On Sunday, February 22nd London Chinatown will host its annual Chinese New Year celebrations.
The main event of the Chinese New Year in London, which organisers describe as ‘the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside China’. It is organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, with the support of the Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority and the City of Westminster.
Celebrations will take place across Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. It begins with a parade from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown (10:00–12:00), followed by the Opening Ceremony on the main stage (12:30), followed by dragon and lion dances (13:00), then variety shows (13:30) and ending with a spectacular finale and light show (17:30–18:00).
Throughout the day visitors can catch lion dances in Chinatown, take part in workshops, explore stalls, and enjoy street food.
His Majesty King Charles III sent his “warmest best wishes” for “a most successful event,” and Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked the British Chinese community for their valuable contribution to the country in a special message to the event and wished everyone “a very prosperous and happy Lunar New Year.”
The Chinese New Year embodies the universal values of Hope, Harmony, Home and Health, uniting communities across the UK in a shared spirit of celebration and reflection. The Year of the Horse symbolises strength, vitality, perseverance, and progress in Chinese culture. The theme of the London Celebrations this year will be: Celebrating the Year of the Horse, Galloping ahead, and Sharing the Journey.
Mr Chu Ting Tang OBE, the Chair of the organiser, the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), expressed his gratitude to the audience, volunteers, professional performing troupes who travelled from China, local businesses and sponsors. He emphasised the importance of everyone working together to build a bright future for both the British and the Chinese communities.
The Chinese New Year celebrations in London have been welcoming visitors to the UK’s most famous landmarks, Trafalgar Square and London Chinatown, since 2002. According to organisers, it is the largest community celebration of the Chinese New Year outside Asia. Last year, over 700,000 visitors joined in the celebrations.
Chinese New Year Parade
Trafalgar Square & Chinatown
10:00 – 12:00 Parade from East of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown
Ceremonial and Main Stage
Trafalgar Square
11:30 – 18:00 Cultural Performances, Art and Craft Stalls, Festive Stands, and hot food
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 Area and Exhibition
Dean Street and Shaftesbury Avenue
10:30 – 17:30 Festive Stalls and Parade Floats Exhibition
Cultural Activities
Leicester Square
10:30 – 17:30 Cultural Workshops
Cuisine and Lion Dance
Chinatown
10:30 – 17:30 Lion Dance, Festive Stalls, and Cuisine
If you like this article, why not read: Chinese New Year Events in London 2026
