We know. You’re so over January already. Post Christmas holiday blues, dark, cold mornings, bills now arriving in red ink, groaning bank balances and payday STILL not quite here. ‘ho’d wanna date me in January’ right? Hmm, you’ve got a poi-
Enough already. January’s almost over. Payday is around the corner and cold weather? Wear warm clothes and cuddle up. It’s time to get your dating mojo back. Get dressed, brush your hair and teeth and head to one or all of these 5 great date ideas. High fives? Don’t leave us hanging…
1. Chinese New Year 2017 in London
FREE ADMISSION
If you share a passion for the mysteries of ancient China or are just up for another New Year party – join the celebration of the Chinese New Year on 29 January in London! To be precise, the first day of the Chinese New Year in 2017 is 28 January – great excuse for a family dinner, romantic date or a drink with friends. The Chinese New Year festivities in Central London are free to attend and this year, take place in Trafalgar Square, the West End and Chinatown, of course. The grand Chinese parade kicks off at 10 am on 29 January and will make its way through the West End. Grab a date to get and don’t miss this fabulous parade which features acrobats, dragon and lion dances, opera and martial arts acts. The “Year of the Rooster” celebration will end on Trafalgar Square with music, pyrotechnics and fireworks – according to the tradition, fireworks help scare away a monstrous creature “Nian”, “Year” in English.
2. The Magical Lantern Festival
Admission: £20
Untill 26 February
Chiswick House and Gardens
Still can’t let the festive season go and want to fight post-holiday depression, the Magical Lantern Festival is the best place to dive into splendid atmosphere of the Oriental world. This is only Festival’s second year, but shows all the promise of becoming an annual event. The 2017 theme is the Silk Road. Visitors will follow an illuminated mini-trail of the Silk Road. Follow the trail and enjoy the fairy-like Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, magical scenes where you’ll recognise India, Asia, the Middle East and the tale of Aladdin. Make a wish by the giant lantern genie – nothing is impossible in this fairy land. Heads up: look out for the giant fire rooster…
3. Burns, Baby, Burns!
Admission: £35-£49
January 26 2017 – January 28 2017
Ach now, come celebrate Scotland’s wee national poet birthday (Robert Burns) with this fun Burns Night party! Enjoy a traditional three-course supper, ceilidh dances and of course a whisky bar where you and your date can sample a wee dram or two or three. If you are looking for a modern twist on Burns night, St John-at-Hackney Church is a must.
4. Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio
Admission: £35
Until 29 January
You needn’t risk concussion trying to jump onto platform 9 3/4 as at Alohomora – the doors to Hogwarts will magically open for you and your date. Enjoy the magical world of Harry Potter as mere muggles are invited to sample the magical wizard world. Enter Hogwarts and feast on the visual delights of the Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room. Behold the magical Christmas trees, special-effects (or are they..?) the great feast (including flaming Christmas pudding) and other magic tricks that are all waiting to make this a perfect magical date…
5. London Art Fair 2017
Until 22 January
Admission: £15-£22
Tube: Angel & King’s Cross St Pancras
If you or your date is a culture vulture art lover (or is pretending to be just to impress you, cute) London Art Fair is a must visit. Over 125 galleries bring their best contemporary artworks from the most outstanding artists of the 20th century to the Business Design Centre to kick off the start of the new art year. The Art Fair features the works created in the beginning of the 20th centuries till present days. Photography, sculpture, painting and ceramics – the wide range of exhibits will satisfy tastes of the most exacting visitors and art critics. Don’t worry about voicing your expert opinion on any pieces. Anything goes, frankly.
Do you have any other date ideas to get your mojo back on? Tell us @lovestruck
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