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.

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.

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.