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The Best Cities in the World to Celebrate Chinese New Year this February
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated cultural events in the world. This year is 'Year of The Horse.' The Lunar New Year officially begins on February 17th, 2026 and ends on February 27th, 2026.
For travellers seeking meaningful luxury experiences, Chinese New Year offers an extraordinary blend of tradition with spectacle, fine dining, feasting and unforgettable celebrations across global cities. For discerning passengers arriving by private jet or first-class commercial flights, Airport Executive provides seamless chauffeur services from the world’s major international airports to the heart of these iconic festivities.
What is Chinese New Year and Why is it Celebrated?
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is traditionally associated with renewal, prosperity, family, and good fortune. The celebration dates back more than 3,000 years and is rooted in ancient agricultural cycles, where communities celebrated the end of winter and welcomed the arrival of spring. Each year is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, and the zodiac sign influences themes of luck, personality traits, and predictions for the year ahead.
The festival typically lasts fifteen days, beginning on New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival. During this time, families gather, honour ancestors, exchange red envelopes containing money, and participate in vibrant public celebrations filled with fireworks, lion dances, temple fairs, and symbolic rituals intended to attract luck and ward off misfortune.
Best Places in the World to Celebrate Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year in Beijing – Closest Airport Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing offers one of the most immersive and traditional Chinese New Year experiences in the world, with celebrations unfolding across the city from 17 February to 27 February 2026. While the holiday is observed nationwide, the capital’s deep imperial history and preserved cultural sites give the festivities a uniquely ceremonial feel—one that blends centuries-old customs with the quiet grandeur of Beijing’s historic landscapes.
The first week of the Lunar New Year is the most energetic, with families visiting temples to burn incense, make offerings, and pray for health, wealth, and good fortune. Parks and public squares buzz with activity from morning to dusk, and it’s common to see locals dressed in festive red, children clutching sugar figurines, and elders lingering to watch performances they’ve grown up with. Unlike the fireworks-heavy celebrations of southern China, Beijing’s New Year feels more ritual-focused and reflective, shaped by its historical role as the political and spiritual heart of the country.
As the celebrations draw to a close, the Lantern Festival marks a final, luminous crescendo. The city comes alive at night with glowing lantern displays, evening temple events, and illuminated parks that invite leisurely strolls under strings of red and gold lights. It’s a softer, more romantic end to the holiday period one that emphasises reunion, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.
For travellers seeking a Chinese New Year steeped in tradition, symbolism, and history, Beijing offers an experience that feels both deeply rooted and quietly magical.
Chinese New Year in Singapore – Closest Airport Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore celebrates Chinese New Year throughout the entire Lunar New Year period, with Chinatown serving as the main focal point. Lanterns, street markets, and live performances dominate the area, while River Hongbao events at Marina Bay or Gardens by the Bay typically take place during the first week of celebrations and extend through to the Lantern Festival.
What sets Singapore apart is its refined, highly organised approach to celebration. Events are easy to navigate, public transport runs smoothly, and the city’s clean, modern infrastructure makes festival hopping effortless. For travelers seeking a Chinese New Year destination that offers cultural richness without sacrificing comfort or convenience, Singapore delivers a polished, accessible, and unforgettable Lunar New Year experience.
The festival blends tradition with Singapore’s refined, modern atmosphere, making it a popular destination for international visitors.
Chinese New Year in London – Closest Airport London Heathrow Airport
London hosts one of the largest and most dynamic Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Celebrations typically take place during the first weekend following Lunar New Year’s Day, transforming central London into a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture, performance, and cuisine.
Trafalgar Square is the main hub of activity and the best place to start your Chinese New Year experience in London. The square hosts a full day of live entertainment, including traditional Chinese music, contemporary performances, dance troupes, and large scale stage shows featuring artists from across the UK and Asia. Family friendly cultural activities, zodiac themed installations, and food stalls make this area especially lively from late morning through the evening.
Just a short walk away, London’s Chinatown, centered around Gerrard Street, becomes the visual heart of the celebrations. Red lanterns are strung overhead, shopfronts are decorated with festive couplets, and lion dances weave through the narrow streets to bring luck and prosperity to local businesses. This is the best area for themed dining experiences, with restaurants offering special Lunar New Year menus featuring symbolic dishes such as dumplings, longevity noodles, and whole fish. Chinatown remains festive throughout the wider Lunar New Year period, even after the main parade weekend ends.
Leicester Square adds a more interactive and family oriented dimension to the celebrations. Here, visitors can find martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, and pop-up performances. It’s an ideal stop for those wanting to learn more about Chinese traditions in a relaxed, accessible setting.
The highlight of the weekend is the Chinese New Year Parade, which winds its way through the West End, passing key landmarks and culminating near Trafalgar Square. Featuring elaborate floats, traditional costumes, drumming troupes, and multiple lion and dragon dance teams, the parade is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and a major draw for international visitors.
