EX26

Greenwich Peninsula all set to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026

A day of activities and vibrant performances is planned for February 21 including Lion Dances and Dragon Dances, crafts, street food and more

Two Dragon Dances will welcome in the Year Of The Horse as part of the celebrations - image by Kris Humphreys Photography
Two Dragon Dances will welcome in the Year Of The Horse as part of the celebrations – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

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Greenwich Peninsula is set to celebrate Lunar New Year this month with a Saturday of spectacular performances.

On February 21, 2026, visitors to Peninsula Square will be treated to dragon dances and lion dances to usher in the Year Of The Horse.

Also in place at Design District from noon-5pm will be The Eternal Market.

Curated by Eastern Margins, this will showcase east and south-east Asian food, arts and crafts featuring independent makers, artists and designers selling hand-crafted goods, prints, ceramics and more.

A selection of street food traders will also be serving up Asian dishes such as handmade dumplings, sizzling noodles, grilled skewers and sweet treats.

Laura Flanagan, director at Greenwich Peninsula, said: “Over the past three years, our Lunar New Year celebrations have become a well-established part of the peninsula’s programme and a regular fixture in London’s events calendar. 

“The celebrations offer an opportunity to bring our diverse audience together to enjoy live performances, food and creative experiences across the neighbourhood. 

“We have engaged many of our local businesses from Canteen Food Hall And Bar to our riverside art gallery Firepit and residents and visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy the whole peninsula during the festivities.”

Catch the Lion Dances on Greenwich Peninsula - image by Kris Humphreys Photography
Catch the Lion Dances on Greenwich Peninsula – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

don’t miss the dances

Lion Dances, combining movement, percussion and acrobatics will take place at 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the day.

Each lion embodies good fortune and protection, intended as “a vibrant symbol of strength, unity and celebration”.

Dragon Dances will take place at 3pm and 4pm.

These colourful performances feature rhythmic drumming and sweeping movements, symbolising “strength, prosperity and the promise of a bright year ahead”.

All dances last approximately 15 minutes and are suitable for all ages.

Visitors can expect DJ sets throughout the day at Canteen - image by Kris Humphreys Photography
Visitors can expect DJ sets throughout the day at Canteen – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

go deeper

In addition to the central performances, Loose.fm DJs will be playing tracks throughout the festivities at Canteen Terrace and Barton Yard in Design District, with a set of contemporary sounds and global rhythms promised to help mark the occasion. 

Firepit Art Gallery And Studio at Upper Riverside is also joining in, hosting The Splendours Of Henan exhibition. 

Free to view from February 17 until March 14, 2026, this special exhibition in honour of the Year Of The Horse features ancient craft techniques, textiles and contemporary works from China’s Henan province.

A number of Lunar New Year craft workshops are also set to take place during the celebrations with full details available online. Each activity costs £5.

Firepit Art Gallery And Studio will be hosting a special exhibition - image by Kris Humphreys Photography
Firepit Art Gallery And Studio will be hosting a special exhibition – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

need refreshment?

Greenwich Peninsula also boasts an extensive food trail, with plenty of Asian flavours available from businesses locally.

As well as the global offerings at Canteen, Kiki And MiuMiu Market offers Asian groceries, baked treats and bubble tea, while Eat Fan serves up a wide range of Chinese dishes.

key details: Lunar New Year 2026

Lunar New Year festivities are set to take place from noon-5pm at various locations on the Peninsula on February 21, 2026. 

All performances are free to attend and easily accessed from nearby North Greenwich station, the IFS Cloud Cable Car or Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ pier.

You can find full listings and more details here

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