European cities join in the celebrations

The celebration culminated at the center stage in Trafalgar Square at noon where a flying lion dance gripped everyone's attention as two dancers, holding one lion costume, jumped up and down on 3-meter-high poles.

A congratulatory letter by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was read out at the event: "I am delighted to wish the members of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, and the wider community, a very happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous and peaceful Year of the Rabbit.

"Rabbits are kind, patient, skillful and earnest in everything they do — qualities that I am sure you will agree we should all strive for," he says.

Yang Xiaoguang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom, gave a speech during the event, noting that the Spring Festival celebration in London's Trafalgar Square has become one of the most important Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.

"Spring Festival is a traditional holiday in China where families get together and the whole country celebrates," says Yang.

"It is also a time for the Chinese to share happiness with the world."

A wide range of cultural events celebrating Chinese New Year were held elsewhere in the UK and across Europe.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery hosted family-friendly events on Jan 28 and 29, with a rich program of interactive attractions, including kung fu demonstrations, traditional lion dances, craft activities and an exhibition of traditional folk paintings from North China's Hebei province.

In the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, the festival is gaining popularity. This year the celebration program included a castle light show, cultural workshops and other performances that lasted until Friday.