For travelers seeking a Chinese New Year celebration that blends global culture with iconic city landmarks, London offers an energetic and uniquely cosmopolitan take on the Lunar New Year, one that feels both celebratory and unmistakably London.
Chinese New Year in San Francisco – Closest Airport San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco hosts one of the most iconic Chinese New Year celebrations in the United States, with events running from mid-February through to the end of the festival period on 27 February 2026. Centered around the historic Chinatown district, one of the oldest and largest in North America, the city comes alive with cultural performances, community celebrations, festive banquets, and traditional ceremonies throughout the Lunar New Year season.
The standout event is the world famous San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, typically held on a Saturday evening early in the celebrations. Known for its elaborate floats, firecrackers, lion and dragon dances, and dramatic night time atmosphere, it remains one of the largest and most visually impressive Lunar New Year parades in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Chinese New Year in Shanghai – Closest Airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai celebrates Chinese New Year across the full fifteen-day Lunar New Year festival, offering a dynamic mix of traditional culture and contemporary city life. Yuyuan Garden is the heart of the celebrations, hosting elaborate lantern displays, festive markets, and traditional performances set against the backdrop of classical architecture. The first week of the Lunar New Year is the busiest and most energetic, while the Lantern Festival marks the official finale with glowing evening events and illuminated displays across the city.
What sets Shanghai apart is its balance of historic tradition and modern luxury. Alongside temple visits and cultural performances, the city’s skyline becomes part of the celebration, with luxury hotels, rooftop restaurants, and exclusive dining experiences offering Lunar New Year menus and panoramic views.
Top Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanghai
Visit Yuyuan Garden after dark for the best lantern displays, but arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
Plan major sightseeing outside the first three days if you prefer a quieter experience, as many locals travel or celebrate with family.
Book restaurants and hotels well in advance, especially rooftop venues offering special Lunar New Year menus.
Use the Lantern Festival as a highlight, as it’s one of the most visually striking and culturally rich moments of the entire festival.
For travelers seeking a Chinese New Year destination that blends tradition, spectacle, and modern elegance, Shanghai delivers a richly layered Lunar New Year experience.
Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur – Closest Airport Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur’s Chinese New Year celebrations run from 17 February through to the Lantern Festival, transforming the city into a lively showcase of colour, sound, and cultural tradition. Petaling Street in Chinatown and Bukit Bintang serve as the main hubs, hosting daily festivities that blend long standing customs with the city’s modern energy. The opening days of Chinese New Year are especially busy, coinciding with peak international travel and family reunions.
Throughout the festival period, lion dances, lantern displays, and cultural showcases animate streets, shopping districts, and public squares. Luxury hotels across Kuala Lumpur elevate the celebrations with elegant reunion dinners, festive afternoon teas, and private Lunar New Year events, making the city equally appealing for both cultural exploration and upscale celebration.
Top Performances and Highlights
High pole lion dances in Petaling Street, where skilled troupes perform gravity defying routines believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Traditional drum and percussion performances, often staged in Chinatown and major shopping malls, setting the rhythmic heartbeat of the celebrations.
Cultural dance and music showcases featuring classical Chinese instruments, opera inspired performances, and contemporary interpretations of Lunar New Year themes.
Lantern Festival evening events, where illuminated displays and live performances create a festive finale across central Kuala Lumpur.
With its mix of street level tradition, polished hospitality, and consistently scheduled performances, Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant and accessible Chinese New Year experience that appeals to both first time visitors and seasoned festival goers.
Chinese New Year in Bangkok – Closest Airport Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Bangkok celebrates Chinese New Year most intensely during the opening days of the Lunar New Year, with Yaowarat Road in Chinatown serving as the epicenter of festivities. From 17 February 2026 onward, the district transforms into a vibrant corridor of red lanterns, dragon and lion dances, ceremonial offerings, and lively evening celebrations that stretch late into the night. While the first few days are the most energetic, cultural decorations and smaller-scale events continue throughout the festival period, leading up to the Lantern Festival.
Why Bangkok Is a Great Place to Celebrate Chinese New Year
One of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric Chinatowns, where celebrations unfold directly on the streets rather than in enclosed venues.
Exceptional food culture, with Yaowarat Road doubling as one of the world’s best street food destinations especially festive during Lunar New Year.
Strong cultural authenticity, shaped by Thailand’s large Chinese-Thai community and long-standing Lunar New Year traditions.
Accessible and affordable, making it easy to combine Chinese New Year celebrations with temple visits, shopping, and leisure travel.
Striking nighttime celebrations, when lanterns, performances, and crowds create a uniquely electric atmosphere.
