Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026

Manchester's Chinese New Year celebrations are the biggest in Europe outside London.

What to expect

The day starts with a dragon parade winding through Chinatown (one of the largest in the UK) and into Albert Square, where there's a full day of food, performances, fireworks, and family events. Expect huge crowds, brilliant street food, traditional lion dances, and one of the most multicultural celebrations in the Manchester calendar. The dragon parade itself is the most photographed moment of the day.

Practical info

• Sunday 22 February 2026

• Free entry

• Multiple sites: Chinatown, Albert Square

• Family friendly

• Bring kids (the dragon parade is brilliant for them)

• Dress warmly (February in Manchester)

• Food available throughout the day at Chinatown restaurants and street food stalls

How to get there

Chinatown is in central Manchester, around 5 minutes from St Peter's Square Metrolink. Albert Square is right next door. Walking is the easiest way to get between the two sites.

Context

Manchester's Chinatown was established in the 1970s and is the second-largest in the UK after London. The Chinese New Year celebrations have been running for decades and remain the high point of Manchester's winter cultural calendar.

What's nearby

Chinatown itself has dozens of brilliant Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai restaurants. Make a day of it. Manchester Art Gallery is right next to Albert Square and is free to visit if you need a warm-up break.