Looking for ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in Edinburgh? Well, look no further…
The Chinese New Year of 2020 is when Scottish and Chinese culture comes together for the biggest (and best) celebration. And it won’t happen again for another 76 years.
So, what’s so important about this date?
Well, it’s both Burn’s Night and Chinese New Year – all wrapped into one. And we’re here to help you celebrate it. Running from Tuesday 21st January until Sunday 9th February, here are some ways you can explore the best of both cultures and celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 in Edinburgh…
When?
21 January 2020 – 7pm
Where?
Usher Hall
Price?
Adult – £15 (136.52 CNY/RMB) | Student/Concession – £5 (45.51 CNY/RMB)
Look out – Guizhou Song and Dance Troupe is coming to Edinburgh with all the singing and dancing you could want! Formed in 1956, they are the biggest performing group in Guizhou Province and their craft is inspired by ethnic characteristics of this area.
Interested in seeing this incredible showcase under the gorgeous domed auditorium?
Book tickets
When?
21-28 January
Where?
Holyrood Distillery
Price?
£16.50 (150.18 CNY/RMB).
Would you like to be introduced to a world of flavour by a Mandarin-speaking guide? From the 21st to the 28th of January, get hands-on with botanicals and learn about both malt whisky and gin production while enjoying some delicious samples along the way. It helps that the distillery is right in the city centre. So, fancy a tour and a tipple?
Book tickets
When?
25 & 26 January; 1 & 2 February – 11am
Where?
Royal Mile via Mercat Tours
Price?
£14 per adult (127.42 CNY/RMB)
Do you want a Year of the Rat-themed tour of the Royal Mile? Mercat’s storyteller will deliver some tails (get it?) of Scotland from each Year of the Rat. Let’s just say that some very interesting characters make an appearance…Interested?
Book Tickets
When?
Saturday 25 January – Saturday 1 February
Where?
Edinburgh Dungeon
Price?
Special price of just £10 (for students) | 91.02 CNY/RMB
Go on a rat-tastic immersive journey through Edinburgh’s dark past at Edinburgh Dungeon! With live actors, theatrical sets and thrilling rides, what’s not to love (or fear?). To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rat, this underground sensation is giving away rat-themed goodie bags to every student visitor as well as a free hot drink. All for the special discounted rate of just £10 between 25th January and 1st February. Do you dare?
Book tickets
When?
25 & 26 January
Where?
St Cecilia’s Hall
Price?
£5 (45.51 CNY/RMB)
Have you always wanted to try a Scottish Ceilidh? Well, in honour of the Chinese New Year, Edinburgh University’s St Cecilia Hall is hosting a bilingual night – meaning there’s no excuse not to give it a go! Kicking off with Chinese drumming, a friendly team will then demonstrate the traditional Scottish dances before encouraging everyone to join in.Fancy trying something new?
Book tickets.
When?
Runs until Sunday 26 January 2020
Where?
Edinburgh Zoo
Price?
£18 (163.83 CNY/RMB) per adult – must be booked online 24 hours before the event
Edinburgh Zoo will be transformed by a dazzling display over 600 lanterns in celebration of Chinese New Year.
The attraction’s popular Giant Lanterns event returns with the theme ‘Lost Worlds’. Visitors will be transported back in time to a world where weird and wonderful species roamed the earth.
From a tyrannosaurus rex to a 65-foot-long snake, hundreds of prehistoric creatures will be brought to life by stunning sculptures which have travelled over 5000 miles after being painstakingly handcrafted by the talented artisans of Sichuan.
Now in its third year, the event stems from a long relationship between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Sichuan, which is also the birthplace of Edinburgh Zoo’s giant pandas.
Book tickets.
When?
20, 22, 24 & 25 January
Where?
Hotel Chocolat
Price?
£10 (91.02 CNY/RMB) – but this £10 can be spent in-store on the night (yummy!)
Do you have a sweet tooth? Does combining Burns Night, Chinese New Year and chocolate sound like a good idea? Then here’s the event for you. Hotel Chocolat is offering you a taste sensation which will have a mixed Scottish and Chinese theme. Are you in?
Book tickets
When?
25 January
Where?
The CoURT, Code Pod Hostels
Last but absolutely not least, we’re celebrating both Burns Night and Chinese New Year for guests by hosting a Haggis Night. If great food and even better company sounds like a good evening to you during your time in Edinburgh, you don’t want to miss out. Plus, we have a few surprises too… And no, we won’t tell you what they are yet!
Secure your place by dropping us an email.
So, what do you think? Are you going to celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 in Edinburgh with us? Book via our website for the best rates – see you soon…
Photo sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven