The Lunar New Year festivities, which includes a legendary dragon parade, are returning to Manchester this February. Taking place throughout Chinatown and across the city, Mancs will be able to bring in the Year of the Snake in style – with plenty of events and activities to take part in.
As always, this year’s celebrations – which have been organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM), in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District (BID) and Manchester City Council – will also see the return of Manchester’s famous traditional red lanterns all around town.
What Lunar New Year celebrations are taking place in Manchester?
The celebrations in Chinatown are free to attend and will take place on February 1 and 2, where Mancs can potter around the city and enjoy the thousands of red lanterns that are dotted in the trees. On February 2, you can witness the legendary Dragon Parade, watch live performances, visit stalls and be entertained at the funfair. Culminating the Lunar New Year events in Manchester on a high, visitors will find a live performance stage, Chinese arts and crafts workshops and a street food market from 10am – 8pm.
There will also be a night dragon parade in the Chinatown car park at 6.30pm and 7.30pm on the Saturday (January 1), whilst an illuminated dragon will feature through the streets of Chinatown as part of the celebration’s conclusion from 6.30pm on February 2.
When and where will the Dragon Parade take place?
Back for another year, a traditional Dragon Parade will take place on Sunday 2 February and will depart from 12pm. The famous 175ft dragon will make its way through the city’s streets towards Chinatown, accompanied by a parade featuring traditional Lion and Ribbon dances, Chinese Opera performers, twelve Zodiac animals and Ancient Army characters, as well as singers, violinists, choir performances and Chengdu acrobats.
In 2024, a new route was introduced, which saw performances beginning at 12pm at the Oxford Street and George Street junction, before the parade made its way to Chinatown via Portland Street, Princess Street and Faulkner Street, concluding in Chinatown.
Dragon Parade Performance and Parade Times
12pm – 12.30pm: Performances, Oxford Street
12.30pm- 1pm: Dragon Parade, Oxford Street to Chinatown
1pm: Dragon Parade, Arrives in Chinatown
1.10pm – 1.40pm: Performances, Faulkner Street Car Park, Chinatown
1.40pm: Dragon Leaves Chinatown
What other Lunar New Year celebrations are taking place in Manchester?
Manchester Museum
Other venues celebrating the Lunar New Year in the city include Manchester Museum which is hosting live performances and workshops on February 7 that will help you create your own decorations in time for the weekend’s Lunar New Year celebrations across Manchester. You’ll also have the chance to hang your wishes for the new year on our blossom tree in the Main Hall.
The evening will start from 6pm with a stunning Lion Dance, followed by music from Manchester-based Chinese music ensemble Oriental Breeze, and a host of fun workshops including bracelet-making, calligraphy and origami as well as Taichi taster sessions.
Lunar New Year Market
Hong Kong Cultural Community and co-organisers will be bringing back the Lunar New Year Market to Manchester for 2025. Featuring more than 110 diverse vendors, the market is set to double in scale, offering a mix of cultural festivities, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant performances.
The event will take place on February 1 and 2, 2025 at Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street. Visitors can expect live music performances such as Cantonese New Year songs, Hong Kong Cantopop, and English pop covers, performed with piano, guitar, and cello. There will also be magic acts inspired by Chinese traditions, Cantonese opera, dance performances featuring K-pop, hip-hop, and children’s dance groups, as well as belly dancing and the soothing melodies of the traditional Chinese guzheng instrument.