Manchester has now bid farewell to its Lunar New Year celebrations for 2026, as the city welcomed the Year of the Horse in spectacular style. One of the UK’s largest Lunar New Year festivals, the event once again transformed the city centre with colour, culture and community spirit.
While this year’s festivities have come to a close, preparations are already underway for 2027. Manchester’s Lunar New Year promises to return even bigger and brighter next year, continuing its tradition of bringing communities together for an unforgettable celebration. Keep an eye out for further updates.
Lunar New Year Manchester 2026 Dates and Celebrations
Manchester’s Lunar New Year celebrations take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, with a full programme of cultural events, performances and activities for all ages across the city.
- Times: Stage performances, funfair and food market in Chinatown from 12:00pm – 22:00pm on 14th February 2026 and 12:00pm – 20:00pm on 15th February 2026
- Dragon parade: from 12:00pm -1:45pm on 15th February 2026 starting from the junction of Oxford Road and George Street
Manchester Events and Activities
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a programme of New Year Manchester events, including live music, traditional dance, cultural displays and interactive activities for all ages.
- Vibrant red lanterns lighting up Chinatown
- Live performances throughout the weekend
- Food, stalls and a funfair in the city centre
Manchester Dragon Parade
The Dragon Parade is the moment everyone waits for. It is powerful, loud, joyful and impossible to miss. A huge traditional dragon moves through the city streets, carried by performers and surrounded by dancers, drummers and acrobats.
On Sunday 15 February, the parade weaves through the city before finishing in Chinatown, where a final performance brings everything together. It is one of the most iconic sights in Manchester’s events calendar.
You can view a list of planned road closures for Manchester’s Chinese New Year events here.
As these activities are organised by FCAM and are firmly rooted in traditional Chinese customs, this celebration is referred to as Chinese New Year. However, everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year is warmly welcomed to join in.
Chinatown Activities and Highlights
Visitors to Chinatown can also enjoy a host of other activities throughout the two days, including:
- Authentic Street Food: Sample a variety of delicious Chinese delicacies from local vendors.
- Cultural Performances: Watch mesmerising traditional dance and music performances on the main stage in Chinatown carpark on both Saturday and Sunday. Highlights will include performances from the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe, who have travelled from China specifically for the event, and who will be performing throughout Sunday between at various times between 12:00pm and 5:30pm and live music from 7:30pm to 10:00pm on Saturday.
- Night Dragon: FCAM’s famous night dragon will be making appearances in the Chinatown Carpark at 6:00pm and 7:00pm on Saturday 14th February.
- Record Breaking Illuminated Dragon: The weekend of celebrations will culminate in a spectacular procession through the streets of Chinatown at 6:30pm and 7:30pm on Sunday 15th February led by our world record breaking illuminated dragon. Organisers will be recruiting people on the day to participate in dancing the dragon.
Manchester Lunar New Year Market 2026
Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 returns on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, transforming Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street into a vibrant celebration in the heart of the city.
Now in its third year, the free, family-friendly event features 130+ stalls, 20+ live performances, community-made decorations and games, Hong Kong independent short film screenings, and free guided tours for newcomers and first-time visitors.
Highlights include Cantonese opera, Chinese instrumental music, dance and band performances, lion dances with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, Hong Kong film–themed game stalls, and a large bamboo wishing installation where visitors can share New Year blessings.
Open to all backgrounds. Free entry throughout the weekend.
The fair brings together shopping, food, live performances and community events, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting with children, meeting friends or simply looking for what’s on in Manchester, the Lunar New Year Fair offers plenty to see, taste and enjoy.
This event is organised by Hong Kong Cultural Community C.I.C. which is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Hong Kong culture and Hongkongers' integration into the UK.
Lunar New Year Manchester Culture and Community
Manchester’s Lunar New Year celebrations reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity, welcoming residents and visitors alike to experience traditions, food and performances from across East Asian communities.
Family-Friendly Activities in Manchester
If you’re looking for what’s on in Manchester this February, Lunar New Year in Manchester is a brilliant choice for families, especially during the February half term.
There’s no shortage of things to do nearby, especially if you’re planning a day out with the whole family. You can expect workshops, craft sessions, performances and hands-on activities that are designed with families in mind. Kids can get creative, enjoy the entertainment and soak up the colourful atmosphere, while adults take in the music, food and celebrations.
It’s one of those events that works just as well for families as it does for couples, groups of friends or solo visitors. The mix of fun and cultural performances makes it easy to wander, explore and stay longer than planned.
It does get busy, but in the best possible way. A lively, joyful crowd that makes the whole city feel connected and full of life.