For travellers seeking a Chinese New Year experience that feels immersive, energetic, and deeply rooted in community tradition, Bangkok offers a vibrant alternative to more formal or large scale festival cities.
Chinese New Year in Vancouver – Closest Airport Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver’s Chinese New Year celebrations span the full Lunar New Year period, with major events centered around Chinatown and the city centre. Parades, lion dances, and cultural performances typically peak during the first weekend of the festival, while exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and special dining events continue through to the end of the Lunar New Year. The city’s strong Chinese heritage and globally respected food scene make Vancouver a standout destination for celebrating Chinese New Year through culture and cuisine.
Where to Eat: Michelin Recognised Restaurants
Vancouver is one of the best cities outside Asia for elevated Chinese dining, and Chinese New Year is a prime time to indulge:
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (Michelin Bib Gourmand) – A Chinatown favourite blending classic Chinese flavours with modern techniques, ideal for festive group dining.
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant (Michelin Guide) – Known for refined Cantonese cuisine and excellent dim sum, especially popular during Lunar New Year.
iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House (Michelin Guide) – A go-to for celebratory meals, featuring traditional Beijing duck and banquet-style dishes.
Chef’s Choice Chinese Cuisine (Michelin Guide) – Widely regarded as one of the city’s best spots for authentic Cantonese seafood and dim sum.
Top tip: Restaurants fill up quickly during Chinese New Year in Vancouver, particularly for dim sum and reunion dinners, book well in advance to secure a table and get your Lunar New Year feast locked in.
Chinese New Year in Sydney – Closest Airport Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
Sydney hosts one of the most extensive Chinese New Year celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere, with events running from mid to late February across the city. Major celebration zones include Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the CBD, where lantern installations, cultural performances, and large scale public events transform the city into a vibrant Lunar New Year showcase. While the opening week attracts the biggest crowds, visual displays, exhibitions, and pop-up experiences remain in place through to the Lantern Festival.
Why Sydney Stands Out for Chinese New Year
Spectacular fireworks displays, often staged over Darling Harbour, offering a dramatic waterfront backdrop unique to Sydney.
Dragon boat events and cultural showcases, combining traditional Lunar New Year customs with Australia’s outdoor lifestyle.
City wide accessibility, with celebrations spread across multiple central locations rather than confined to one district.
Family friendly programming, including workshops, performances, and interactive installations throughout the festival period.
Striking visuals, where illuminated lanterns and zodiac sculptures contrast against Sydney’s iconic skyline and harbour.
With its open air venues, fireworks over the water, and blend of tradition and modern city energy, Sydney offers a distinctly festive and visually impressive Chinese New Year experience, ideal for travelers seeking culture, spectacle, and warm-weather celebrations.
Chinese New Year in Paris – Closest Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Paris celebrates Chinese New Year most prominently in the 13th arrondissement, home to one of Europe’s largest Asian communities. Festivities usually take place over the first two weekends following Lunar New Year’s Day, when the district fills with parades, street celebrations, and large scale cultural performances. Additional exhibitions, themed dining, and artistic programming continue throughout the Lunar New Year period, offering visitors a refined European interpretation of the festival.
Standout Performances and Cultural Highlights
Grand Chinese New Year Parade, featuring elaborate dragon and lion dances, drumming troupes, and traditional costumes that move through the streets of the 13th arrondissement.
Martial arts demonstrations, including kung fu and tai chi performances staged by local schools and cultural associations.
Traditional music and dance showcases, blending classical Chinese instruments with choreographed performances on outdoor stages.
Contemporary cultural performances, reflecting the diverse Asian communities of Paris and offering modern interpretations of Lunar New Year themes.
What makes Paris unique is its balance of spectacle and sophistication. The performances feel celebratory yet curated, unfolding against a distinctly Parisian urban backdrop of broad avenues, cafés, and cultural institutions. For travelers seeking a Chinese New Year experience that combines tradition, artistry, and European flair, Paris offers a culturally rich and visually compelling celebration.
Chinese New Year in New York City – Closest Airport John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York City celebrates Chinese New Year from 17 February through 27 February 2026, with major festivities taking place in Manhattan’s Chinatown and Flushing, Queens, two of the most vibrant Chinese communities outside Asia. Parades, temple ceremonies, and cultural performances typically peak during the first and second weekends of the Lunar New Year, while intimate dining experiences and neighborhood events continue throughout the festival period.
Performances and Cultural Highlights
Chinese New Year Parade in Manhattan’s Chinatown, featuring lion and dragon dances, drumming troupes, and ceremonial processions through Mott, Canal, and Bayard Streets.
Temple ceremonies and incense offerings, particularly around Mahayana Buddhist Temple, offering a more spiritual and traditional experience.
Community stage performances in Flushing, showcasing Chinese dance, music, and martial arts with a distinctly local, family-oriented atmosphere.
