Four Lunar New Year 2026 Events: Lewisham, Greenwich, Woolwich Works

Key Points

• Families across south east London can celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 with fairs, performances, and hands-on activities throughout February.
• Lunar New Year falls on February 17, 2026, marking the Year of the Horse, which champions passion and energy.
• Events feature lion and dragon dances, food markets, cultural showcases, and creative workshops in Lewisham and Greenwich.
• Lewisham hosts a free Lunar New Year Fair at Zhulin Hidden Village with lion and dragon dance parades, cultural stage performances including traditional dance, kung fu, and choir performances, plus an arts and crafts zone for calligraphy, paper cutting, face painting, and lantern making.
• London Lunar New Year Fair at Woolwich Works occurs on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, from 12pm to 6pm at 11 No. 1 Street, London SE18 6HD.
• Tickets for Woolwich Works event cost £1.50 in advance or £3 on the door, with children under 12 entering free.
• Woolwich Works event includes over 100 stalls selling East Asian street food, dumplings, sweets, teas, handcrafted gifts, and artisan products.
• The guide covers Lunar New Year events specifically in south east London boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich for February 2026.

Lewisham and Greenwich (South London News) February 8, 2026 – Families across south east London will enjoy a vibrant array of Lunar New Year celebrations this month, featuring fairs, performances, and hands-on activities to mark the Year of the Horse on February 17. Taking place throughout February in the boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich, these events promise lion and dragon dances, food markets, cultural showcases, and creative workshops for all ages. Organisers have highlighted the festive spirit as a chance for communities to embrace passion and energy associated with the Year of the Horse.

What Is Lunar New Year 2026 and Why the Year of the Horse?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, heralds the arrival of spring and renewal in the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2026, it officially begins on February 17, celebrating the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign symbolising passion, energy, and independence. According to traditional beliefs, those born in the Year of the Horse are often adventurous and spirited, traits reflected in the lively events planned.

The provided news details emphasise how these celebrations bring East Asian culture to south east London, fostering community ties amid the winter chill. No specific journalist attribution appears in the core announcement, but it aligns with local guides compiling events for public enjoyment.

Where Is the Free Lunar New Year Fair in Lewisham?

Lewisham will host a free Lunar New Year Fair at Zhulin Hidden Village, offering a full day of cultural immersion. The event features a spectacular lion and dragon dance parade, a highlight that draws crowds with its rhythmic drumming and acrobatic displays. Cultural stage performances include traditional dance, kung fu demonstrations, and choir renditions, showcasing authentic talents.

Families can engage in an arts and crafts zone tailored for hands-on fun, with activities such as calligraphy, paper cutting, face painting, and lantern making. These workshops allow participants to create souvenirs while learning about Lunar New Year customs. The fair embodies the inclusive spirit of the celebrations, open to all without entry fees.

When and Where Is the London Lunar New Year Fair at Woolwich Works?

The London Lunar New Year Fair at Woolwich Works stands as one of the largest celebrations in south east London, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, from 12pm to 6pm. Held at Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory), 11 No. 1 Street, London SE18 6HD, it promises a bustling weekend atmosphere in Greenwich.

Tickets are priced at £1.50 in advance or £3 on the door, with children under 12 admitted free, making it accessible for families. This event expands on the fair format with extensive market stalls, distinguishing it from smaller gatherings.

What Can Visitors Expect at Woolwich Works?

Over 100 stalls will fill the venue, offering East Asian street food, dumplings, sweets, and teas to tantalise taste buds. Shoppers can browse handcrafted gifts and artisan products, from intricate jewellery to bespoke crafts reflecting Lunar New Year themes. The scale underscores Woolwich Works’ role as a cultural hub, drawing visitors from across south east London.

The news guide positions this as a must-visit for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Performances and activities complement the markets, though specifics beyond stalls are inferred from the broader festival context.

Are There More Events in Lewisham and Greenwich?

The announcement details four Lunar New Year 2026 events in Lewisham and Greenwich, though specifics for two beyond the named fairs remain outlined in the guide format. Lewisham’s free fair at Zhulin Hidden Village and Woolwich Works lead the lineup, with additional happenings promised throughout February. Communities can anticipate a mix of parades, workshops, and markets celebrating the Year of the Horse.

No further details on the other two events emerge from the provided source, but the emphasis on “a number of events” suggests ongoing local programming. Residents are encouraged to check borough websites for updates.

How Do These Events Promote Cultural Exchange?

Lion and dragon dances, staple features, symbolise good fortune and ward off evil spirits, parading through venues with vibrant energy. Food markets at Woolwich Works highlight culinary diversity, from steaming dumplings to sweet treats, bridging cultures in multicultural south east London. Creative workshops at Zhulin Hidden Village encourage participation, teaching skills like calligraphy that honour traditions.

These activities foster inclusivity, allowing families to engage directly with East Asian heritage. Organisers aim to champion passion and energy, mirroring the Horse zodiac’s traits.

What Makes the Year of the Horse Special?

The Year of the Horse in 2026 inspires enthusiasm and vitality, influencing event themes across Lewisham and Greenwich. Families will find resonance in performances that embody these qualities, from dynamic kung fu to choral harmonies. The timing in mid-February aligns with half-term breaks, maximising attendance.

Traditional elements like lantern making evoke wishes for prosperity, tying personal celebrations to communal joy. No direct quotes from organisers appear, but the event descriptions convey festive intent.

Why Visit South East London for Lunar New Year?

South east London’s boroughs offer convenient access via public transport, with Woolwich Works near Docklands Light Railway and Lewisham connected by Overground lines. Free entry at Zhulin Hidden Village lowers barriers, while affordable Woolwich tickets ensure broad appeal. The events transform local spaces into vibrant hubs, enriching winter calendars.

As reported in the local news guide, these gatherings provide a welcome burst of colour and activity post-winter holidays. Communities benefit from strengthened ties through shared cultural experiences.

Event Details Breakdown

For clarity, here are the key logistics:

• Lewisham Lunar New Year Fair at Zhulin Hidden Village: Free entry; lion/dragon parades, stage shows (dance, kung fu, choir), crafts (calligraphy, paper cutting, face painting, lanterns).
• London Lunar New Year Fair at Woolwich Works: February 7-8, 12pm-6pm; £1.50 advance/£3 door (under 12s free); 100+ stalls (street food, dumplings, sweets, teas, gifts).

These cover the announced highlights, with more implied in the “four events” title.

Safety and Practical Tips for Attendees

Events prioritise family-friendly environments, with crafts suitable for children and performances for all ages. Expect crowds at Woolwich Works, so advance ticketing is advised. Weather-appropriate clothing suits February outings, and venues offer indoor options.

Local authorities typically ensure safety with stewards and first aid. Check transport apps for real-time updates.

Broader Impact on South East London Communities

These celebrations boost local economies through markets and draw diverse crowds, promoting harmony in Lewisham and Greenwich. They preserve cultural legacies while inviting newcomers, aligning with London’s cosmopolitan ethos. The focus on hands-on activities educates youth about global traditions.