Chinese New Year in Bristol and Bath: Family-Friendly Events & Things to Do
Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival) is one of the most colourful and exciting celebrations of the year. It’s a brilliant opportunity to explore something new as a family and learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Bristol and Bath offer plenty of family-friendly events, from colourful lion dances to crafts, performances and cultural experiences.
If you’re wondering where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bristol and Bath with kids, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Chinese New Year?
The traditional Chinese calendar follows the moon and the New Year begins with the first new moon of this calendar. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture.
Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. It’s traditionally a time for families to come together, welcome good luck and celebrate fresh beginnings.
Each year is linked to one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and 2026 is the Year of the Horse. The Horse is associated with energy, confidence, freedom and adventure, which feels very fitting for a family day out!
Chinese New Year celebrations are known for their bright colours, music and movement, with traditions such as:
Lion and dragon dances to bring good luck
Red decorations and lanterns symbolising happiness and prosperity
Fireworks, drumming and lively performances
Special foods shared with family and friends
For children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about another culture in a fun, visual and hands-on way. Whether that’s watching a lion dance, taking part in a craft activity, or spotting zodiac animals in a museum trail.
Chinese New Year in Bristol
Bristol is one of the best places in the South West to experience Chinese New Year, with a mix of free museum events, performances and lively community celebrations.
Lunar New Year at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
This is one of the most popular family Chinese New Year events in Bristol, and it’s completely free.
When: Saturday 28th February 2026
Expect:
Traditional lion dance performances
Martial arts displays
Music and cultural performances
Hands-on craft activities for children
Family trails and themed activities inside the museum
- a Chinese-inspired menu.
It’s a brilliant option if you’re visiting with primary-age children, and easy to combine with exploring the rest of the museum or exploring around the harbour.
Top tip: Arrive early, as performances can get busy.
Wai Yee Hong Lunar New Year Festival (Eastville, Bristol)
Where: Eastgate Road, Eastville, BS5 6XX
When: Saturday 21st February 2026
If you’re after big energy and a real festival atmosphere, the Wai Yee Hong Chinese New Year celebrations are a must.
This outdoor event usually includes:
Spectacular lion and dragon dances
Live music and drumming
Asian street food and market stalls
A buzzing, celebratory atmosphere
- Kung Fu demonstrations
It’s the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in the South West and great for older children who enjoy noise, colour and excitement.
Performances: At 11 am and 1:30 pm.
FREE to attend, donations welcome for The Grand Appeal
Chinese New Year Extravaganza at the Redgrave Theatre
Where: Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, BS8 3LE
When: Saturday 31st January 2026, at 2pm
Families looking for a colourful and exciting way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bristol may love the Chinese New Year Extravaganza at the Redgrave Theatre. This touring production brings one of the biggest dates in the Chinese calendar to life on stage with a high-energy show packed full of colour, culture and wow-factor moments.
Expect traditional lion dances, impressive acrobatics, and a mix of dazzling new performances alongside well-loved audience favourites. There’s also a fun, family-friendly element thanks to the cheeky pandas, who are guaranteed to raise a few smiles and laughs along the way.
Designed to appeal to all ages, this vibrant celebration of Chinese culture is a great option for families, friends or anyone looking to experience something a little different during Chinese New Year.
Ticket prices: Adults: £23.80; Children & concessions: £21.80; Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £74
This is a lovely way to experience Chinese New Year in Bristol if you’re looking for something festive but a little more relaxed than a busy outdoor event.
Enjoying Bristol for Chinese New Year? Don’t miss our complete family guide to Bristol attractions — from museums to outdoor adventures: Things to do in Bristol with kids: 35 Family Attractions and Days Out.
Chinese New Year in Bath
Bath’s Chinese New Year celebrations tend to be smaller and a more relaxed affair, and they’re perfect for families looking for a calmer experience.
Lunar New Year at The Holburne Museum
Where: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB
When: Saturday 14th February 2026, 11.00am – 3.00pm.
Admission: FREE
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a Lunar New Year celebration from the Museum of East Asian Art at the Holburne Museum. Join the fun with family-friendly activities. including:
Lion dance performances
Craft sessions inspired by the Lunar New Year
Creative workshops for children
This is a lovely choice for younger children or families who prefer a quieter cultural day out. You can also combine it with a walk around Sydney Gardens if the weather’s kind.
READ MORE: Things To Do In Bath With Kids
Lunar New Year Planetarium Show, Bath
Where: Bath Central Library
When: Tuesday 17 February 2026, multiple sessions 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Take a trip into space this Lunar New Year with a family-friendly planetarium show at Bath Central Library. Explore the legends and traditions of the festival, discover stars and planets in tonight’s sky, and enjoy hands-on craft activities to make your own Lunar New Year decoration.
Duration: ~40 minutes per show (allow ~1 hour for crafts)
Ages: 5+
Entry: Free (booking essential)
Organised by the Museum of East Asian Art and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, this event is perfect for curious kids who love a mix of culture, science, and creativity.
Events at Museum of East Asian Art, Bath
Where: Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, BA1 2QJ
If you want to explore Chinese culture beyond a single event, the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath is a fantastic place to visit around Chinese New Year.
It’s the only museum in the UK dedicated entirely to East and Southeast Asian art, and it often runs trails, talks or family activities linked to festivals and traditions.
Lantern Festival at the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath
Where: Museum of East Asian Art, Bath
When: Saturday 28 February 2026, 12:00–3:00 pm
Admission: Free with museum entry (children free with an accompanying adult)
Booking: Not required
Celebrate the end of Lunar New Year at the Museum of East Asian Art with a fun, family-friendly lantern-making activity.
Learn about this 2,000-year-old festival, discover the meaning behind traditional lanterns, and create your own to take home. All materials are provided, and younger children will need a little help from an adult.
Lunar New Year 2026 in Bath: Lion Dance, Culture & Community
Where: Percy Community Centre, New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BN
When: Saturday 21 February 2026, 11am–3.30pm (doors open 11am, Lion Dance at 12 noon)
Join Bath’s Hong Kong community and local residents to welcome the Year of the Horse. Bath will be marking Chinese New Year with a warm, welcoming community celebration at Percy Community Centre, organised by the Hong Kong BN(O) Volunteer Team (Bath).
This family-friendly event is all about coming together to celebrate Lunar New Year with plenty to see and do. Expect:
- a traditional lion dance performance (Bristol team)
- cultural activities
- hands-on sessions for children.
The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for families with children of all ages, with authentic refreshments available too.
Ticket prices: Adults: £5; Students: £3; Under 12s: Free; Over 65s: Free
Any surplus funds raised will be donated to support those affected by the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong.
Tips for Visiting Chinese New Year Events with Kids
Check dates and times before you go — events often run on specific days around late January and February
Arrive early for lion dances, especially at free events
Wrap up warm for outdoor festivals like Wai Yee Hong
Looking for more family days out across Somerset and beyond?
Have a browse through our other ideas here on Somerset Family Adventures or, join our Facebook group for more inspiration.
More 'Somerset Days Out' Guides
Before you go, check out these blog posts:
The Best Days Out and Unmissable Things To Do in Somerset
Top Ten Day Trips From Bristol
A Guide To Visiting Cheddar Gorge
Visit Glastonbury: Top Ten Things To See And Do
The Best Things To See and Do in Dunster
50+ Free Things To Do In Somerset: Budget Friendly Adventures
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes or closures. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
