London Chinese Lunar New Year Parade 2026 this weekend: start time, route and everything you need to know

The Year of the Fire Horse has arrived. And there are few better ways to celebrate it than at the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia, which just so happens to be right here in London. 

This time every year, London’s Chinatown erupts with dramatic martial arts displays, opulent red and gold costumes, fireworks, dancing dragons and more to usher in the Chinese New Year. 

On Saturday, there’ll be lion dance performances throughout Chinatown, but the main festivities will kick off on Sunday. At the centre of it all is the flamboyant parade that runs through the district, followed by dozens of performances, workshops and activities across Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square to get involved in. Here’s everything you need to know. 

🐍 Time Out’s ultimate guide to the Chinese Lunar New Year in London.
🧧 London’s best Lunar New Year events in 2025 (outside Chinatown).

What date is Chinese New Year 2026?

For 2026, Chinese New Year landed on Tuesday February 17.  

When is London’s Chinese New Year parade? 

London’s huge annual Chinese New Year parade is happening on Sunday February 22. 

Chinese New Year parade start time

The parade will set off at 10am and last until 12pm. Festivities will continue in the area until 5.30pm.  

London Chinese New Year parade route 

The procession will start to the east of Trafalgar Square, a few metres down from Charing Cross station. Spectacular Chinese lions and dragons will make their way up Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue, stopping at the bottom of Wardour Street at around 11.45am.

From 12pm, there’ll be a lion dance travelling through Chinatown, passing by Gerrard Street, Macclesfield Street, a section of Wardour Street, Leicester Street, Leicester Place and Lisle Street. We recommend milling around the route of the parade, taking in the different stages and streets. If you’re looking for somewhere to stand for the entirety of the parade, staying at one stage or Trafalgar Square is a decent bet. 

Parade map

Here’s a map of the parade and all the stages that’ll be around central London.

Best way to get to the parade

Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus stations will be closest to the festivities but they’re all likely to get mega busy. You can avoid the worst of the crowds if you’re willing to walk a little – Tottenham Court Road, Westminster and Holborn stations are only a 10-15 minute stroll away. 

Expect tube services in the West End to be much busier than usual, and watch out for planned travel disruption and closures.

What is this year’s Chinese New Year animal?

In Chinese tradition, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. Those born under the year of the horse (in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 or 2014) are supposedly independent, strong, energetic and confident. 

While the Year of the Horse rolls around every 12 years, the Fire Horse only appears once every 60 years. In the zodiac, the 12 animals are paired with one of the five elements. So in 2014, it was the year of the Wood Horse and in 2002 was the year of the Water Horse. The fire aspect is said to amplify the horse’s traits of power and prosperity. 

What will be the Chinese New Year animal in 2027? 

Next Lunar New Year, which starts on February 5 2027, will be the Year of the Goat. The goat symbolises peace, kindness, and creativity. 

Best places to celebrate Lunar New Year in London

Obviously, it doesn’t get much better than Chinatown, but there will be festivities going on throughout the city this weekend. From the National Maritime Museum to Camden Market, explore the best of London’s Lunar New Year celebrations here. Or celebrate at one of London’s best Chinese restaurants.