Chinese New Year | Visit nottinghamshire

If you’re looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we've rounded up all the best things to do and places to celebrate in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Come join us from the 17th of February to the 3rd of March and celebrate in style

The Year of the Horse is almost here, and we can't wait to start celebrating. Nottingham is ready to welcome the Lunar New Year in style with a host of events and things to do in February. Keep on reading to discover our selection of things to do if you’re looking for a great start to the new year.

2026 is the year represented by the Horse – the 7th out of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac and calendar. The Horse is a symbol of vitality, speed, and perseverance. Chinese zodiac is widely spread across most parts of East Asian countries and has been a part of popular culture for centuries, appearing in films, animations, and books alike. 

People born in 1990, 2002, and 2014 are some of the dates which fall under this zodiac sign. Some famous names who share birthdays in the year of the Horse include Aretha Franklin, Emma Watson and Jimi Hendrix to name just a few.

Don't forget that while you’re out and about celebrating, you can share your adventures with us using #CNY26, #LoveNotts and #ChineseNewYear.


Get Creative 

Explore your creativity and take part in this incredible opportunity to learn the creative art of Chinese brush painting with the talented Li Qingyu. 

Come on down to Lakeside Arts on the 25th of February for a two-hour session of fun, creativity and art where the Artist will demonstrate traditional Chinese painting techniques and share insights into his creative process. Learn directly from a nationally recognised living master and deepen your understanding of Chinese brush painting.

Tickets: £20 (including materials) | Suitable for ages 16+

Chinese Arts and Crafts for Families

Need something that the whole family can get involved in and the kids will love, well look no further.  

Come on down to The Lakeside Arts performing studio on Sunday the 22nd of February and welcome the Year of the Horse with art that everyone can enjoy. It's a fabulous opportunity to try different Chinese crafts including paper cutting, calligraphy, wind chime making and so much more.

This event is free to attend and families are welcome to drop in at any time between 12 noon and 3pm.

Why not gallop into 2026 with even more creativity and let the little ones discover the art of traditional Chinese fan painting and create their own artwork, guided by artist Feng-Ru Lee. This event takes place on Sunday the 22nd of February with 45 minute sessions at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

Tickets: £5 (with a free adult ticket) | Suitable for ages 5+

Exhibition

Visit the extraordinary exhibition that showcases the exquisite scroll paintings of Li Qingyu, a nationally recognised first-class Chinese artist based in Ningbo and Director of the Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Association.

With over 60 years of experience, Li Qingyu is a master of his craft. While renowned for his elegant freehand paintings of Chinese ladies, this exhibition also features his powerful depictions of flowers and birds, demonstrating his remarkable versatility. His works have been exhibited and collected worldwide.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 20 January until Friday 27 February 2026.

Free admission

Shows

Join Lakeside Arts and welcome the Year of the Horse with a dazzling show that celebrates all things new year with their Nottingham Lunar New Year Gala. Weaving together a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary performances, from mesmerizing guzheng and erhu melodies to dynamic kung fu and an exhilarating lion dance. Embrace the spirit of success, adventure and prosperity – and begin the year with energy and hope.

The show is suitable for all so check out one of the two showings on Sunday 22nd February 2026 at either 4pm or 6pm and immersive yourself in a world of culture. 

Tickets: £10 (£8 if purchases before 10 February)


This blog was written by Georgina Richardson and updated in by Ananda Datema for Visit Nottinghamshire.

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Lakeside Arts
Arts Centre
Lakeside Arts

Nottingham Lakeside Arts is The University of Nottingham's unique public arts centre and museum presenting an eclectic programme of music, dance, theatre, visual art, special collections and family events all year round.

Chinese New Year: Fan Painting Workshop
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Chinese New Year: Fan Painting

Paint a traditional fan in this Chinese arts and crafts workshop to help celebrate the arrival of the Zodiac Year of the Dragon 2024.

Lunar New Year Gala 2026
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LUNAR NEW YEAR GALA 2026

Join us for a spectacular celebration of the Year of the Horse! Experience a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary performances, from mesmerizing guzheng and erhu melodies to dynamic kung fu and an exhilarating lion dance. Embrace the spirit of success, adventure and prosperity – and begin the year with energy and hope.

Masterclass In Traditional Chinese Painting With Li Qingyu
Workshop
Masterclass In Traditional Chinese Painting With Li Qingyu

Artist Li Qingyu will demonstrate traditional Chinese painting techniques and share insights into his creative process. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a nationally recognised living master and deepen your understanding of Chinese brush painting.

6 Comments

Comments

  1. answer
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  2. Gari
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  3. Ancuta
    What a disappointment . I came with my 5 year old autistic child to see the lights on Sunday at Trent building at 6 pm and was told that there are no more spaces available until 8 pm. We had to leave as my autistic child can not wait 2 hours outside for the 8 pm show. I thought since the show was outside we shodnt have had a problem buying tickets and seeing the lights . Worst was trying to explain my child that we can't go in to see the lights after travelling from Bulwell on public transport. We were very disappointed about it.
  4. Arnie
    Where can I book in advance, the, " Calligraphy, Chinese Knot-Making and Chinese Lantern-Making." For the 12th of Feb. My nephews and I would really enjoy this cultural activity.
  5. Emilyy
    Dragon dance or lion dance is a very interesting and fun event, I can see the Lunar New Year in Nottingham extremely fun, hope I will have the opportunity to celebrate Tet here once.
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