Although the Lunar New Year in London is often associated with the lively scenes of Chinatown, the celebration also exists right outside this vibrant hotspot. In Fitzrovia and Central London, the festivities take on a more considered pace – woven into the rhythm of local galleries, independent restaurants, and creative neighbourhood spaces. This guide brings together the most meaningful ways to take part in this 2026 Lunar New Year in Fitzrovia & Central London, just steps from Gilmoora House.
Official Central London festivities
The “Year of the Horse” celebrations in London are the largest outside of Asia. The capital comes alive with colour, sound, and energy. Below are the key official events you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Grand Lunar New Year Parade
It’s undeniably busy, but the energy here is something you just can’t manufacture. If you want to experience the sheer scale of London’s celebrations, this is it. Skip the crush at the starting line and head towards Shaftesbury Avenue; you’ll get a much better view of the floats without fighting for elbow room.
- Location: Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue.
- The Event: A spectacular procession featuring 50+ floats, traditional dragon troupes, and marching bands.
- Timing: Sunday, 22 February 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
- Significance: It marks the official public opening of the festival, bringing luck to the city’s streets.
2. Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony at Trafalgar Square
This is the moment that grounds the entire festival. Amidst the party atmosphere, there’s a genuine hush when the VIPs step up to paint the lions’ eyes. It’s a powerful cultural ritual that feels surprisingly intimate given the size of the crowd – a great thing to witness if you want to understand the “soul” of the holiday.
- Location: Trafalgar Square Main Stage – London WC2N 5DS.
- The Event: The ceremonial “awakening” of the lions, where VIPs dot paint onto the lion costumes’ eyes to bring them to life.
- Timing: Sunday, 22 February 2026 (12:00 PM).
- Significance: This ritual symbolises giving sight, life, and vitality to the spirits that protect the community.
3. West End Cultural Stages
Think of these stages as the “hidden tracks” of the festival. While everyone else is squeezing into the main square, the stages on Dean Street are often far more accessible. You can actually get close enough to appreciate the skill of the martial artists and opera singers, making it a much more relaxed way to soak up the atmosphere.
- Location: Stages at Dean Street & Shaftesbury Avenue.
- The Event: Live performances featuring martial arts displays, traditional fan dances, and Chinese opera.
- Timing: Sunday, 22 February 2026 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
- Significance: A showcase of diverse Chinese heritage, offering a deeper cultural context beyond the main parade.
Restaurants and cafés for your year-end dining feasts
Fitzrovia is the preferred choice for professional team lunches. It offers world-class Asian cuisine without the overwhelming crowds of Chinatown, allowing for conversation and celebration in equal measure.
4. Michelin-starred traditions at Pied à Terre
If you want to escape the chaos of the festival for something truly refined, this is your sanctuary. While it serves French cuisine, the sense of occasion here is perfect for a celebratory “Year End” dinner. It feels like a private club where the service is wholehearted, and the atmosphere is hushed enough for serious conversation, making it ideal for a high-stakes client meal.
- Location: 34 Charlotte St, London W1T 2NH
- The Experience: London’s longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant offering an intimate, sophisticated setting for serious conversation.
- Signature Dish: Foie gras, duck breast, octopus, sea bass & kulfi.
- Price Range: Approx. £125+ per person for Tasting Menus (Lunch set menus available from £69).
5. 1950s Hong Kong glamour at Lucy Wong
Lucy Wong is a Fitzrovia’s chic late-night bar and Chinese restaurant inspired by 1950s Hong Kong aesthetics. This Lunar New Year, Lucy Wong offers a menu that features hand-folded dim sum and succulent roast meats to Cantonese-inspired small plates—perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues as you toast to the year ahead. Beyond the dishes, guests can always explore the cocktails with a 2-for-1 happy hour from 5–7pm, Monday to Friday.
- Location: 33-34 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JN
- The Experience: A chic, retro cocktail bar that feels like a cinematic set from 1950s Hong Kong.
- Signature Dish: Roast Meat Sharer (duck, char siu, and pork belly) paired with a Shanghai 75 cocktail.
- Price Range: Approx. £60 per person.
6. Authentic Sichuan flavours at 3 Gorges Restaurant
Since opening in mid-February 2025, 3 Gorges has become a sought-after destination for those looking to experience Chinese fine dining in London. With its refined Cantonese and Hubei cuisine, this new year’s menu features special dishes such as Eight Treasure Duck and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Reserve yourself a spot here for any new year’s occasion – a casual lunch, romantic dinner, or private celebration.
- Location: 36 Goodge St, W1T 2QN
- The Experience: A hidden gem offering fiery, authentic regional dishes in a relaxed setting.
- Signature Dish: Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans and their famous Double-Boiled Duck Soup.
- Price Range: Approx. £40 per person.
7. Modern Cantonese at Gouqi (Charing Cross)
Gouqi is a perfect example of cultural fusion, whereas Cantonese cuisine, such as grilled duck or teriyaki scallops are served under Western modern architecture. With this intriguing characteristic, Gouqi is a suitable place to celebrate Lunar New Year, immersing customers in the profound culinary delights from the East.
