Celebrations in Trafalgar Square

It's the year of the monkey and the party is bigger than ever with action located in and around Chinatown. After the traditional tree planting in Chinatown at 11.15am, there's a children's fun parade.

The official opening ceremony, in the presence of the Chinese ambassador and Mayor Ken Livingstone, is at 12.25pm. After that, expect lion and dragon dances, Sichuan opera, acrobatics and magic and fireworks at 1.30pm.

There are also craft and food stalls, kite making and noodle pulling.

Trafalgar Square WC2 (020-7292 2877). Sun 25 Jan, noon, free. www.chinatownchinese.com