On Sunday 22nd London celebrated Chinese New Year with hundreds of thousands of visitors eating food, watching performances, and joining workshops.
During the day Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square became even more packed than usual. The day began with a parade from Trafalgar Square north to Chinatown. Trafalgar Square itself was transformed with a giant stage, performances took place throughout the day including breathtaking lion and dragon dances. Special stalls selling food and gifts were opened in Chinatown, while in Piccadilly Circus cultural workshops included calligraphy and playing Chinese instruments. During the day, China Minutes also gave out their special Chinese New Year newspaper.
Speaking to China Minutes during the celebrations, London Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard described the event as “fascinating.” She noted that the number of attendees and scale of the London Chinese New Year celebrations has been increasing year by year. When asked about visiting China following the visa-free policy for British passport holders officially implemented on February 17th, she stated that while she doesn’t have any concrete plans yet, she very much hoped to have the opportunity to visit China in the future.
Finally, the Deputy Mayor extended her blessings to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year, wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous year.
The Chinese New Year celebrations in London have been welcoming visitors to some of 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.
For even more pictures of the day, you can look at the second part of our photoessay on Chinese New Year 2026 in London.
If you like this article, why not read: A Sea of People, Celebrating Lunar New Year Across China
