Chinese New Year 2025

Did you know you can celebrate New Year's Eve twice in one year? In China and other Asian countries, the New Moon Year is celebrated between 21 January and 20 February - a celebration full of traditions and symbolism! This Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the shortest winter day. At Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics, we will celebrate this special moment on February 1st and 2nd. With a festive programme consisting of guided tours, a traditional tea ceremony and cutting art. Book a ticket and celebrate the start of the new lunar year!

Unique guided tours
During Chinese New Year, we offer two unique guided tours in the museum. The first is in Dutch and focuses on personal stories about the rituals and traditions of Chinese New Year. The second tour is in Chinese, specifically aimed at the Chinese community in the Netherlands. Walk along with a museum guide and discover both the Wu Zetian exhibition and the museum's permanent collection, in which we present several masterpieces from China.

Both days at 12.30 and 2.00 PM in Chinese, and at 1.00 and 2.30 PM in Dutch

Lion Dance
No Chinese celebration is complete without a lion dance! This authentic Chinese tradition combines art, history and kung fu movements with live music consisting of Chinese cymbals and drums. In a procession, a huge lion's head moves through the streets while dancing. On Saturday 1 February, this festive spectacle can also be admired in Leeuwarden city centre. Don't miss it!

Saturdays only at 11.00h and 13.30h

Tea ceremonies
Join an authentic Chinese tea ceremony at Ceramics Museum Princessehof. During the celebration of Chinese New Year, we invite you to discover the symbolism and rituals of this special ceremony. Museum guide and China expert Frank Hitman will introduce you to the smell and taste of authentic Chinese tea. Immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and celebrate the beginning of the new lunar year. 

Both days from 11am to 2pm

Eating dumplings (with chopsticks)
Besides Chinese tea, visitors can also taste Chinese dumplings.These steamed dumplings are traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year.During this festival, entire families come together to make dumplings together and enjoy each other's company.Eating the dumplings together is a way of wishing each other luck and prosperity.Of course, we eat the (vegetarian) dumplings - as we should - with chopsticks. Not so handy with chopsticks yet? No worries; we will be happy to teach you!

Both days from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m

Create your own happiness
On New Year's Eve, Chinese people gather with their families. Besides a feast, they chase away evil spirits with fireworks. Cutting art plays an important role here: they decorate their windows with artistic cut patterns. The colour red, which symbolises happiness and prosperity, cannot be missing. Want to try it yourself? Come to the museum and bring happiness into your home!

Be sure to take a seat in the tearoom throughout the programme