Beginning from the 17th February 2026, the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year across East and Southeast Asia, marks the start of a new year based on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
Celebrations take place all over the UK, with plenty of exciting events being held across London. We’ve rounded up the best of the Chinese New Year celebrations to experience this festival season in the capital.
Let’s dive in!
Year of the Horse
Every year, Chinese communities all over the world celebrate 15 days that begin with the arrival of the new moon. This year, the celebration occurs between 17th February and 3rd March 2026 according to Western calendars. The origin of this holiday is steeped in legends of ancient beasts and celebrations, including red decorations, fireworks and luck.
The origin of the Chinese zodiac (2026 being the Horse) comes from the legend of the Jade Emperor. He decided to make animals race, and the first 12 to finish would be rewarded with a year named after them. The animals before this year were the Snake for 2025, Dragon for 2024, and Rabbit for 2023.
Chinese New Year in London
Lots of celebrations and decorations can be seen all around London on the official day of the New Year, which falls on Tuesday 17th February. London’s Chinatown returns with its extraordinary annual celebrations. As Europe’s largest Chinatown, there’ll be plenty of fun and festivities to get involved.
Previous years have included the iconic Chinese New Year Parade, lion dance performances, festive art stalls, workshops and food pop-ups galore. Be sure to check out the London Chinatown website for more information.
Chinese New Year Parade
Every year, central London plays host to a celebration of colour and culture on the day of the Lunar New Year. Travelling from Charing Cross and finishing at Shaftsbury Avenue, this annual parade is filled with outstanding floats depicting dragons and Asian mythology. The parade ends in Chinatown, where the festivities are at their maximum, packed with stalls and treats for everyone to enjoy.
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Festive food in Chinatown
Chinatown London, is never more electric than during the Chinese New Year period. As the red lanterns sway above Gerrard Street, the air fills with the scent of sizzling woks and festive spices. You’ll find crowds gathered around Four Seasons for their legendary roast duck or queuing at Dumplings’ Legend, where 8,000 dumplings are steamed daily!
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For a truly immersive experience, keep an eye out for the seasonal specials that pop up specifically for the festival. Bun House on Lisle Street is a must-visit for their adorable, limited-edition character buns – often shaped like the year’s zodiac animal – while Chinatown Bakery usually sees a rush for Taiyaki, Mooncakes an Nian Gao.
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Just be sure to book your table in advance if you’re planning on eating in, as the heart of the celebration is the most popular seat in town. But rest assured, there will be plenty of street stalls to uncover!
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