- Location: 25-34 Cockspur St, SW1Y 5BN
- The Experience: Elegant and refined fine dining led by Chef Tong Chee Hwee.
- Signature Dish: Legendary Peking Duck with Caviar carved tableside.
- Price Range: Approx. £100+ per person.
8. Canton Blue’s transformation to ‘Canton Red’
From 18 January to 8 February, the Canton Blue restaurant will turn itself into Canton Red in honour of the Year of the Snake. Inspired by the 19th-century Keying junk ship that connected East and West, the interiors here blend British and Asian influences. For the 2026 Lunar New Year, Canton Blue unveils a special à la carte selection and an exquisite six-course set menu which includes premium seafood dishes, dim sum and festive desserts.
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- Location: The Peninsula London – 8/F, The Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Pl, SW1X 7HJ
- The Experience: A stunning maritime-themed dining room that transforms with red lanterns for the festival.
- Signature Dish: Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger and the “Goldfish” Dumpling.
- Price Range: Approx. £148 set menu.
9. Taiwanese prosperity buns at Bao
BAO is one of London’s most beloved modern Taiwanese restaurants that has earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand for 9 years running. In honour of the Year of The Horse 2026, BAO is celebrating with a limited-edition set menu available 10th–26th February, which is at £35pp, minimum two people.
- Location: 53 Lexington St, Carnaby, W1F 9AS
- The Experience: Casual, cool, and fast-paced. Ideal for a quick but celebratory team lunch.
- Signature Dish: The limited-edition “Prosperity Bao” filled with slow-braised pork.
- Price Range: Approx. £30 per person.
Where to experience Lunar New Year activities in Central London?
You can integrate cultural traditions into your working week without taking a day off. These activities offer a touch of festive magic during your lunch hour or after work.
10. Calligraphy workshops at The National Gallery
This is a surprisingly calming way to spend a lunch break. Stepping out of the office chaos to focus on ink and paper feels almost meditative. It’s accessible even if you have zero artistic talent, and walking away with your own “Fu” character is a nice, tangible reminder of the new year.
- Location: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
- What to look for: Drop-in sessions where masters teach you to write “Fu” (Good Fortune) characters.
- Timing: Selected dates in February 2026.
- Cost: Free.
11. Luxury gifting at Liberty London
Liberty always nails the aesthetic, and the Lunar New Year displays are no exception. It’s a visual treat just to walk through. If you need a client gift that embodies London but honours the festival, their limited-edition sets are usually spot on—classy, beautifully packaged, and very well received.
- Location: Regent St, W1B 5AH
- What to look for: Exclusive “Year of the Horse” silk scarves and limited-edition beauty sets.
- Timing: Throughout February.
- Cost: Retail prices vary.
12. Techno lion dances at Trafalgar Square
This gives the traditional dance a cool, modern edge that revitalises the whole experience. The LED lights and electronic beats create an electric atmosphere in the evenings. It’s definitely worth swinging by after work if you want to see how London puts its own contemporary spin on the tradition.
- Location: Trafalgar Square North Terrace.
- What to look for: A modern twist on the classic dance featuring LED-lit lions performing to electronic beats.
- Timing: Evenings of the festival weekend.
- Cost: Free.
13. Year of the Horse displays at Regent Street
Walking down Regent Street when the lights are up genuinely lifts your spirits. The red and gold installations make the winter nights feel a bit warmer with Oriental influence. It’s the easiest way to soak up the festive vibe without planning anything – just take a slightly longer walk to the tube station.
- Location: Regent Street W1.
- What to look for: Stunning red and gold street installations that light up the shopping district.
- Timing: Daily until late February.
- Cost: Free.
14. Grand cultural festivities at Trafalgar Square
The vibe here is joyful chaos in the best possible way. It’s loud, colourful, and packed with community spirit. You’ll see everything from pop stars to acrobats, and while it’s busy, being part of that collective celebration feels pretty magical and exciting. Just aim to get there early if you actually want to see the stage.
- Location: Trafalgar Square.
- What to look for: The main festival stage hosting pop stars, acrobats, and community speeches.
- Timing: Sunday, 22 February 2026.
- Cost: Free.
Host your private “Year of the Horse” gathering at Gilmoora House
While the streets are vibrant, sometimes you need a private sanctuary to celebrate with your team. Gilmoora House offers the perfect balance of festive energy and professional focus.
Instead of fighting for a table in a crowded restaurant, you can host an exclusive celebration in our Mortimer room. Our service team provides a complete “turnkey” experience. They manage everything from the logistics to the catering. We partner with premium suppliers like Sands Catering to bring high-quality canapés directly to your meeting. Whether you are watching the lions dance from the window or hosting a team toast with baijiu, Gilmoora House puts you in the heart of the action without the stress.
Ready to grow your business in the heart of Central London? Contact our service team at enquiries@gilmoorahouse.com to book a tour of our Mortimer Street workspace.
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