Celebrate Chinese New Year

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Westquay 🐎

Westquay welcomes the Year of the Horse with two weekends of spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations, in partnership with the Chinese Association of Southampton, packed with performances, workshops, and family-friendly fun. Free for all to enjoy!

Event Dates & Times:

• Sunday 15th February 2026: 12pm - 4:00pm
• Saturday 28th February 2026: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

What to expect:

Experience the energy and tradition of Chinese culture with lion and dragon dances, martial arts displays, Chinese music and dance, and interactive workshops for all ages.

Event Highlights:

• 🦁 Dragon & Lion Dance - Vibrant, high-energy displays
• 🥋 Tai Chi & Kung Fu Demonstrations - Elegant martial arts performances
• 🎨 Hands-on Workshops - Fan painting, lantern making, calligraphy, clay moulding & more
• 🕺 Music & Dance - Traditional Chinese songs and dances, plus Indian dance performances
• ✨ Cultural Parade - Outdoor celebrations leading into indoor workshops

Family Fun Schedule Highlights:

Sunday 15th February 2026 - Auspicious Horse Welcomes the Spring

• 10:30-11:30 - Outdoor Dragon & Lion Dance at Guildhall Square
• 11:30-12:00 - Parade to Westquay
• 12:00-16:00 - Indoor performances & workshops including Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Chinese dances & music, and hands-on activities
  

Saturday 28th February 2026 - Lantern Festival: Fire Horse Festivities

• 13:00-13:50 - Outdoor Dragon & Lion Dance, Tai Chi & Kung Fu at Guildhall Square
• 13:50-14:00 - Parade to Westquay
• 14:00-16:00 - Indoor workshops: Fan painting, lantern making, Tai Chi & Kung Fu demonstrations

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Westquay with family, friends, and a full day of tradition, creativity, and festive fun!

Plan Your Visit

Make a day of it. From global flavours to quick bites, there’s plenty of places to eat and drink before or after the celebrations, whether you’re stopping for lunch or sitting down for dinner. Browse our dine options.

Take time to explore the shops too, with fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands from home and abroad all under one roof. Plan your visit, arrive hungry, and enjoy everything Westquay has to offer beyond the festivities. Explore our shops.

Book parking in advance or sign up before you arrive to make getting here easy. Find out more about parking at Westquay.