As the January chill lingers, London prepares to burst into vibrant colour and energy with the arrival of Lunar New Year 2026. This annual celebration, officially commencing on Tuesday, February 17, marks the auspicious Year of the Fire Horse—a Chinese Zodiac symbol renowned for bringing dynamic energy, fiery changes, and exciting opportunities. The festivities, which span approximately sixteen days until the Lantern Festival on March 3, offer a perfect antidote to the winter blues, featuring family gatherings, sumptuous feasts, traditional cleaning rituals, and mesmerising lion dances.
Major Parades and Public Celebrations
London's East Asian communities will unite in a spectacular display of culture, transforming the capital into a hub of joyous activity. From dumpling-tasting sessions to intricate Chinese lantern-making workshops, there is an abundance of ways to immerse yourself in the celebrations.
Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown
The centrepiece of London's Lunar New Year festivities is the grand parade scheduled for Sunday, February 22. While full details are still to be confirmed, the procession is expected to start east of Trafalgar Square, winding its way up to the heart of Chinatown. Spectators can line the route from around 10:15 am, enjoying street food from local vendors throughout the day. Given the anticipated large crowds, arriving early is advisable to secure the best viewing spots.
Greenwich Year of the Horse Celebrations
Greenwich Peninsula will host one of London's most vibrant Lunar New Year events on Saturday, February 21, from 12 pm to 5 pm. Centred near Pier Walk and North Greenwich Station, this celebration promises an authentic and atmospheric experience. Attendees can enjoy dragon and lion dances, explore East Asian street food stalls, and visit a Henan art exhibition. For a £5 fee, participants can engage in creative workshops such as paper cutting, woodblock printing, calligraphy, and games like Mahjong and GO.
Camden Market's Free Festival
Camden Market's Hawley Wharf will usher in the New Year on Saturday, February 21, from 12:30 pm to 6 pm, offering a free and family-friendly event. Expect vibrant lion and dragon dances, elegant fashion parades, traditional Chinese music and dance performances, face painting inspired by Chinese opera, Kung Fu demonstrations, and acrobatics. Free workshops will include lantern decoration, fan painting, Chinese calligraphy, and pocket pouch making, along with demonstrations of the traditional game Mahjong.
Cultural Workshops and Tasting Events
For those seeking a more hands-on or intimate experience, London offers a variety of workshops and tasting sessions that delve deeper into Lunar New Year traditions.
Jeroboams Dumplings and Wine Evening
Chelsea's Jeroboams at 336 King's Road will host a special Dumplings and Wine event on Friday, January 24, at 6:30 pm. This 90-minute tasting session, priced at £55, offers a unique opportunity to pair fine wine with delicious Chinese dumplings, blending culinary delights with celebratory cheer.
Kung Fu Mama's 'Ink & Noodles' Calligraphy Experience
In Covent Garden, noodle restaurant Kung Fu Mama collaborates with artist Lynn Huang for an 'Ink & Noodles' workshop on Saturday, February 14, from 3 pm to 5 pm. Tickets start from £21.94 and include a noodle dish, a drink, and a contemporary calligraphy session. Guests can create personalised red blessing cards using ink brush techniques, exploring modern water ink methods while enjoying traditional noodles.
Dear Asia's Lantern Making Workshop
The Dear Asia Centre in Aldgate will host a lantern-making session on Monday, March 2, from 6 pm to 7 pm, with tickets from £33.22. Participants can craft glass-tinted or traditional paper lanterns, inspired by classical Chinese designs, symbolising brightness, peace, and renewal. This event, traditionally held on the final day of celebrations, includes social interactions with Chinese students and treats, fostering a sense of unity and hope for the year ahead.
Concerts and Museum Events
London's cultural institutions also join the celebrations, offering enriching experiences that highlight the artistic and historical aspects of Lunar New Year.
SOAS Sounds of Spring Concert
Professor Cheng Yu of the School of Oriental and African Studies presents a concert on Tuesday, March 3, featuring traditional and contemporary Chinese music. Held at the SOAS Gallery Lecture Theatre with doors opening at 7:30 pm, tickets start from £11.55. The performance includes Chinese orchestral music, silk and bamboo ensembles, Beijing opera, Chaozhou string-poem music, and Pipa/Guqin ensembles, accompanied by lanterns, candles, and tea.
Lunar New Year at the London Docklands Museum
The Museum of London Docklands will host a weekend-long family festival from Saturday, February 21, to Sunday, February 22. Located near London's original Chinatown in Limehouse, this accessible event includes classic Chinese folktales, workshops, tangyuan making, dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, lion dances, a silent disco, ribbon dance workshops, and hands-on crafts. It's an ideal way to introduce children to the diverse traditions of Lunar New Year.
Whether you're drawn to the lively parades, the creative workshops, or the cultural performances, London's Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations offer something for everyone. Embrace the fiery energy of the Year of the Horse and join in the festivities that bring communities together in a vibrant display of heritage and joy.
