13 magical pictures as Liverpool celebrates Chinese New Year 2026 with dazzling decorations

Liverpool has had a truly magical makeover, in celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse.

The city centre streets are adorned with beautiful red lanterns in celebration of the Lunar New Year, with incredible decorations spotted across Liverpool ONE, the Royal Albert Dock and Chinatown.

The iconic Liverpool tourist sign has also had an upgrade, with ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ spotted on the side of the monument, and a new white, gold and red theme. Each of the letters features a different design, including Liverpool’s iconic Chinese arch and a red horse.

The city will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, with a host of activities and events expected to take place across the city centre.

Liverpool’s Chinatown – home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe – will once again play a major role in the celebrations, with the main celebrations taking place between 11.00am and 5.00pm on the Sunday - including the incredible dragon, lion and unicorn parade. Saturday will also offer a smaller, quieter programme of events.

Leading up to the main celebrations, the Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association, Pagoda Arts, and award-winning dance company Movema, hosted a spectacular parade through the city centre on Saturday (February 14), joined by members of the Chinese community to showcase traditional costumes and performances.

Two breathtaking lantern centrepieces have also been installed at the Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE - a majestic horse and a pair of formidable dragons.

Symbolising strength, prosperity and renewal, these illuminated giants have been created by The Pyro Studio and Event Design Company Ltd, the acclaimed team behind major Lunar lantern festivals across the UK.

Each sculpture has been meticulously handcrafted in Zigong, China – the global capital of traditional lantern-making – by master artisans and engineers at SC Genial Tech. Blending centuries‑old craft with cutting‑edge innovation, the team has produced an unforgettable, immersive experience designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Take a look at Liverpool’s Chinese New Year makeover below.