January 31st is the date that Chinese across the world will be celebrating New Year and the incoming year of the horse. And, no matter where you are in the world, I highly recommend you grab the kids and get involved. As a child in London I was taken annually by my parents to the hubbub of coloured lights, wiggling dragons and sensational food smells that filled Gerrard Street in London’s Chinatown. From the dumplings to the music, the masks to the excitable crowds, your children will adore it with every passing year.
And if you are lucky enough to be in the East, then you really have no excuse. When pregnant, I was lucky enough to indulge in an authentic, and seriously memorable Chinese meal to celebrate the New Year in Kuala Lumpur. If I could spend every new year in Asia I would and, this year, it would be at The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong.
Dating back to the 19th century, The Peninsula Hotels are one of China’s original luxury hospitality brands and remain a place of decadent luxury, amazing service and immense family-friendly facilities. There line up this year spares no expense.
Outside, the stunning hotel will be covered in red lights and matching, red paper lanterns. Inside, traditional lion dances, drums and cymbals will fill the hotel’s corridors, while children wish their parents and older relatives a good year ahead on the first morning of the New Year, following strong Chinese tradition. In turn they will receive “lai see” (lucky money), in red envelopes, courtesy of the hotel. The bedrooms are just as considered: festive delights including tangerines, melon seeds, dumplings and chocolate coins (all representing prosperity) are found on arrival, the latter being an obvious hit with kids.
Food is, of course, is a major player in the whole event, (as it does so much in Chinese culture) and, as such, you can expect a serious array of food to choose from. After feasting on seemingly endless and delectable Chinese delicacies, you’ll end the night with firecrackers to drive evil spirits away.
Now, whether you’re at The Peninsula Hotel over Chinese New Year this month, or not, it should be seriously considered next time you’re in Hong Kong with the family. All Peninsula Hotels boast ‘Academy Programmes,’ which are unique to each property and focused very much on local culture. There are delightful children’s versions of these programmes and, in Hong Kong, they have ‘A Little Pastry Chef’s Adventure: Magical Children’s Cooking Class.’ This two hour class welcomes children into what is, arguably, one of the most prestigious kitchens in Hong Kong, allowing them to explore pastry-making and decorating with professionals.
You’ll have Dim Sum masters on your hands in no time…..