Chinese New Year celebrations are set to take over the city this February, with plans including a huge dragon parade, live performances and fantastic food.
Taking place across Sat 14 Feb – Sun 15 Feb, before Lunar New Year, which falls on Tue 17 Feb, the famous red lanterns will transform the city’s streets as they come alive with a vibrant array of free, family-friendly festivities.
Chinatown will again be the focal point of the festival, filled with street food from local vendors, arts and crafts workshops, and live music. The much-loved dragon parade returns on Sunday. The spectacular procession, which features a winding traditional dragon, acrobatic performers, ribbon dancers and drummers, will set off from the city centre, weaving its way towards Chinatown for a final display.
Featuring more than 120 diverse vendors, the Lunar New Year Market will also be back on Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street, with even more food and performances across both Saturday and Sunday.
On Wed 18 Feb, Manchester Museum will be marking the Year of the Fire Horse with hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts. A key highlight from the museum’s Lunar New Year programme this year is the participation of two masters from China, who will present the delicate artistry of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage: Su embroidery and woodblock New Year prints.
Featured image credit: Fabio De Paola/PA Wire.
- Words:
- Brad Lengden
- Published on:
- Fri 6 Feb 2026
