Manchester Chinatown's Chinese New Year Festivities

The Legendary Manchester Dragon Parade Returns

The iconic Manchester Dragon Parade is back, and it remains the unmissable highlight of the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown. Powerful, loud and full of joy, the parade features a huge traditional Chinese dragon weaving through the city streets, carried by skilled performers and accompanied by dancers, drummers and acrobats. It is a spectacle that captures the energy and spirit of Manchester like nothing else.

On Sunday 15 February, the Dragon Parade travels through the city centre before finishing in Manchester Chinatown, where a final performance brings the celebration to a thrilling close. It is one of the most photographed and talked-about events in Manchester’s annual cultural calendar. Starting from the junction of Oxford Street and George Street at 12pm on 15th February 2026 the parade will make its way along Portland Street, captivating audiences of all ages before concluding in Chinatown where there will be a final performance on Princess Street at around.

You can check the planned Chinatown road closures for Saturday and Sunday here.

Chinatown Celebrations and Red Lantern Streets

During Chinese New Year, Chinatown transforms into a festival within a festival. Red lanterns line the streets, music fills the air and live performers appear throughout the day. The smell of street food mixes with the sound of celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere from morning until night.

Visitors can enjoy traditional lion dances, dragon dances, cultural showcases and live performances across the area. Even without seeing the main parade, Chinatown alone offers a rich and unforgettable Chinese New Year experience.

What to expect in Manchester Chinatown:

• Red lantern streets and festive decorations
• Traditional lion and dragon dances
• Live cultural performances throughout the day
• Street food, music and a lively festival atmosphere

As the red lanterns and Dragon Parade are activities are organised by FCAM and are firmly rooted in traditional Chinese customs, these celebrations are tied to Chinese New Year. However, everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year is warmly welcomed to join in.

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 Fair 2026

The Manchester Lunar New Year Fair returns on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, taking over Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street.

With more than 120 stalls, it will be one of the largest Lunar New Year markets Manchester has ever hosted. The fair is ideal for families, food lovers and anyone curious to explore Chinese and East Asian culture.

Lunar New Year Fair highlights:

• Over 120 market stalls across the city centre
• Street food, crafts and independent traders
• Cultural displays and interactive activities
• A family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere

Travel Advice and Visiting Tips

All events are free and open to the public. Arriving early is strongly recommended, especially on Sunday 15 February for the Dragon Parade.

Top tips for visitors:

• Arrive early for the Dragon Parade to secure a good viewing spot
• Use public transport where possible
• Expect large crowds in Chinatown during peak times
• Consider viewing the parade outside Chinatown if travelling with pushchairs or dogs

Manchester Piccadilly station will be closed on 14 February for major track, points and signalling upgrades, with work scheduled for completion on 22 February.