Celebrate the Year of the Horse: Your Guide to Chinese New Year 2026 in London
The energy is building, the lanterns are being prepped, and the Year of the Fire Horse is galloping toward us! In 2026, London will once again host the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. If you are planning to join the hundreds of thousands of revellers, finding the right places to stay near Chinatown London is the first step to an unforgettable festive weekend.
While the official Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the massive central London festivities—organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA)—are scheduled for Sunday, 22 February 2026.
What to Expect: Chinese New Year 2026 Highlights
The celebration transforms the West End into a sea of red and gold. Whether you're a foodie or a culture seeker, here’s what you can’t miss on Sunday, 22nd February:
- The Grand Parade (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Watch vibrant floats and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. The 2026 route typically starts north of Trafalgar Square, winds through Charing Cross Road, and finishes near Shaftesbury Avenue.
- Trafalgar Square Main Stage (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Don't miss the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony at 12:30 PM, followed by martial arts displays, traditional dances, and the spectacular "flying lion" performances.
- Chinatown Food & Culture: Explore the heart of the action on Gerrard Street. Indulge in "longevity noodles" for long life or "dumplings" for wealth at authentic spots like Four Seasons or Bun House.
- Family Zone in Leicester Square: Perfect for those traveling with children, featuring calligraphy workshops, paper-cutting, and family-friendly performances.
Why Choose Mercure London Hyde Park Over ‘Chinatown Hotels’?
When searching for hotels near Chinatown, many visitors default to the immediate streets of Soho. However, staying directly in the thick of the parade can mean navigating extreme crowds, noise, and road closures.
Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers the perfect strategic alternative. Located in a peaceful, leafy pocket of the city near Paddington, we provide a tranquil retreat that keeps you remarkably close to the action without the "festival fatigue."
Stay Near the Action, Stress-Free
- Seamless Connections: Skip the traffic. Take the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Tottenham Court Road, and you’ll be at the gates of Chinatown in just 5 minutes.
- Direct Access: The Bakerloo Line also connects you directly from Paddington to Piccadilly Circus in about 11 minutes, landing you right at the start of the parade route.
- A Relaxing Escape: After a long day of navigating the crowds in the West End, return to the sophisticated comfort of Hyde Park. Unlike many cramped Chinatown hotels, our rooms offer the space and quiet you need to recharge.
- Travel Tip: Central London gets incredibly busy on Parade Sunday. Staying at Mercure London Hyde Park allows you to drop your bags and use the Underground to bypass the heavy road closures that affect taxis and buses near the West End.
Planning Your Stay
Because Chinese New Year is one of London’s busiest weekends, hotels near Chinatown and the surrounding areas sell out months in advance. To secure the best rates for your "Year of the Horse" getaway, we recommend booking your stay at Mercure London Hyde Park early.
With our blend of four-star elegance and unparalleled transport links, we are one of the top-rated places to stay near Chinatown London for savvy travelers who want the best of both worlds.
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