Here’s how Liverpool will celebrate Lunar New Year 2026

Liverpool has become famous for its spectacular Lunar New Year celebrations and this year, the city will welcome the Year of the Horse with a packed programme of free events across the city throughout February.

Chinatown Celebrations

The main Lunar New Year celebrations will take place on Sunday 22th February from 11am to 5pm, in and around Liverpool’s Chinatown. The full-day event features family workshops, Tai Chi demonstrations, live music, street performances, a fairground, delicious food, craft stalls, as well as traditional dragon, lion and unicorn parades and firecracker displays.

A quieter programme of Lunar New Year events are also set to take place on Saturday 21st February from 11am to 5pm in Chinatown. Visitors can expect cultural workshops, performances and demonstrations in a more relaxed setting, without the larger parades and displays.

City Centre Procession

A colourful Lunar New Year procession will take place on Saturday 14th February. Led by the Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association, Pagoda Arts and award-winning dance company Movema, the procession will begin at Church Alley at 1pm, and move along Church Street and Paradise Street, before finishing at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock. The procession will feature traditional costumes, Beijing opera-style outfits and stilt walkers from Artemis Productions.

Red Lanterns

From Saturday 14th February, thousands of red lanterns will decorate the streets around Chinatown, Liverpool ONE and the Royal Albert Dock. Some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Liverpool Town Hall and St George’s Hall, will also be illuminated red to mark the occasion.

Giant Lantern Sculptures

Throughout the month of February, two giant illuminated lantern sculptures of a majestic horse and a pair of dragons will be installed at key city centre locations as part of the city’s celebrations.

Commissioned by Culture Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Liverpool ONE, the sculptures have been handcrafted in Zigong, China, and symbolise strength, prosperity and renewal for the Year of the Horse.

Fiesta of Fire

During February half-term, the Royal Albert Dock will be bringing a special Lunar New Year edition of its popular Fiesta of Fire events. Get ready for some incredible dragon installations and immersive projections on the Maritime Museum, creating a large-scale cultural experience throughout the half-term break.

Find more Lunar New Year events on our calendar.

Find out what’s on in Liverpool this week here.

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