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Chinese New Year 2026

Welcome the year of the horse with LNER

      新年快乐 ! (Happy New Year!)

      This year the Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February 2026, marking the year of the Horse, with celebrations beginning on Tuesday 17 February, and closing with the lantern festival on Tuesday 3 March to mark the close of the New Year celebrations and the full moon.

      Find the best places to celebrate, travel tips, and tube directions to London's Chinatown below.

      The Year of the Horse

      2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising energy, freedom, and determination.

      In Chinese culture, the horse is admired for its strength, independence, and spirited nature, often associated with drive and adventure. Those born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be confident, hardworking, and quick-witted, with a natural enthusiasm that draws others to them (full speed ahead!).

      The horse’s powerful stride represents momentum and progress, making 2026 a year for bold moves and fresh opportunities. This year highlights ambition, resilience, and forward thinking, encouraging individuals to chase their goals with courage and embrace the journey as much as the destination.

      Find the perfect place to celebrate Chinese New Year

      Discover the vibrant festivities happening across the UK as we usher in the Year of the Horse. From the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of York, each city offers unique and exciting events to mark this special occasion.

      • Leeds​

        Leeds will celebrate Chinese New Year at the Merrion Centre with free cultural festivities on Saturday 14 February and Saturday 21 February, including lion dances, live performances, and workshops.

        Trains to Leeds

      • London​

        London hosts the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia, featuring a vibrant parade, lion dances, and stage performances in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square on Sunday 22 February.

        Trains to London

      • Edinburgh​

        Edinburgh's Chinese New Year Festival features a range of events, including lion dances, cultural performances, and special exhibitions from Sunday 15 February to Saturday 21 February.

        Trains to Edinburgh

      • Aberdeen​

        Aberdeen Centre will have a Lunar New Year Flower & Gift Fair from Friday 6 to Tuesday 17 February.

        Trains to Aberdeen

      • York​

        York's Chinese New Year celebrations include lantern-making workshops, traditional performances, and cultural activities throughout the city.

        Trains to York

      • Durham​

        Durham will celebrate with a Lion Dance at Prince Bishops Place on Saturday 21 February, along with various cultural performances and craft stalls.

        Trains to Durham

      Travel to London's Chinatown by Tube

      The nearest stations to Chinatown are Leicester Square Underground Station and Oxford Circus Underground Station.

      Leicester Square Underground Station is served by Piccadilly and northern tube lines.

      Oxford Circus Underground Station is served by Victoria, Bakerloo and Central tube lines.

      LNER trains arrive at London King’s Cross, so getting to Oxford Circus underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station is easy.

      Via Leicester Square Underground Station:

      From London King's Cross train station, walk to King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

      Walk to the Piccadilly line and take the Westbound train. You will be on here for 4 stops, to Leicester Square Underground Station.

      Exit here and to through the Charing Cross exit. From here it's a 4 minute walk to Chinatown.

      Via Oxford Circus Underground Station:

      From London King's Cross train station, walk to King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

      Walk to the Victoria line and take the Southbound train to Brixton. You will be on here for 3 stops, to Oxford Circus Underground Station.

      Exit here. From here it's a 13 minute walk to Chinatown.

      Travel advice

      • Don't forget to bring warm clothing

      • Always bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing. You know what British weather is like!

      • Try to learn a Chinese greeting such as Sun Nin Faai Lok (Son-nin-faai-lor) or Xin Nian Kuai Le (shin nee-an kwai le). Both mean Happy New Year!

      • Wear a red item of clothing to the celebrations. Wear a red outfit, red shoes, or a red scarf etc.

      • Check the timings for exhibits, parades, and festivals before you travel to ensure you don't miss a thing!

      Go by train and relax!

      • Pick your train seats​

        Choose your train seats, including which direction you would like to travel in.

        Pick your seat

      • Eat at your seat​

        Eat warm delicious food brought right to your seat.

        Eat at your seat

      • Group train travel savings​

        Travel with friends and book together and save 20%.

        Group train travel savings

      • Park your car at the station​

        Get there hassle free, leave your car at the station and avoid those motorway jams.

        Park your car at the station

      • Eco-friendly travel​

        With 70% less CO2 emissions than travelling by car, trains are the responsible way to travel.

        Eco-friendly travel

      • Get £5 free​

        Join LNER Perks to receive £5 joining credit, plus 2% cashback for every journey.

        Join LNER Perks