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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 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 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:

• The Grand Parade (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Watch vibrant floats and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. The route typically starts at the north of Trafalgar Square and winds through Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.
• Trafalgar Square Main Stage (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving ceremony, followed by martial arts displays, Chinese pop music, and breathtaking acrobatics.
• Chinatown Food & Culture: Explore the heart of the action on Gerrard Street. Indulge in "longevity noodles" for long life or "dumplings" for wealth at the many authentic Chinatown restaurants.
• Family Zone in Leicester Square: Perfect for those traveling with little ones, featuring calligraphy workshops, paper-cutting, and family-friendly performances.

Why Choose Mercure London Paddington 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 and noise.

Mercure London Paddington Hotel offers the perfect strategic alternative. Located just steps from Paddington Station, we provide a tranquil, upscale retreat that keeps you remarkably close to the action without the "festival fatigue."

Stay Near the Action, Stress-Free

• Fast Connections: Forget long walks in the cold. Take the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Tottenham Court Road, and you’ll be at the gates of Chinatown in just 5 minutes.
• Cheaper Travel: The Bakerloo Line also connects Paddington to Piccadilly Circus in about 11 minutes, landing you right at the start of the parade route.
• Comfort & Space: Unlike many cramped Chinatown hotels, our rooms offer the modern amenities and space you need to recharge after a day of festivities.
• Travel Tip: Central London gets incredibly busy on Parade Sunday. Staying at Mercure London Paddington allows you to drop your bags and use the Underground to bypass road closures that often 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 early.

Mercure London Paddington Hotel offers a blend of four-star comfort and unparalleled transport links, making us one of the top-rated places to stay near Chinatown London for savvy travelers.