Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Merchant Square

Chinese New Year marks the first day in the lunar calendar, a time of new starts and fresh beginnings. This year is the Year of the Dragon, signifying power, strength and good fortune. Merchant Square are celebrating the new year with an array of family friendly events. Red lanterns will adorn the Floating Pocket Park from 5 - 19 February, and there will be free fortune cookies available to collect from 5 Merchant Square from 5 February until stock runs out. For those with a little creative flair, there will be a free calligraphy workshop from 11.30am - 12.30pm on Friday 9 February in the New Cafe at 5 Merchant Square, where participants can design their own spring couplets to usher in the Year of the Dragon. The event is free with 30 spaces available and all materials will be provided. Sign up here to confirm your attendance.

Performed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits, the lion dance is one of the most important traditions of Chinese New Year. On Friday 9 February from 1pm - 1.30pm, skilled lion dancers will wave through Merchant Square to bring in the Year of the Dragon. The performance is free to attend and spectators can drop in at any point during the show. Share your Merchant Square Chinese New Year experience on social media using #MerchantSquare or tag @merchantsquareldn on Instagram.