Chinese New Year is just around the corner and the Napoleons teams are ready to make it the best year yet!
We’ve got your back answering all of the important questions – from ‘What is Chinese New Year?’ to ‘When is Chinese New Year?’. Plus, we’re diving into all of the celebration’s best bits, including how to get involved at our Napoleons casinos and restaurants.
Keep reading to find out what’s happening at each of our Napoleons destinations in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, and Bradford…
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture!
It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. When is Chinese New Year? 2025’s festivities will begin on Wednesday 29th January, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
This incredible celebration goes back over 4,000 years, starting during the Shang Dynasty. Back then, it was all about honouring the gods and ancestors and celebrating the end of winter. There’s also the legendary tale of Nian, a monster who loved causing trouble until villagers scared it off with firecrackers, loud drums, and the colour red.
Chinese New Year activities span over 15 days filled with family reunions, feasts, and traditions like giving red envelopes (hongbao) with money inside for good luck.
2025: Year of the Snake!
Each year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, influencing the year’s fortunes – and 2025 is the Year of the Snake!
The Year of the Snake slithers into the Chinese zodiac as a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In Chinese culture, the snake is also seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune. It’s believed to bring transformation and rebirth, much like how a snake sheds its skin.
The Year of the Snake is a time to embrace growth, make wise decisions, and trust your instincts. Whether you’re a Snake or not, it’s a year full of potential and new beginnings.
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year
Wondering how to authentically ring in the Year of the Snake? There are plenty of Chinese New Year activities to get you started…
- First, go bold with decorations— red and gold are the goal. Think lanterns, paper cuttings, and even a lucky plant for good measure.
- Food is at the heart of the festivities, so indulge in traditional dishes like dumplings (for wealth), noodles (for long life), and fish (for abundance). Don’t forget, it’s polite to leave a little leftover on your plate.
- Spread the festive cheer by handing out red envelopes to friends and family – even if it’s a small token cash amount, your good fortune is said to multiply!
- Head to Napoleons Casinos and Restaurant to join in the Chinese New Year games and buffets – more on this below
Chinese New Year at Napoleons
Mark Chinese New Year 2025 with a bang across our Napoleons locations, as we welcome the Year of the Snake in style.
From prize draws and games on the casino floor to delicious Asian buffets and karaoke nights, Napoleons are the ultimate destinations to enjoy classic entertainment…
Leeds
Get ready for some serious Chinese New Year fun at Napoleons Leeds! On February 4th, it’s prize draw time – They’ve got three cash draws: £333 at 11pm, another £333 at 1am, and a big £888 at 2am. Plus, there’s a tasty midnight buffet from Panda Mami to keep you going.
Hull
Napoleons Hull is the place to be this Chinese New Year on 3rd February! Kick things off with a mouth-watering midnight buffet by Wok so Ever, then be wowed by an epic Lion Dance from midnight to 1am. There’s a £500 cash prize draw between 1am and 2am. Oh, and don’t miss karaoke from 10pm to 2am.
Sheffield
Sheffield’s going all out for Chinese New Year! On Monday 27th get in on Mahjong’s extra £500 prize draw. Feast on a buffet from New Hing Lung on Tuesday 28th, and then on Wednesday 29th we’ll be giving out red envelopes with Year of the Snake chips and ANOTHER Mahjong competition – food, games, and good times, what more could you want?
Manchester
Napoleons Manchester is ready to party on 2nd February! Dive into the epic £6,500 cash prize draw, don’t miss the stunning Dragon Dance performance, and tuck into a midnight buffet from No. 8 Restaurant – it’s the perfect way to soak up the Lunar New Year magic!
Bradford
Everyone’s a winner this Chinese New Year in Bradford with the spin to win roulette on February 3rd. Land on red to enjoy £5, black for £25, and spin a 0 to win £50! Not to forget the tasty buffet at 11pm.
Keep your eyes peeled on social media channels for regular updates for each branch!
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