CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON
CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE HORSE
- Galloping ahead, Sharing the Journey
22 FEBRUARY 2026
Chinese New Year Parade
Trafalgar Square & Chinatown
10:00 – 12:00 Parade from East of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown
Commencing at 10 a.m. with a dazzling Grand Parade from East of Trafalgar Square, ending on Shaftesbury Avenue in Chinatown, this procession features vibrant, handcrafted floats from China, accompanied by a lively assembly of Chinese Dragon and Lion teams.
Ceremonial and Main Stage
Trafalgar Square
11:30 – 18:00 Cultural Performances, Art and Craft Stalls, Festive Stands, and hot food
The official Opening Ceremony takes place at 12:30 p.m. in Trafalgar Square. It includes the traditional lion awakening, followed by flying lion dances. The main stage in Trafalgar Square features a variety of cultural performances, culminating with a stunning grand finale that promises to leave a lasting impression.
11:30 Screen shows
12:30 Speeches & Lions’ Eyes-Dotting Ceremony
13:00 Dragon & Flying Lions Dance
13:30 Variety Show
17:30 Grand Finale & Light Show
Family and Exhibition
Dean Street and Shaftesbury Avenue
10:30 – 17:30 Festive Stalls and Parade Floats Exhibition
Join the family corner at the junction of Dean Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, offering a series of interactive cultural workshops, family-friendly games, and activities for all ages to convey the warmth of family togetherness during the Chinese New Year. The floats will be displayed along Shaftesbury Avenue after the parade. A great opportunity for Instagram and fun TikTok moments.
Cultural Activities
Leicester Square
10:30 – 17:30 Cultural Workshops
Visit Leicester Square for the festive stands with displays of Chinese culture and scenic films of tourist destinations in China. Enjoy the traditional Konghou musical performances and try out first-hand the art of Chinese brush calligraphy and heritage painting. Come early to collect special souvenirs from Henan China and a bilingual travel guide to Huangshan.
Cuisine and Lion Dance
Chinatown
10:30 – 17:30 Lion Dance, Festive Stalls, and Cuisine
In the heart of Chinatown, visitors can indulge in special festive menus, enjoy live lion dances along the streets, and browse stalls filled with Chinese New Year decorations and traditional handicrafts. Additional exhilarating lion dance performances will take place throughout Chinatown from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The atmosphere will be electric, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Travel Information
Road closures, parking suspension and traffic diversion will be in place during the celebrations, and visitors are advised to use public transport. For the best way to plan your journey visit: tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner
Nearest underground stations:
Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines)
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines)
Latest Updates:
Follow us for more information on what’s happening across London for Chinese New Year. #CNYLondon
Web: www.visitlondon.com/china
www.lccauk.com
X (Twitter): @LondonChinatown
Facebook: London Chinatown Chinese Association
Instagram: lccauk
