Chinese New Year Celebrations in Groningen & Leeuwarden
Dragon Dances, Tea Ceremonies, and Festive Fun
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar and is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and traditions meant to bring luck and prosperity to the year ahead. Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, and 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake!
I've always been fascinated by different cultures and traditions and the city's diversity has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and I’ve not only learned about various customs but also had the chance to take part in their celebrations.
When it comes to Chinese New Year, I never miss the chance to celebrate! I’ve always loved dragons and martial arts, so I find the lion and dragon dances absolutely mesmerizing.
What let’s have a look at this year’s agenda in Groningen and Leeuwarden!
Celebrations of Chinese New Year at Forum Groningen
On Saturday, February 1st, Forum Groningen is hosting a spectacular celebration filled with cultural performances, workshops, and traditional festivities. Whether you’re new to Chinese New Year or a longtime fan of the traditions, there’s something for everyone!
Lion Dance & Martial Arts Performance: Be amazed by the energy of the lion dance and martial arts show, kicking off the event with excitement.
Storytelling & Talks: Dive into the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year with engaging stories and discussions.
For more details, check out the Forum event page.
Amazing Oriental Supermarket Festivities
Amazing Oriental, the well-known Asian supermarket chain, is once again embracing the Lunar New Year spirit with festive decorations and exciting activities. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Lucky Plush Gifts: Spend €30 or more and receive a lucky plush toy (while supplies last) to bring good fortune for the new year.
Lion Dance Performances: Experience the energy and excitement of a traditional lion dance, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity. Check their activities page for performance dates and times.
Culinary Tastings: Enjoy tastings of traditional Chinese New Year dishes and learn about their significance.
For more details, visit Amazing Oriental’s Chinese New Year page.
Leeuwarden Celebrations Keramiekmuseum Princessehof's Program
On February 1st and 2nd, the Princessehof Ceramics Museum in Leeuwarden will host various events to mark the Lunar New Year. If you’re looking to experience traditional Chinese culture, this is the place to be!
Guided Tours: Learn about the customs and history of Chinese New Year through special guided tours. Tours in Chinese will be held at 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM on both days. Tickets are €7 (excluding museum entry).
Lion Dance Performances: Catch the lively lion dance in Leeuwarden’s city center on Saturday, February 1st, at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
Tea Ceremonies: From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, join a tea expert to explore the aromas and traditions of an authentic Chinese tea ceremony. This is something I’m really looking forward to experiencing for the first time!
Dumpling Tasting: From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, enjoy traditional (vegetarian) dumplings, don’t worry if you’re not a chopsticks pro, they’ll guide you!
Paper Cutting Craft: Try your hand at the intricate art of Chinese paper cutting, an important part of New Year decorations. This is another activity I can’t wait to try!
For the full program and ticket reservations, visit the Princessehof website.
Whether you’re interested in cultural performances, delicious food, or hands-on activities, Groningen and Leeuwarden offer plenty of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year. I’ll definitely be at Forum again this year welcoming the Year of the Snake, so see you maybe there!