Chinese New Year Manchester Events 2026
Celebrate the Year of the Horse and the Chinese New Year in Manchester for 2026 with these great events.
Chinese New Year in 2026 falls on Tuesday, 17 February, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Celebrations will take place later in February, with communities across the UK marking the occasion with parades, performances, food, and cultural events.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Year of the Horse.
What is the Year of the Horse?
The Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. The zodiac animals, in order, are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
People born in 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942 are considered to be born in the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac.
Lunar New Year Fair, Manchester, Manchester City Centre
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 2026
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the *Manchester Lunar New Year Fair* — a vibrant, family-friendly weekend of culture, crafts, food stalls and performances in the heart of the city. Expect joyful dragon and lion dances, traditional music, martial arts displays and plenty of delicious Asian street food. With activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the colourful festivities and community spirit of Chinese New Year in Manchester.
Free entry, brilliant for families, kids and everyone who loves outdoor celebrations
To book >>> Manchester Lunar New Year Fair, Manchester City Centre
Manchester Dragon Parade 2026
Sunday 15th February 2026
The Dragon Parade will be back to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Dragon.
The parade will st 12.00 pm onwards and will feature the 175ft Chinese dragon, along with the traditional lion and ribbon dancers, the twelve Zodiac animals, Ancient Army characters and Chinese Opera performers.
The parade will feature the 175ft Chinese dragon, along with the traditional lion and ribbon dancers, the twelve Zodiac animals, Ancient Army characters and Chinese Opera performers.
This year, the Manchester Dragon Parade will take place on Sunday, 15th February, from 12.00 pm
Manchester Dragon Parade Route
The parade route will start on the junction of Oxford Street and George Street, and the parade will make its way along Portland Street before concluding in Chinatown for a final performance on Princess Street.
It will run from 12.0o pm to 2.00pm
More >>> Manchester Dragon Parade
Celebrations in Chinatown, Manchester
Manchester’s Chinatown will be at the heart of the Lunar New Year festivities, with two vibrant days of celebration filled with colour, culture and community spirit.
Visitors can soak up the buzzing atmosphere while exploring everything the area has to offer.
Food lovers can enjoy a fantastic selection of authentic street food from local vendors, serving up delicious Chinese delicacies and festive favourites. Across both days, the main stage in Chinatown car park will host a lively programme of traditional dance and music performances.
A major highlight is the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe, who have travelled from China especially for the event and will perform at various times on Sunday between 12pm and 5:30pm. On Saturday evening, live music will take place from 7:30pm to 10pm.
On Saturday 14th February, the famous Night Dragon will appear in Chinatown car park at 6pm and 7pm, adding even more spectacle to the celebrations.
The weekend will culminate on Sunday with a breathtaking illuminated dragon procession through the streets at 6:30pm and 7:30pm, led by a world record-breaking dragon. Organisers will be recruiting volunteers on the day to help dance the dragon and take part in this unforgettable finale.
Chinese New Year Celebrations at Manchester Central Library
Saturday 14th February 2026
Join the festive fun with *Chinese New Year Celebration – Saturday Family Activities* at Library Live!
This free, family-friendly event brings the spirit of the Lunar New Year to life with hands-on crafts, storytelling, music and creative activities designed for kids and adults alike.
Perfect for families looking to enjoy cultural fun together, it’s a relaxed and joyful way to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with crafts, creativity and community.
Free entry, brilliant for families and children of all ages
More >>> Chinese New Year Celebration – Saturday Family Activities, Library Live
Celebrate the Year of the Horse, Manchester Art Gallery
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15 February 2026
Get creative and join in the fun at Manchester Art Gallery with Celebrate the Year of the Horse!
This free family activity invites visitors to explore the gallery with a fun drawing trail inspired by the Year of the Horse, perfect for little artists and curious minds.
Wander through the exhibitions, marvel at the art on display, then stop for some hands-on creative fun together — a colourful and cultural way to celebrate Lunar New Year in the heart of the city.
Free entry, ideal for families and all ages
To book >>> Celebrate the Year of the Horse, Manchester Art Gallery
Chinese New Year Celebrations at Hello Oriental
Sunday 15th to Tuesday 17th February 2026
Hello Oriental will be celebrating the Year of the Horse with a series of events, including :
The Great Manchester Red Envelope Hunt
Manchester is being transformed into a giant Lunar New Year treasure hunt this half term, with hidden red envelopes, daily clues and surprise prizes waiting to be found. Expect feel-good giveaways from Hello Oriental, sister venue K2 Karaoke and more, with all the hints and locations revealed via Instagram. It’s a fun, city-wide adventure that turns a day out into a game — perfect for families, teens and anyone who loves a little mystery mixed with celebration.
Dragon Dance Spectacle
Traditional Dragon Dance performances and Chinese New Year celebrations are popping up across Greater Manchester, bringing colour, music and high-energy performances to some of the region’s busiest spots. Alongside the dancing, expect a lively atmosphere with food, festivities and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
- Circle Square – Sunday 15 February, 2 pm
- Trafford Centre – Tuesday 17 February, time TBC
- Glossop – Tuesday 17 February, time TBC
Half Term Family Fun
Chinese New Year lands right in the middle of February half term this year, making it a brilliant excuse for a family day out.
Expect a joyful mix of sweet treats, colourful celebrations and cultural experiences that are easy to enjoy with kids in tow.
More >>> Chinese New Year Celebrations at Hello Oriental
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026, Trafford Centre
Tuesday 17 February 2026
Trafford Centre is marking Lunar New Year this half term with a bright, family-friendly celebration full of colour, culture and hands-on fun. Expect traditional performances, seasonal entertainment and plenty to look at as the centre comes alive for the Year of the Horse. It’s a great excuse to mix a shopping trip with something a bit more special.
Families can get stuck into Lunar New Year–themed arts and crafts sessions, perfect for kids who love making things and learning about new traditions. With a lively atmosphere and activities dotted throughout the centre, it’s an easy, relaxed way to celebrate together.
The event is free, family-friendly, ideal for children and is drop in.
More >>> Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026, Trafford Centre
Chinese New Year Extravaganza, Stockport Plaza
Sunday 16th February 2026
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a dazzling *Chinese New Year Extravaganza* at Stockport Plaza! This colourful family event features traditional lion and dragon dancing, lively cultural performances, music, dance and plenty of festive cheer. It’s a fun, vibrant way to enjoy the Year of the Dragon with the whole family, bringing joy, culture and community spirit to Stockport’s beloved theatre.
Tickets from around £23.50, great for families and all ages.
Manchester Museum Celebrates Lunar New Year, Manchester Museum
Wednesday 18th February 2026
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Manchester Museum with an evening of cultural fun and community spirit.
The museum invites visitors to enjoy traditional and contemporary performances across the galleries, including a vibrant lion dance and a special collaboration with the Hong Kong Plucked String Chinese Orchestra.
There will also be hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts and plenty of festive activities celebrating the wider Asian cultural traditions that mark the start of the lunar calendar year.
Free entry. Open to all ages.
To book >>> Manchester Museum Celebrates Lunar New Year, Manchester Museum
To book >>> Chinese New Year Extravaganza, Stockport Plaza
Read >>> What’s On February Half Term In Manchester
Discover >>> Things To Do On Mother’s Day In Manchester
More >>> Best Free Things To Do In Manchester
