Lunar New Year at the Museum of London Docklands

Start the new year with a roar! Listen to classic Chinese folktales, learn how to ribbon dance, master martial arts moves and make crafts inspired by this celebration. This family-friendly weekend is perfect way to introduce the little ones to the different traditions of Lunar New Year.

Booking required- Booking opens Mon 29 Jan at 9am

Dragon kung fu

12.45–1.30pm, 1.45–2.30pm, 3.30–4.15pm | Wilberforce Theatre

Learn about the ancient art of dragon kung fu and try this martial art out for yourself – suitable for age 5 and over.

Only children require tickets. Adults must remain with children at all times.

Ribbon dance workshops

11–11.45am, 11.45am–12.30pm, 2.40–3.25pm | Wilberforce Theatre

Discover the world of Chinese ribbon dancing. Immerse yourself in the music and learn the graceful moves to this beautiful dance in this interactive workshop, suitable for ages 5 and above.

Elemental dragons

12–12.45pm, 1–1.45pm & 3–3.45pm | Warehouse of the World

Learn about different dragons in Chinese mythology, create a dragon mask and move through the museum like a traditional Chinese dragon, for ages 5 and above.

Drop-in

Silent disco

11am–12.30pm & 1.30–4pm | Sun 11 Feb only | Sainsbury’s Study Centre

Bop and boogie in our centuries-old warehouse to songs selected by Newham Chinese Association, that celebrate and represent this group’s cultural identity.

Dragon’s lair under 5s sensory space

11am–1pm & 2–4pm | Pocahontas Activity Space

Enter the heart of a dragon’s lair in this sensory space for under 5s and their carers. Spot some soaring dragons, search for dragon’s eggs, and practice your roar in this play space especially designed for our youngest visitors.

Dragon puppets

11am–1.30pm & 2.30–4pm | City and River

Create a clever dragon puppet where you become part of your own work of art! For ages 3 and above.

Lion dancing

12pm, 1pm, 3pm & 4pm | Riverside Room

Join a professional Chinese dancing troupe for an authentic lion dance. Welcome the new year with this tradition which symbolises chasing away the worries of the previous year, while welcoming happiness into the new. Suitable for ages 3 and above.

Please arrive early to avoid disappointment, as visitors may be turned away if the space is too full.

Head-raising dragon

12.30–1pm, 1.30–2pm, 3–3.30pm | No.1 Warehouse

The Chinese dragon has been an important symbol for thousands of years. But what exactly is a Chinese dragon, and how is it different from others? Join Windson Liong from New Earth Theatre to hear an ancient folk story and discover the meaning of Chinese dragons. For ages 3 and above.