Camden Market Welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Full-Day Chinese New Year Festival

Camden Market will mark Chinese New Year 2026 with a vibrant, family-friendly celebration on Saturday 21 February, transforming the iconic London destination into a festival of music, movement, food and culture in honour of the Year of the Horse.

Running from 12.30pm to 6pm across Market Place and Hawley Wharf (NW1 8QH), the free-to-attend event brings together traditional performance, interactive workshops and global street food in a programme designed to celebrate Chinese heritage in the heart of the capital.

At the centre of the festivities, Camden’s live stage will host a dynamic performance schedule featuring traditional Chinese instrumentalists, folk singing, the dramatic art of Face Changing, and excerpts inspired by Beijing Opera. Throughout the day, fashion showcases and costumed parades will weave through the market, building towards spectacular Lion Dance and Dragon Dance performances set to energise the crowds.

Families are invited to take part in a series of complimentary creative workshops, including fan painting, calligraphy, lantern decorating and the making of traditional Chinese fragrant pouches. Younger visitors can also enjoy face painting, while toy pandas and horses will be gifted throughout the day.

A specially designed Chinese living room installation, complete with a giant panda, offers visitors the chance to capture memorable photographs and share the celebrations across social media. Across the market’s outdoor arenas and Waterside food halls, traders will serve Chinese teas, steamed buns and a range of hot dishes, alongside Camden Market’s renowned global food offering.

More than 20 artisan traders and creatives will also showcase handcrafted products and cultural goods, adding to the festival atmosphere and offering visitors the opportunity to take home a piece of the celebration.

The Chinese New Year Festival at Camden Market is free to attend, with walk-ins welcome. Visitors can also reserve a place via Eventbrite.

For further information, contact the Camden Market events team at Events@camdenmarket.com.