Chinese New Year 2026 in Paris: dates, parades and districts to explore
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events in Paris each year. With colourful parades, traditional performances and authentic cuisine, the capital comes alive with Chinese culture. To make the most of your winter stay in Paris and ensure you don’t miss any of the top things to do, check out our guide: What to do in Paris this winter?
When is Chinese New Year?
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on 17 February. The celebrations usually last several days, with events sometimes stretching over a week. During this period, the capital’s Chinese neighbourhoods are lit up with lanterns, traditional decorations and food stalls, offering a total immersion in Chinese culture.
What’s happening in Paris for Chinese New Year?
The parades
The Chinese New Year parades in Paris are the highlight of the festivities. With lion and dragon dances, decorated floats, traditional costumes and a celebratory atmosphere in the streets of the 13th arrondissement and the Champs-Élysées, these parades attract thousands of visitors. They offer a unique experience in the heart of the capital. The first parade will take place on Sunday 1 February at 2:30 pm on the Champs-Élysées, an excellent way to kick off the celebrations, followed by the grand parade in the 13th arrondissement on Sunday 1 March.
Cultural events and performances
In addition to the parades, numerous cultural events and performances are planned for Chinese New Year, offering visitors a chance to fully immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere. The Hippodrome de Paris-Vincennes will host a full programme of activities on Sunday 22 February 2026, including lion and dragon dances, children’s workshops, cultural displays and a food village. Other Parisian venues, such as the Cernuschi Museum, will also host workshops, exhibitions and performances celebrating Chinese traditions throughout the Lunar New Year period. Many of these events are free or budget-friendly, giving visitors a chance to fully immerse themselves in the Chinese New Year festivities in Paris, beyond the parades.
What to do in Chinatown?
Shop in Chinese boutiques and supermarkets
Paris’s Chinatown is the perfect place to shop and discover the richness of Chinese cuisine and products. Among the must-visit supermarkets is Tang Frères on Avenue de Choisy, famous for its extensive range of sauces, noodles, condiments and ingredients imported from all over Asia. Right next door, Paris Store also offers a wide variety of ingredients, drinks and utensils for preparing traditional Chinese dishes as well as specialities from other Asian countries.
Strolling through Chinatown
Exploring Chinatown on foot is an unmissable experience for anyone who wants to soak up the spirit of Paris’s Chinese community. In the 13th arrondissement, begin your stroll along Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d’Ivry, where red lanterns and Chinese New Year decorations light up the streets. Admire shop and restaurant fronts adorned with traditional motifs, marvel at signs in Mandarin and Cantonese, and breathe in the aromas of Chinese and Asian cuisine. In Belleville, narrow streets and small squares create a more intimate, friendly atmosphere, complete with fresh produce markets and artisan food shops.
Where to eat in Chinatown?
Must-visit Chinese restaurants
Paris’s Chinatown, located in the 13th arrondissement, is full of unmissable restaurants where you can experience the richness of Chinese cuisine. Among the most popular, Mer de Chine and New Hoa Khoan are renowned for their authenticity and the quality of their dishes. They serve iconic traditional recipes, from classic Chinese specialities to signature dishes such as Peking duck, all prepared with care to preserve their authentic flavours and culinary craftsmanship.
Street food
Enjoy authentic street food! New Hoa Khoan is the ideal place to enjoy noodles, dumplings and other Chinese specialities, either to take away or eat in – perfect for a tasty and traditional pit stop in Paris’s Chinatown. Nearby, Phở Tài serves quintessential Vietnamese dishes such as pho and bo bun, showcasing another side of Asian street food in the neighbourhood.
Top tips for eating out during the celebrations
Popular restaurants fill up quickly, so book ahead if you want a table. The busiest times are usually evenings and weekends. For a more relaxed experience, opt to eat in the morning or early afternoon.
Practical tips for visitors
Getting to Chinatown
Paris’s Chinatown is easily accessible by metro: Porte de Choisy, Tolbiac and Place d’Italie stations. You can also take a bus or cycle to explore the neighbourhood at your own pace.
Things to do nearby
Beyond the festivities, the neighbourhood is full of cafés, shops and cultural venues to explore. Temples, bookshops and galleries allow you to extend your cultural experience throughout the year.
Tips for taking photos
To capture the atmosphere of Chinese New Year, head out at quieter times, play with different angles to showcase the decorations and costumes, and don’t be afraid to photograph details like lanterns, ornaments and traditional objects.
Chinese New Year in Paris is an unmissable opportunity to discover Chinese culture, traditions, cuisine and celebratory performances. Whether you’re with family or friends, the parades, restaurants and Chinatown streets in Paris offer a full immersion in this exceptional celebration. To round off your stay, why not book a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Paris to discover all the sights the city has to offer!
Need some inspiration for exploring Paris?
Check out our article : what to do in Paris this winter: ideas and activities not to be missed and explore the capital through its cultural events, markets and must-see monuments.