Key information
Start date: Saturday 21 February 2026 at 10:00am
End date: Sunday 22 February 2026 at 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
About the event
The Festival of Spring, also known as Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, is a time of celebration and tradition. It is the main celebration for the Chinese community in London each year.
This year, the festival starts on 17 February and marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
Celebrate the festival in London's Chinatown and the surrounding areas on 22 February. The festival is a great opportunity to have a family day.
You can:
-
see a lion’s parade
-
enjoy live music, dance and entertainment
-
enjoy sample markets and food stalls
-
go to family workshops.
There will also be a Lion Dance on 21 February.
List of events
Find out what's on, including the location and time.
21 February 2026
Lion Dance
Location: Throughout Chinatown
Time: 12.00am - 17.30am
22 February 2026
Chinese New Year Parade
Location: Trafalgar Square and Chinatown
Time: 10.00am - 12am from East of Trafalgar Square
Ceremonial and main stage
Location: Trafalgar Square
Time: 12:00 midday - 6.00pm
- 12.00 midday: Speeches and Lions’ Eyes-Dotting Ceremony
- Dragon and Flying Lions Dance
- Cultural performances
- Finale
- 6.00pm: End of the celebration
There will also be art and craft stalls, festive stands and hot food available.
Lion dance and cuisine
Location: Chinatown
Time: 12.00 midday - 6.00pm
Workshops and exhibition
Location: Dean Street
Time: 12:00 midday - 6.00pm
Cultural workshops and family activities
Location: Leicester Square
Time: 12.00 midday - 5.00pm
Plan your journey
The area around Chinatown and Trafalgar Square gets very busy during London's Chinese New Year celebrations.
Make sure you plan your route in advance using Transport for London's Journey Planner.