Shed your skin.

The Spring Festival ushers in the Year of the Snake and with it, a celebration of renewal and reunion. Associated with wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation, the zodiac animal is an ideal symbol of change and rebirth. And of course, the all-important festivities are a chance for families to gather together, for the exchange of gifts, all surrounded by the promise of the new year; a time for luck, tradition — and luxury. Get red-envelope ready with these fabulous CNY-themed activations from our premium brands.

Ensure your Lunar New Year celebrations get off to a flying start with this charming selection from Fortnum’s. Brimming with everything you’ll need to ring in the Year of the Snake, the festive gift box includes the brand’s Chocolate Gold Coins, delightful Piccadilly Stem Ginger Biscuits and Lunar New Year Iced Biscuits — a scrumptious partner to its Cup of Good Fortune Loose Leaf Tea. Completing the celebrations is Fortnum’s Rosé Sparkling Tea.

In tribute to the Chinese crafts of celadon porcelain and bamboo weaving, Montblanc’s Meisterstück Calligraphy Solitaire Celadon Dégradé Fountain Pen draws inspiration, the brand explains, from “the encounter between art and writing.” Featuring a celadon-coloured gradient lacquer, the writing instrument is finished with “signature gold-coated clip and fittings and crowned with a hand-crafted Au750/18K solid gold nib.”

Give the gift of luxurious sweetness this Lunar New Year with the annual themed release from Ladurée. Exuding elegance and tradition, the brand’s box of eight macarons is designed to commemorate the festival: “inspired by the good-luck symbols and wealth of this iconic holiday,” it features “a refined design in vibrant colours of red and gold, synonymous with prosperity and happiness.” Inside you’ll find a delicious selection of the Parisian patisserie’s finest flavours, including caramel, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, chocolate and rose.

Boodles’ colourful, dazzling approach to jewellery — one seeped in tradition and craftsmanship — means that the brand’s pieces make for beautiful Lunar New Year gifts. This set of earrings, part of the “Play of Light” collection, is a case in point. The brand notes that the series is “inspired by the play of light used throughout some of the world’s most famous Impressionist artworks. These earrings reflect Renoir’s picture of Moulin Huet Bay — with its bright sea blues, lemony sparkles and dabs of colour.”

At the Fortnum & Mason Bar & Restaurant in The Royal Exchange, guests will have the opportunity to celebrate Lunar New Year with the brand’s special scratch card activation. All those who order the Lunar New Year “Twisting Serpent” cocktail special will receive a scratch card. There will be five possible versions — with some scratch cards offering a prize, and others simply a celebratory New Year’s wish. From complimentary cocktails to a hamper worth up to £150, there are plenty of exciting opportunities that you could be in with the chance of winning.

Finally, Oeno is celebrating the Spring Festival with a fabulous offer that spotlights the exquisite wines of Silver Heights — the brand’s exclusive Chinese wine producer. Described by The Buyer as “one of China’s most exciting boutique wineries” (The Buyer), Silver Heights has been commended for, among other things, its leading viticulture practices and exceptional craftsmanship. Head down to the Royal Exchange’s Oeno boutique, where you’ll enjoy a taste of the winery’s best-loved vintages. Here’s to the Year of the Snake!