this year might present a favourable chance.

Our festivities pay homage to the dragon’s attributes by sharing ways to smoothly transition into the new year while celebrating all the joy of the holiday. There will be plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.