While 2012 may have already arrived in the West there are still plenty more reasons to continue the festivities as we welcome in the Year of the Dragon at Chinese New Year celebrations across the globe. Deemed to be the most powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac, this years festivities, which commence on 23rd January, are set to be bigger and better than ever. Here is our pick of the top 5 cities in which to soak up the spectacular traditions of the Chinese New Year

Beijing

It’s a given that no one does Chinese New Year better than Beijing as, after all, it is the most awaited festival of the year and the number one date in the lunar calendar! As the most traditional of celebrations worldwide, the festivities kick off at the Temple Fairs, located in some of the city’s most ancient temples, with oriental games, striking lion and dragon performances, Chinese delicacies and an impressive fireworks display at midnight – ensuring that the Dragon arrives with a big bang!

San Francisco

Home to the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia, San Francisco comes alive for Chinese New Year, with celebrations commencing before the 23^rd and continuing well into February. On top of the traditional procession of floats, dragons and Chinese acrobats the city’s put a contemporary spin on the festivities, encouraging people to start the year on the right foot at the annual YMCA Chinese New Year 10K run as well as celebrating in style at the San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Concert and searching for the zodiac at the zoo!

Hong Kong

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, the city where East meets West throws one of the loudest and liveliest parties around. Events include a huge night parade with traditional themed floats, lion and dragon dancing, marching bands and an incredible fireworks display over Victoria Harbour thought to scare away bad spirits and promote luck for the year to come!

Paris

The French capital has a thriving and influential French-Chinese community, and its Chinatown is the largest in Europe – the ideal place to ring in the Year of the Dragon without having to travel to the other side of the world! For a few unforgettable days in late January the City of Light becomes even brighter as it is overrun by  colourful dragons snaking their way through the streets, dancers in traditional costumes, merrymakers setting off firecrackers and much more!

London

For those who want to stay a little closer to home, London’s celebrating a week after the rest of the world this year, and that’s not to say that it will be any less special, as there is an endless list of events due to spring up in the city. Trafalgar Square will be showcasing live performances, traditional dragon dances and Chinese acrobatics before commencing the colourful float parade from Trafalgar Square to the streets of Chinatown. Ensuring that the Year of the Dragon makes a dramatic entrance Chinatown will also be filled with Asian cultural displays, food stalls with scrumptious Chinese delights and a fireworks display to end the festivities!