Lunar New Year in London
Last updated Jan 29, 2026
London is an exciting place to celebrate Chinese New Year. From the vibrant crowds and dragon parades in central London to special menus in beloved restaurants, the atmosphere is electrifying. Whether you’re a local joining the festivities or a visitor planning a trip, London offers a rich blend of traditional customs, cultural performances and, of course, delicious food.
The heart of the celebrations is undoubtedly Chinatown. Did you know that London’s Chinatown is Europe’s largest? In late February 2026 - the Year of the Horse - this iconic enclave bursts into colour, with red lanterns strung overhead, pop-up stalls, and lion dance performances snaking through the streets in the days leading up to the main festivities. Chinatown’s restaurants, bakeries and bars join the fun with special menus and limited-edition treats crafted just for the New Year. Think sticky nian gao for good fortune, delicate almond cookies stamped with lucky symbols, sesame-filled tangyuan dumplings, golden pineapple buns, and whole steamed fish dishes served to symbolise abundance and prosperity.
The Parade and Main Events
One of the biggest draws is the annual Chinese New Year parade, a dazzling procession of dragon dancers, colourful floats, lion dance troupes, and community groups from across the UK and beyond. Traditionally, the event starts on a Sunday morning (in 2026 this is Sunday, 22nd February), with the parade assembling at the east corner of Trafalgar Square and winding its way along Charing Cross Road into Chinatown.
Expect the crowd to line the streets from about 10:00 AM, with the procession typically lasting an hour or two. Many people arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially near key points like Trafalgar Square or Shaftesbury Avenue. Following the procession, Trafalgar Square comes alive with performances, music, and cultural displays. A highlight is the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony: a symbolic blessing of the lions to “awaken” them for the year.
Nearby, Leicester Square and the surrounding West End often host supplementary family-friendly workshops, calligraphy demonstrations, and cultural activities that make the day fun for all ages.
Where to Eat: Chinatown and Beyond
A key part of celebrating Chinese New Year is feasting, and London’s Chinatown is bursting with excellent options. Many restaurants fill up quickly on celebration weekends, so booking ahead is highly recommended:
Bun House: Known for some of the best steamed buns and savoury snacks in Chinatown. Great for a quick festive bite.
Plum Valley: Busy but popular spot for classic Cantonese and homestyle dishes.
Orient London: Reliable choice for authentic Chinese meals with plenty of options for celebratory dining.
New Young Cheng: A friendly neighbourhood favourite with hearty mains perfect for sharing.
Golden Dragon (Chinatown) and London Chinatown Restaurant: Classic Cantonese spots where roast duck, dim sum, and noodle dishes draw both locals and visitors.
For dim sum and small bites, Chinatown’s bakeries and snack counters are ideal places to sample traditional items like sticky rice cakes, sweet buns, and sesame balls.
Beyond the Food and Festivities
Chinese New Year in London is more than just a parade and dinner — it’s a full cultural immersion. Wandering through Chinatown’s lantern-lined streets, listening to the beat of drums as lion dancers weave through the crowds, and joining families enjoying the season’s first big reunion meal all add up to a truly memorable experience. With visitors, performers and residents coming together, the celebration feels vibrant, welcoming and deeply communal.
If you’re visiting London for Lunar New Year, Staycity has two great bases to make the most of it all. Our Greenwich High Road aparthotel puts you close to the historic heart of the city, with easy connections into central London and Chinatown, while Staycity Dalston sits in one of the capital’s most creative neighbourhoods, well connected by public transport and perfectly placed for exploring beyond the usual tourist trail. Wherever you stay, London’s Chinese New Year offers an unforgettable blend of tradition and urban energy.
