Chinese New Year 2026

Celebrate The Year Of The Horse

Wed 14 Jan
Celebrate The Year Of The Horse in Collaboration With the China National Tourist Office

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Camden Market is set to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in grand style on Saturday 21st February, honoring the Year of the Horse.

Kicking off the start of our cultural calendar for 2026, this free day festival will be open for all visitors to enjoy the market becoming a cultural hub, with live music, dance, Kung Fu, Beijing Opera, and family-friendly workshops.

Global food stalls, artistic installations, and traditional decor complete this spectacular celebration of Chinese culture.

The festival has been created in collaboration with CNTO London; the China National Tourist Office. 

When: Saturday 21st February 2026

Where: Camden Market Hawley Wharf

Entry cost: Free

Book a free space

Walk ins will also be welcome!

THE LINE UP
Live On Stage
Enjoy captivating performances including Zhejiang Mou Opera, Chinese folk singing, Shaolin Kung Fu, Beijing Opera, and a costume parade, plus traditional instruments that add authentic sounds to the festivities.
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Parades and Lion Dance
Don’t miss the costume parade, a dramatic dragon dance, and three rounds of the iconic lion dance, bringing energy and tradition to the streets of Hawley Wharf.
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Workshops
Hands-on activities include fan painting, calligraphy, pocket pouch crafting, lantern decorating, and a Year of the Horse creative pack. Perfect for families and anyone eager to explore Chinese artistry. No need to book, just turn up!
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Stalls
Browse cultural stalls featuring Chinese arts, crafts, and delicious treats like noodles, buns, and bakery items. A feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
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Play Mahjong
Learn and play Mahjong at a dedicated zone hosted by the Camden Chinese Community Association. A great way to experience this traditional game firsthand.
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Face Painting
Two stations will offer themed face painting for adults and children, adding a playful and colorful touch to the celebration.
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A note from CNTO on the use of the term ‘Chinese New Year’

The festival celebrated by Chinese communities follows the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, which is distinct from a purely lunar calendar. For this reason, the term “Chinese New Year” most accurately reflects the specific cultural origin and traditions represented in this celebration.

While “Lunar New Year” is a broader regional term, it does not clearly identify the Chinese festival that this programme is based upon.

Notably, in December 2024, UNESCO inscribed “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year” onto the  Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Decision 19.COM/7.B.29).
This designation further affirms “Spring Festival / Chinese New Year” as an internationally recognised cultural term.

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