WHERE TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN LONDON
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
FREE and Brilliant Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations Across the Capital
London hosts the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.
This year’s celebrations celebrate the year of the Fire Horse, and the biggest celebrations in London take place this weekend (21-22 February,)
Gallop over to our guide for the best ways to celebrate, below - and all of them are FREE.
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Chinatown - London’s Chinese New Year Festival
Spectacular lion dances launch the festivities on 21 February between 11am and 5pm, when colourful performers will weave through the streets of Europe's largest Chinatown, alongside special menus at the restaurants and pop-ups, to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Chinatown, London. 1 February. 11am - 5pm. FREE
West End - London’s Chinese New Year Festival - FREE
Hundreds of thousands of people will head to the West End for the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe, and more than 50 colourful New Year Parade floats.
There are also free stage shows in Trafalgar Square - featuring martial arts and dances to Chinese pop. The family zone in Leicester Square will host craft, arts and dress-up sessions.
The celebrations close with a show-stopping fireworks and lion dance display, lighting up Trafalgar Square.
Chinese New Year Festival. Through Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.22 February. FREE
Year of the Horse at Greenwich Peninsula
Greenwich Peninsula will welcome the Year of the Horse with a vibrant celebration of East and Southeast Asian culture and traditions.
Expect acrobatic Lion and Dragon dances in Peninsula Square, The Splendours of Henan exhibition at Firepit Art Gallery; hands-on workshops like woodblock printing, calligraphy and Chinese knot-braiding; live music and the Eternal Market - a vibrant Pan Asian showcase featuring contemporary and traditional fare, brimming with delicious food, unique crafts, and community traders.
Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10. 21 February. FREE - £10. 12-5pm
Chinese New Year in Camden Town
Camden Town will celebrate Chinese New Year with a FREE day-long festival, brimming with live music, dance, Kung Fu, Beijing Opera, and family-friendly workshops.
Global food stalls, artistic installations, and traditional decor complete this spectacular celebration of Chinese culture.
Camden Market, 54-57 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF. 21 February. FREE.
Lunar New Year Festival at London Museum Docklands
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at London’s original Chinatown, in Limehouse.
The London Museum Docklands is running a free family festival with dragon dances, enchanting folktales, vibrant crafts and lively community-led events.
London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL. 21-22 February. FREE
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