HAPPENING 17 FEB–3 MAR '26 | Rotterdam welcomes Chinese New Year with colour, noise, and a brilliant mix of tradition and street level energy. Expect lion and dragon dances, workshops, food, and performances across the city centre, with big moments around West Kruiskade and Katendrecht.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It begins on the day of the new moon that falls between 21 January and 20 February.
In 2026, Chinese New Year begins on Tuesday 17 February, and the 15-day festival period runs through to the Lantern Festival on 3 March.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s official citywide celebration is Rotterdam Chinese New Year (RCNY). You will see the festival show up in several places, but the heart of it beats loudest in two areas.
West Kruiskade is Rotterdam’s Chinatown, packed with Asian supermarkets, restaurants, and bakeries. It is where the street celebration pulls in crowds, cameras, and that contagious feeling that the city is throwing a party.
Katendrecht has older ties to Rotterdam’s Chinese community, and today it becomes a second stage for the festival, especially around Deliplein.
Chinese New Year in Rotterdam 📷 https://rcny.nl
Key dates to put in your diary
Tuesday 17 February 2026
Chinese New Year begins, with RCNY activities starting across the city.
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam runs a Chinese New Year weekend special with creative workshops and activities. You pay museum entry, then you can usually join activities if there is space.
Saturday 28 February 2026
Street celebration and family activities linked to RCNY on and around West Kruiskade, including a special programme in a tram.
For visitors to the event, there is plenty to do and Chinese culture to be experienced in Wijkpark Oude Westen. You can have your name translated and written in traditional Chinese calligraphy (and take it home with you). You can also get something tasty at the various food stands. Moreover, there are culinary tours, there's dancing, kids can get their faces painted and to top it all off, the celebration ends with a professional fireworks display. For more information, visit the official Rotterdam Chinese New Year website.
Directions to Wijkpark Oude Westen:
Sunday 1 March 2026
Family activities linked to RCNY at Deliplein in Katendrecht.
Evening pick: Lunar New Year with Pete Wu at Studio de Bakkerij
If you want a Chinese New Year night out that is not just street crowds and camera moments, head south after West Kruiskade. On Saturday 28 February 2026, Studio de Bakkerij hosts Lunar New Year with Pete Wu, a programme made in collaboration with Rotterdam Chinese New Year (RCNY).
Expect an evening built around stories and live elements rather than a parade format. It is billed as a mix of live performances and conversation, led by Pete Wu, the journalist and writer, and designed to open up themes that sit under the surface of celebration. Doors open you to a different side of Lunar New Year in Rotterdam, with culture you can listen to, not only watch.
Tickets are listed from €7.50. We expect this event to be in Dutch.
2026 is the Year of the Horse
Each year is linked to an animal from the Chinese zodiac. In 2026, it is the Year of the Horse, often described as the Fire Horse year. That theme shows up in Rotterdam through art, workshops, and hands on activities, including horse inspired crafts in the city programme.
What can you expect on the day?
Chinese New Year in Rotterdam is designed to be watched, tasted, and joined. Depending on where you go, you can catch traditional performances, lion and dragon dances, and a mix of workshops and demonstrations.
If you are heading to West Kruiskade or Katendrecht, arrive early if you want a good view. The best moments draw a crowd, and the atmosphere is half the point, you are not just watching a show, you are standing inside it.
Practical tips
Wear layers. If you are outside for the street programme, you will be glad you did.
Go by public transport. The centre gets busy quickly on the big weekend dates.
Check the official programme before you set off. RCNY events can shift times and locations, and partner venues often add their own extras.