Where to Eat and Drink Well
New York’s Chinese dining scene is ideal for celebratory meals paired with excellent wine programs:
Jing Fong (Chinatown) – A classic banquet-style venue perfect for Lunar New Year group dining.
Hutong (Midtown) – Northern Chinese cuisine with skyline views and a strong wine list for a more elevated experience.
CheLi (Flatiron) – Refined Shanghainese dishes paired with thoughtful wine selections.
RedFarm (Multiple locations) – A modern take on Chinese cuisine with creative dishes and polished cocktails.
Chinese Tuxedo (Chinatown) – A standout for Cantonese-inspired food in a stylish setting, known for its excellent wine and cocktail offerings.
With its scale, diversity, and culinary depth, New York City offers a Chinese New Year celebration that feels both deeply traditional and unmistakably cosmopolitan ideal for travelers looking to balance cultural immersion with standout dining and nightlife.
Chinese New Year in Vietnam (Tết) – Closest Airport Tan Son Nhat International Airport
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is celebrated as Tết Nguyên Đán, the most important and culturally rich festival of the year. Celebrations follow the Lunar New Year calendar, with the most significant days taking place during the first three days from 17 February 2026. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the atmosphere is defined not only by flower markets, temple visits, and ancestral rituals, but also by an extraordinary showcase of seasonal street food.
Street Food Highlights During Tết
Tết is one of the best times to experience Vietnam’s traditional dishes, many of which are prepared specifically for the new year:
Bánh chưng and bánh tét – Sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung bean, wrapped in banana leaves and sold at markets and street stalls.
Thịt kho trứng – Caramelised pork and eggs, commonly found at family-run food stalls and small neighbourhood eateries.
Xôi gấc – Bright red sticky rice symbolising luck and prosperity, often sold in the mornings during Tết.
Mứt Tết (candied fruits and seeds) – Sweet snacks sold at street markets and outside temples, perfect for grazing while exploring.
Fresh spring rolls and fried snacks, which become especially popular in the evenings as families and visitors gather outdoors.
In Ho Chi Minh City, areas around Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street and local markets come alive with food stalls, while in Hanoi, the Old Quarter offers a more traditional setting for Tết street food alongside historic temples and lakeside walks. With its deep cultural meaning, festive energy, and unforgettable flavours, Vietnam during Tết offers one of the most immersive Lunar New Year experiences in Asia, especially for travellers who love to eat their way through a destination.
Chinese New Year in Ireland – Closest Airport Dublin Airport
Ireland’s Chinese New Year celebrations continue to grow each year, with Dublin at the heart of the festivities. Public events typically take place during the first weekend following Lunar New Year’s Day, featuring parades, live performances, and cultural showcases across the city. Art exhibitions, workshops, and themed culinary events extend throughout the wider Lunar New Year period, reflecting Ireland’s evolving multicultural identity.
What to Expect in Dublin
Chinese New Year parades and stage performances, including lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and martial arts demonstrations.
Cultural exhibitions and workshops hosted by galleries, community centres, and cultural institutions.
Lunar New Year dining experiences, with Chinese restaurants and modern Asian-fusion venues offering special menus and festive banquets.
Family-friendly celebrations, making Dublin an accessible and welcoming destination for visitors of all ages.
With its compact city centre, lively cultural scene, and growing appreciation for Lunar New Year traditions, Dublin offers a warm and increasingly vibrant Chinese New Year experience, ideal for travellers seeking a blend of cultural celebration, arts, and food in a European setting.
Chinese New Year Traditions, Food, and Good Fortune
Chinese New Year traditions are rich in symbolism and focus heavily on attracting good fortune. Red decorations symbolise happiness and prosperity, while fireworks and lion dances are believed to ward off negative energy. Traditional foods carry strong meanings, with dumplings representing wealth, fish symbolising abundance, and long noodles associated with longevity. Cutting noodles is avoided, as it symbolically shortens life or luck. So eat the longest noodles you can find!
On the first day of the new year, absolutely no cleaning is allowed or you risk sweeping out your newly arrived fortune. This includes bathing and washing your hair, too. Finish everything the day before and let the good luck settle in for the New Year.
Start your Chinese New Year Lucky, Book Your Airport Executive Chauffeur today
Planning travel during Chinese New Year requires precision, foresight and local knowledge. Airports experience peak volumes, and road networks are often congested near major celebration areas. Airport Executive specialises in navigating these challenges, offering pre-scheduled luxury chauffeur services, professional drivers with regional expertise, and vehicles designed for comfort after long haul flights.
By combining cultural celebration with premium travel logistics, Airport Executive enables clients to experience Chinese New Year in the world’s most iconic cities without compromise. Whether travelling for business, leisure, or cultural discovery, celebrating Lunar New Year becomes a seamless, elevated journey.