Lunar New Year London

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Carnival & ParadeLondon
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesLondon's Lunar New Year celebrations have
LanguageEnglishCurrency: GBP
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Lunar New Year London in London

The largest Lunar New Year celebration held anywhere outside Asia, spanning Trafalgar Square and Chinatown each year since organisers extended the event beyond Chinatown itself in 2002. Rooted in the London Chinatown Chinese Association, founded in 1978, it now draws hundreds of thousands of visitors for dragon dances, street performances and a Trafalgar Square stage programme.

London's Lunar New Year celebrations grew out of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, founded in 1978 to support Chinatown's businesses, provide assistance to Britain's Chinese community and raise funds for disaster relief efforts in China.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

London's Lunar New Year celebrations have grown from a Chinatown-focused community event into the largest such celebration held anywhere outside Asia, a scale achieved specifically after the 2002 expansion into Trafalgar Square added a formal stage, international performers and political attendance to what had previously been a neighbourhood celebration

02

The mystery stays covered

The event's continued organisation by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, founded in 1978 to support Chinatown's own businesses and residents, ties its now citywide scale directly back to a specific community organisation rather than a purely civic or commercial promoter

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Dragon and lion dance processions through Chinatown's streets

Water and renewal

Living ritual

alongside a Trafalgar Square stage programme added in 2002

The sacred route

Living ritual

have remained the core structure of the celebration since its expansion beyond a purely community-based event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

For Lunar New Year London, plan transport around the exact London venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Warm winter layers are essential given the event's typical January or February date and the fully outdoor nature of both the Trafalgar Square stage and Chinatown street celebrations.

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

For Lunar New Year London, stay near the part of London you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

GBP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map51.51 N, 0.13 WOpen in Google Maps

London, England, United Kingdom

Nearest airportLHR — London Heathrow
TransportFor Lunar New Year London, plan transport around the exact London venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Lunar New Year London, stay near the part of London you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to London via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near London, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearWarm winter layers are essential given the event's typical January or February date and the fully outdoor nature of both the Trafalgar Square stage and Chinatown street celebrations.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Kingdom and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Lunar New Year London?

Lunar New Year London is listed for Past edition: 21–22 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Lunar New Year London take place?

The festival is listed in London, United Kingdom. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

London, England, United Kingdom

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLlondon.gov.uk
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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